2009 Maserati GranTurismo S

S means sport with new powertrain, brake and suspension upgrades

Price: $135,000
Drivetrain: 4.7-liter V8; rear drive, six-speed electro-actuated gearbox
Output: 433 hp @ 7000 rpm, 361 lb-ft @ 3200-4750 rpm
Curb weight: 4136 pounds
Fuel economy: 13 mpg city/19 mpg highway (manufacturer estimate)

Maserati has definitely tipped the evenly balanced level of performance and comfort that distinguishes its GranTurismo toward the sporty side with the new S version.

That shove comes from a new, high-revving 4.7-liter V8--0.5 liters larger than the GranTurismo--rated at 433 horsepower. Also, the torque peak of 361 lb-ft is available between 3200 to 4750 rpm. This drops 0 to 60 times to 4.9 seconds (from 5.2 seconds for the GranTurismo) and boosts top speed to 183 mph, making the GranTurismo S the fastest production Maserati ever.

Stiffer springs and dampers, along with 20-inch wheels, allow the S to quickly flow through tight corners without a lean or wiggle. Larger, aluminum/cast iron front discs with 6-piston calipers eliminate the fade and soft pedal of the standard GT.

Exterior modifications are minimal--the GranTurismo already possessed stunning good lucks. The S adds the performance to match.

Also new is an electro-actuated six-speed gearbox that comes to life when you press the Sport button on the dash. This engages the MC-Shift mode, so you can snap off 100-millisecond gearshifts with the large, steering wheel mounted shift paddles. Something you can feel and, even better, hear as flaps in the exhaust system open to let free 8 more horsepower and a sonorous snarl.