The new Maserati GranTurismo made its first “on the road” appearance over the weekend, as three illustrious ambassadors of the Trident marque took it in turn behind the wheel of the latest masterpiece created by Pininfarina, which was entered in the Supercar Run at the 2007 Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The 150,000 spectators who braved the incessant rain to admire the amazing selection of cars and motorbikes climbing up Goodwood Hill last weekend, waved and cheered as Nick Mason, drummer with rock gods Pink Floyd and also a keen collector and racer of historic cars, Troy Bayliss, reigning World Superbike Champion and Jodie Kidd, top supermodel and aficionado of Maserati sports cars revved the 405 hp V8 of the Maserati GranTurismo.

Italiaspeed caught up with Troy Bayliss, the runaway winner of the Superbike title in 2006, prior to his first run up the 'Hill' behind the wheel of the GranTurismo in the difficult conditions prevailing on Saturday afternoon, and he was looking forward to the occasion: "I had a drive with these guys last year in one of the Cup cars [GranSport Trofeo] and this is pre production so I don't know how many times it has been driven," said Troy, "but I'm feeling pretty privileged to have a drive of it up the Hill; I cant wait, it's a beautiful car."
 

Last week, some 800 clients, depositors and guests had enjoyed a private preview of the GranTurismo at London’s Royal Horticultural Halls and on that occasion Maserati GB’s managing director Andrea Antonnicola had revealed the UK price: the Maserati GranTurismo will go on sale in the autumn, with prices starting from £78,500 on the road.

The new Maserati GranTurismo features a 4.2 litre V8 engine, delivering 405 bhp.  Its optimal weight distribution (49 percent front and 51 percent rear) offers superior roadholding and handling capability, in great safety. As with the original A6 1500 GT, the new GranTurismo has been styled by Pininfarina, giving it striking presence and unmistakable personality. With generous seating for four adults, the Maserati GranTurismo offers space and comfort as well as style and performance. The GranTurismo received its world première at the Geneva Salon in March, and since then it has appeared at the Amstedam, New York and Shanghai Auto Shows. Production gets underway later this year.