Journalist Roger Hart was won over by the GranTurismo S Automatic during his road test, stating that it was able to offer a sporty drive and elevated comfort. “By nature, GTs have a twin personality: their performance needs to satisfy the most demanding driver but they also have to be practical enough to be used every day. This latest version of the GranTurismo does all this”.

On the feedback felt through the steering wheel, the tone of the article does not change: “On Italian roads, the Sport set up never once felt too stiff… The precision in curves was surprising, as was the grip offered by the 20” rims”.

The new ZF gearbox fitted to the GranTurismo S Automatic obviously drew Hart’s interest: “It is a light and compact unit and can cope with all the torque put out by the 4.7 litre V8, capable of 433 bhp. The gear shifts are fast, calling for just 100 milliseconds; more or less the beat of an eyelid”.

The engine is defined as “terrific” and plays a “sweet sound” and the interior roomy with “four real seats” and a superior quality finish.