Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo – Drive TV Episode Wrap-Up

When I moved to Sydney 10 years ago, I remember being absolutely stunned by the city. Coming from a perpetually grey London (sorry London, love you really), the sparkling sunshine, beachside cafes and harbour views had me dazzled.

With the passing of a decade, I’ll admit that the initial shine of Sydney has worn off and been replaced by a nice, comfortable familiarity. 

But this all changed recently when I was handed the keys of the new Maserati GranTurismo and asked to take it for a spin somewhere that reflects the very essence of this car. It’s elegant, glamorous, fast-paced and steeped in rich history. Well, where better to let this car stretch its legs than elegant, glamorous, fast-paced and historical Sydney? 

I’m in the GranTurismo Trofeo, one of three variants Maserati has created for its second-generation GranTurismo. 

I’ll get to the details you are desperate for in a moment, but let’s start with first impressions. Upon first glance, Maserati has remained faithful to the design of the first-generation model.

However, eagle eyes will notice that it’s actually quite new: this car is longer and wider, and it’s even more sculpted thanks to the three-square-metre surface area covering the bonnet and fender. 

The petrol engine dictates the long nose, although the V6 Nettuno engine is very compact. The wheels are 21 inches at the back and 20 inches at the front. 

The most obvious change is the new signature vertical full LED headlights. The tail-lights at the back retain the same boomerang shape but with full LED technology as well. Then, of course, you’ve got the iconic trident proudly sat atop the front grille. I have a feeling this car is going to cause quite a stir on the roads of Sydney. 

To kick things off, we started in Watsons Bay, one of Sydney’s most exclusive suburbs, and headed straight for one of Sydney’s oldest and most famous restaurants, Doyles on the Beach.

I met with David Doyle, owner and operator of the restaurant today and grandson of the original owners, to learn more about the restaurant’s history and just how it’s become such a legendary spot. 

The family business originally opened in the 1800s as just a hut on the beach selling fish. It was David’s pioneering grandmother Alice who worked hard to turn it into the unmissable restaurant it is today, and the family prides itself on sourcing the freshest ingredients – even catching much of the fish.

After our chat, David gave me his dish recommendation (John Dory and chips, and it did not disappoint), and after a leisurely lunch overlooking the harbour, it was time for me to be on my way to my next stop. 

Inside the car, the cabin is every bit as luxurious as you’d hope. Natural leather and open-pore wood are the materials used around the surfaces, while Alcantara leather is used on the seats, though you can customise this to the nth degree. 

Despite being handmade with the utmost tenderness, the GranTurismo has been designed for a digital world, with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless phone connectivity, 8.8-inch touchscreen for climate control and a 12.2-inch digital driver’s display – and there’s an optional head-up display too. 

You also have a 360-degree camera, digital rear-view mirror, high-end premium audio, a curated light system and Alexa assistant, so top safety features have been ever so subtly incorporated into the car’s design as well. 

Vaucluse House, a 10-minute drive from Doyles, is the definition of a ‘hidden gem’. 

It is just over 10 kilometres from Sydney's CBD and yet unless you know about it, I highly doubt you would know that this beautiful estate, set amongst 11 hectares of beautiful gardens, even existed. 

Vaucluse House is Australia’s first official house museum and there is plenty to do here. Wandering the rose gardens alone can soak up a day, but tours of the home and delicious tea rooms make it a must-do attraction for both the young and old. Museum Curator Jacqui Newling kindly sat down with me to tell me all about how the house came about, and it is quite a story! 

I won’t ruin the surprise by sharing too much now, but let me intrigue you by saying it includes an Irish knight, a beautiful young heiress and a progressive statesman. 

Okay, okay, I’ve kept the details you’re itching to know to myself until now. This sports car doesn’t disappoint when it comes to performance – powered by a V6 Nettuno 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine, Maserati claims an acceleration speed of 3.5 seconds, thanks to an eight-speed auto and all-wheel drive. 

The Maserati tagline for this second-generation GranTurismo is ‘the others just travel’, representing the idea that this car is more than just a vehicle: it's a lifestyle.

Made entirely in Italy, the car embodies the Italian luxury that you can’t replicate anywhere else in the world. The car, the chief designer of which is Klaus Busse, treads the fine line between beauty and functionality, in both looks and performance. It has all the high-performance hallmarks of a sports car, but is also comfortable enough to suit long distances.

This is all aided by the contemporary technology built into the car, the luxury materials in the cabin, and the perfectly engineered aerodynamics – which mean less drag, more stability at higher speeds and lower fuel consumption.

And, of course, although this is a petrol model, it would be remiss of me not to mention that the GT is the first in the brand’s history to adopt an entirely electric powertrain when the Folgore model is launched.

So who is the car for then? Well, I’d argue it’s for those who love driving, appreciate artisan design, but understand the need for evolution – and want something a bit different. Something with a bit more of a rich history than some of the more typical luxury brands that come to mind. 

It’s nightfall by the time I’ve made my way back to Sydney's CBD after a leisurely few hours strolling around Vaucluse House and enjoying a gorgeous afternoon tea on the grounds. My final stop for the day is at Sydney’s Hyatt Regency Hotel in the heart of the CBD, to meet with someone who knows Maserati better than most: Grant Barling, General Manager of Maserati Australia. 

Getting to the Hyatt Regency involves a bit of highway driving and going through the tunnels, which is where I can really put the GranTurismo through its paces, shifting from Comfort to Sport mode and enjoying the sheer power of this car.

That’s not to say the car doesn’t feel completely at ease on suburban streets: the GranTurismo comes with mod cons that make everyday driving that much simpler. From integrated safety features to the easily accessible touchscreens, it feels as though this car has been designed not just for epic drives at high speeds, but also for those who want to use the car to get from A to B on a daily basis.

As I wrap up my time in the GranTurismo, it has been a pleasure getting to know this car and getting reacquainted with the city I’ve called home for the last 10 years. From hidden treasures like Vaucluse House to famous haunts like Doyles, it has been an absolute pleasure driving around this wonderful city – and certainly made easier when you’re in such a fabulous car!

Tune in on Channel Nine or 9Now to watch Drive TV every week – Sunday afternoon at 1pm, subject to network changes.

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