2007 Maserati GRANSPORT COUPE

In last year’s magazine, we said the countdown clock was already ticking for the arrival of an allnew, Quattroporte-based Maser GT. Guess what; the Timex is still a-ticking as there’s still no sign of the car. Maybe 2008, we’ve heard. Or maybe not. So the current GranSport stays on lifesupport for at least another year. Bring out the defibrillator, Ethel. But if you’re looking for something different from the usual Merc SL, Porsche 911, Jaguar XK, the latest GranSport coupe oozes Italian passione. It’s powered by a 4.2-liter 32-valve V-8, massaged by parent company Ferrari and coupled to a six-speed Cambiocorsa clutchless transmission. Tighter suspension and a half-inch lower ride height sharpen the handling a notch, compared to the regular GT Coupe. And it looks very gran sporty with its deep front and rear spoilers, rear diffuser, modified rockers, and very funky leather and carbon- fiber interior. But still, bring on the new GT.