Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S

With its unique headlamps, new look badges and ultra luxury interior, this is the car Maserati says will finally break BMW and Mercedes grip on the supersaloon class.

These are the first pictures of the new Quattroporte Sport GT S, a BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG rival which will be unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show this week.Offering a staggering 432bhp from its 4.7-litre V8 engine, the model also gets a quick shift gearbox, and revised suspension.

The car’s ride height has also been lowered, and there a new sports exhaust has been fitted that features a special set of valves that varies the system’s volume and pitch.

To help drivers immediately identify the newcomer, changes have also been made to the front grille – which is now the same design as that fitted to the recently launched Gran Turismo.

Door handles get a colour coded finish, while inside, driver and passengers are offered leather and alcantara trimmed bucket seats, plus composite detailing on the doors and dash.

Prices for the newcomer will be announced in the New Year.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage

The V8 engine and fabulous design make the Vantage a sure-fire hit.

Driving
The Aston boasts a 4.3-litre V8 that, although it doesn’t boast class-leading power (380bhp) or pace (0-60 in 4.9 seconds), sounds absolutely fantastic. Above 4,000rpm, the exhaust rasps, barks and crackles, and the engine thrives on revs. There’s a choice of manual or Speedshift semi-automatic gearboxes; we prefer the latter, with its column-mounted paddles, though it does cost £3,000 more. To drive, the Vantage is incredibly entertaining. Over smooth surfaces, it sweeps around corners effortlessly, with the steering providing detailed feedback and the chassis proving superbly balanced – although if you push it right to the limit, the car will understeer. It’s not quite as taut as the best either, and the damping isn’t as well controlled. It gets unnervingly bouncy on bumpy roads – but it’s an involving driver’s car nevertheless.

Marketplace
The Vantage is offered in Coupe or Roadster guise, and both are beautiful. Indeed, the Roadster loses none of the hard-top’s beauty, and it’s hard to think of a better-looking convertible. What’s more, the detailing on both is superb. So it should be, given the high list prices. Aston offers several optional packs to boost handling and interior comfort, as well as an extensive array of exclusive options, while there have also been special edition models such as the bright orange N400. Rivals include high-end Porsche 911s, the Jaguar XKR, Maserati GranTurismo and Mercedes SL.

Owning
Simply opening the door is an experience to savour – it swings out and up on gas struts, revealing expensive materials, gorgeous lighting and an excellent seating position. The jewel-like instruments and crystal starter button add to the sense of occasion; yes, there are some Ford and Volvo parts on display, but they don’t detract from the air of sophistication. The Vantage is a strict two-seater, but the hatchback rear end ensures it’s almost as practical as more mainstream models. Compact dimensions and light weight mean economy comes surprisingly close to the 18.7mpg official average, which should offset the £800 service costs every 10,000 miles. Retained values appear to be excellent too – this is a much in-demand car.Source

• Rating:
• On the road price: £82,800 - £91,000
• For : Magnificent engine, fantastic styling, jewel-like cabin
• Against : Firm suspension over bumps, very expensive

Maserati GranTurismo

The GranTurismo is a car you can buy with your head as well as your heart.

Driving
The Maserati’s 4.2-litre V8 engine, built by Ferrari, is a cracker. Eager, hungry for revs and tuneful, it’s magic when used hard. There’s always a bit of delicious background engine and exhaust noise. It’s fast, too, despite the hefty 1,800kg kerbweight – 0-100mph takes a mere 11.9 seconds! However, it’s more frustrating in daily use, because of a marked lack of mid-range pull, while the automatic gearbox’s reluctance to give you full control is frustrating. It is, however, a capable driver’s car. It’s not as polished as, say, a Jaguar XKR, but we think its flaws add character. The dampers feel fidgety and it can lose composure on bumpy roads – but, once you’ve got used to the sharp, light steering and alert chassis, it’s huge fun, with lots of feedback.

Marketplace
Maserati is one of the most glamorous and evocative automotive brands of all time – and the GranTurismo is more stylish than any German rival. It has exuberance, flair and a real sense of drama and passion. It’s a huge car, mind, with a long wheelbase, though there are some advantages to this. There’s just the single engine, gearbox and trim line at the moment, with a very extensive (and expensive) range of bespoke options available. Rivals to the two-door coupe include the Jaguar XKR, Aston Martin V8 Vantage, BMW M6, Mercedes SL and, of course, the Porsche 911.

Owning
The Maserati may have a small boot, but inside, there’s a real surprise. The long wheelbase provides enough space for a pair of rear seats as roomy as a family hatchback! They even have ISOFIX mountings for child seats. But it’s up front where the real excitement lies. The rich, tactile materials, shapely steering wheel and chrome-ringed buttons look superb. And while ergonomics are not perfect, they’re leagues ahead of Maseraris of old. Shame the unintuitive sat nav is lifted straight from a Peugeot, though. There is also a little more wind and road noise than you’d expect. And as for running costs, prepare for a shock. There are only 16 dealers in the UK, and three visits will cost you £3,999! The 25,000-mile service alone will cost £1,757. Luckily, tall gearing means everyday economy won’t be disastrous, while exceptional retained values should mean you won’t lose out when you come to sell.Source

• Rating:
• On the road price: £78,500
• For : Sculpted looks, comfort, design and quality, simply special
• Against : Niggling faults, gearbox is a major weakness, servicing costs