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FIAT Chrysler Automotive boss Sergio Marchionne wants Maserati to take Ferrari’s place as the sports luxury revenue driver in FCA’s portfolio.
What was already a niche line-up has been broadened courtesy of the Ghibli and updated Quattroporte sedans, with the crucial Levante SUV arriving soon and a production version of the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 Alfieri coupe concept looming.
Which puts the writing on the wall for the enduringly stunning Gran Turismo. To keep this now eight-year-old 2+2 GT’s mojo bubbling, the Sportline has been introduced to fill the gap between the standard car and the more focused Stradale.
The interior is carbon-rich; the spectacular fibre is used to stiffen and lighten the front seats. A single-clutch robotised manual and a six-speed auto are available. Of interest is the fact the sequential manual is a transaxle, while the auto is bolted to the engine, altering the weight distribution and requiring different suspension tunes.
The Ferrari-derived 4.7-litre V8 howls all the way to 7500rpm, with torque peaking at 4750rpm and max power arriving at 7000rpm. Not only is it fast and loud, the Sportline deftly walks the line between dynamic response and GT-style comfort. The steering feel is excellent, turn-in is sharp and linear and body control is well sorted.
At just under $300K, the Sportline’s closest competitor is BMW’s ’bahn-storming M6 (see opposite). The Bavarian beast is faster and only three years young, however it can’t match this Italian’s design flair and more intimate driver connection. An oldie but a goodie.
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
SPECS Engine: 4691cc V8, DOHC, 32v Power: 338kW @ 7000rpm Torque: 520Nm @ 4750rpm Weight: 1880kg 0-100km/h: 4.8sec (claimed) Price: $295,000 Pros: Most of the sizzle of the hi-po Stradale, but with $50K change Cons: Auto ’box not quite as crisp as expected
