2009 Maserati GranTurismo S

If we have a complaint with Maser's elegant GranTurismo, it's that it may be too gentile. Most buyers in this category will love it the way it is, balancing luxury and sport, refinement and performance. But some percentage among them will want an edgier machine, yet still not a hard-core sports car.

The GranTurismo S's biggest news resides underhood. Maserati's high-winding V-8 gets a bump in displacement from 4.2 to 4.7 liters, via increased bore and stroke. We're talking 440 horses, compared with 400 in the now-base model, plus an increase in torque to 362 pound-feet. Another significant change is the installation of a six-speed autoclutch manual transmission, which replaces the standard edition's ZF six-speed torque converter automatic. Unlike the lurchy, early-generation DuoSelect transmission that so hampered the first Quattroportes, this one uses calibration and hardware lessons learned from Ferrari's racy 430 Scuderia to give fast, crisp shifts nearly rivaling those of standard-setting dual clutch systems. The quickest commando shifts are served only above 5500 rpm and 80-percent throttle opening; the rest of the time, the gear changes are less aggressive.

The S gets six-pot Brembo calipers up front and new 20-inch rolling stock all around. The springs, anti-roll bars, and dampers are retuned for firmer, better handling. The "Sport" mode in the standard GT about equals the base settings for the S. Punch the Sport button, and not only does the suspension/transmission/stability control recalibrate itself for fast running, but baffles in the mufflers open up to share more high-winding, Italian V-8 joy.

Visual mods are subtle: a small spoiler on the rear deck, revised rocker panels, and a black grille and headlamp casings. Plus those drainpipe-size oval exhaust pipes. Same situation inside, which blends Alcantara and leather trim for a sporty look and increased seat grip.

Italy's Futa pass is calling. We can't wait to answer.