Magical Maserati tourer

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It’s only been in existence for a year, but from now on, the Maserati GranTurismo will show a harder edge. This gentleman’s express, penned by Pininfarina (the styling house responsible for most Ferrari designs), sports some discreet exterior modifications to complement a hike in performance.

Whereas the standard GranTurismo coupe has a 4.2-liter V-8 good for 405 horsepower, the S model gets a 4.4-liter beneath its sleek hood. This engine develops 440 hp and allows a zero-to-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds. That’s two-tenths faster than its more relaxed sibling.

The original is equipped with a conventional automatic transmission, while the S has a six-speed electro-actuated gearbox that can execute changes in one-hundredth of a second. Which is pretty darn quick. Luckily, Maserati’s social conscience has led the company to upgrade the car’s braking system, using an iron/aluminum dual-cast technology.

Inside is the usual top-notch leather, but this time it adorns more figure-hugging seats -- all the better for taking those corners. The grand touring version costs $114,650, so expect this Gran Turismo S to be around $10,000 north of that and in the showrooms later in the year.

-- Colin Ryan