On the track, make no mistake; this car is glorious. No, it certainly is not BMW easy or comfortable out there ? S has its own wants and needs when driven fast and it took a little time to figure out the best way to drive it.

But it turns in the lap times, is indecently quick in a straight line and turns, follows through and alights from the bends brilliantly. The rear end comes alive quite suddenly but it?s totally predictable when it does and while its steering seems perhaps a little active at first, you quickly get used to it.

A downside on the track was Granturismo S? brakes ? I had trouble stopping it from the outset and it got worse as the session continued. The pedal feels strange and seems to have two actions in the one thrust as the ABS becomes active midway through. The car did not stop nicely and looking at the brake spec, I somehow believe it was a problem with this unit rather than a weakness in this variant.

Another area where it can improve is in lateral seat support ? I was too busy worrying about keeping myself where I was in the car versus what I have come to expect from the way a certain Bavarian manufacturer works on keeping the driver happy, whatever the lateral loads?

The Maserati Granturismo S is however a truly brilliant package. Like most Italian cars, it has one or two foibles, but overall, it?s honest enough to be taken really seriously at face value in any situation. A bit of an Italian ruffian, Granturismo S may be, its only true failing is its price.

Look past that though and you have a sensational, seductive and splendid sportscar that is most likely the only one any of your friends and family will ever see. And if its exclusivity you?re after, there?s simply nothing to beat it, even at that price...

WE LIKE
Superb style, brawny appeal, great dynamics and unique individuality.
WE DON'T
Brakes, seats slippery, thirst and price.

SAFETY (Euro NCAP)
Adult Occupant (5): n/a
Child Protection (4): n/a
Pedestrian (4): n/a
Airbags: Dual-stage front, side and front curtain
Safety Equipment: Stability and traction control, ABS, EBD.
CIA Security Rating (5): 4

WE SAY
"This beautiful machine ticks almost all the right boxes for me and strikes an awesome balance between beauty and brawn. But it is really expensive and for that kind of money I?d expect the interior to feel a bit more special. Some extra ponies under the bonnet would be very welcome too." -Jason Woosey

AT A GLANCE
Engine: Brutal Ferrari-based gem = 9
Chassis: Well sorted, great on track = 8
Transmission: Ferrari F1 heritage = 8
Brakes: The weak link = 5
Safety: All the bells and whistles = 8
Handling: Among the best = 9
Specification: Has all you need = 8
Cabin: Great. Seats lack support. Stylish = 7
Styling: Chic yet brawny = 8
Fun Factor: Italian party = 9

Total: Splendid Italian ruffian = 79

VERDICT
A brilliant and seductive sports car that?ll tick most boxes but break the bank.