A matter of pride

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In the army, I was the "Eyetye" and long is the list of jokes about tank reverse gears and attack flags of a white cross on a white background. You get used to that, just as you get used to the advantages of actually being Italian. How many of my mates, my acquaintances wish they are Italian, want to be Italian or even think they are?

My architect, two of my PR buddies and a whole lot of people I know are like that. Don't know many folk who are not that wish they were English, German, Greek or Russian? See there is a thing about Italy and Italians, a thing of style, passion and life ? good food, a wonderful country and a fantastic people and I have always been proud of that.

After all, it was the Romans who civilized the world; Michelangelo, Da Vinci and Galileo who shaped the future; and Gucci, Pininfarina and most of Milan who keep it that way. Never mind Ferrari and Ducati's domination of motorsport, that Italy is once again the champion of world soccer and so, so much more that just makes Italy ? and being Italian ? so very special.

And in the recent past, some of Italy's forgotten brands have also been on the up-and-up again ? past world leaders the likes of Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Maserati that slipped from halcyon heights are either right back on top or oh-so-close to achieving that. And after two days on the incredible Arabian Peninsula with Maserati's latest, I can confirm that it too, is now right back on top of the pile.

Are you in the market for a BMW six, a Jag XKR or a CL Merc? Don't be too quick to make your choice just yet. No, rather wait until you have had a chance to check out the new Maserati GranTurismo. Clearly if you're looking at that neck of the woods, style, speed and chic are high on your agenda ? and believe you me, in all of those respects, this Italian has it taped.

Introduced at the 2007 Geneva Salon and in the process of being launched locally, I had the privilege to debut drive GranTurismo around glorious Muscat in Oman. And if ever a car took my breath away at first sight, GranTurismo is it.

Italian for GrandTouring (just like Michele is Italian for Michael) this car is built just for that ? a thoroughbred grand tourer masterfully penned by Pininfarina, it is beautifully proportioned and elegant, yet so discreetly stylish. But GranTurismo spreads far further than just being a stunning looking machine ? it's built to deliver an easy and totally satisfying everyday drive, excellent handling, a discerningly sporting feel and a thrilling experience.

GranTurismo also pays intimate attention to the minutest detail of comfort, finish and excellence and offers a large cabin that will happily and luxuriously cosset four adult occupants more spaciously than any of its obvious segment rivals can.

Powered by Maserati's 300kW 460Nm quad-cam 32-valve 4.2-litre V8 that spins happily to 7400rpm, GranTurismo is as quick as the quickest and faster than all of its rivals ? a 5.2-second 0-100km/h dash and a top speed of 285km/h put it right into the top drawer of GT car performance, albeit that the Maserati is primarily built to be a comfortable, chic and stylish ride.

GranTurismo's six-speed automatic gearbox with self-adjusting controls adapts gear changes to the driving style and conditions. Its independent double-wishbone "sky hook" suspension, an ideal 49/51 percent front-rear weight distribution, and a low centre of mass ensure ultimate steering response and feel, turn-in and handling ? but also superior ride and a sublime feel. Fully speed-responsive multi-airbag safety, four-pot front calipers on 300mm drilled and vented disc brakes with ABS and al the rest and dynamic stability and traction control are all in place.

In typical Maserati style, GranTurismo goes far further than just producing the goods on the road ? a Maserati should be ordered to your own discerning specification straight from its Modena factory. So a visit to its Cape Town or Edenvale dealerships will not only open you up to the wonderful world of Maserati, but you'll also be able to order your GranTurismo to your very own tastes and needs. Maserati's possibilities for customization are endless, with a wide selection of materials and finishes on offer ? from Poltrona Frau leather to various types of wood and colour trims, among the many schemes and accessories available.

And in typically Italian style again, GranTurismo offers a Maserati pedigree few other modern carmakers can come near. The Maserati brand itself is 94 years old and steeped in glorious motorsport and brand history, but the GranTurismo tradition began at the 1947 Geneva Motor Show with the Pininfarina-penned A6 Gran Turismo. It was the first Maserati road car ? albeit a race-bred thoroughbred ? of which 58 units were produced.

Ten years later Maserati unveiled its next, more road-able Gran Turismo ? once again Pininfarina styled and the machine that turned Maserati into a road car manufacturer.

Earlier this year ? a half-century on from those first tentative Gran Turismo steps in 1957, Maserati introduced the new GranTurismo, once again penned by Pininfarina, at Geneva. The car stunned me there just by its sensational style. Now I've driven it and I am delighted to report that the new Maserati GranTurismo is every bit as impressive to drive as it is beautiful to behold.

And of course, GranTurismo now confirms for sure that Maserati can once again boast being a car of true Italian style, passion and pedigree. And I am delighted ? and proud to add it to that incredible list of things Italian that make so many people want to be what I am. Forza Italia!