The Goodwood Festival of Speed is truly a star-studded occasion and it takes a very special car, which must be imbued with plenty style and power, to stand out; the good news for Maserati is that the new GranTurismo passes this test. If the public reaction on the opening day of the Festival is anything to go by then the new Pininfarina-designed car is surely set to be a big hit.

Lurking in the shadows of the canvas-covered resting area of the Sunday Times Super Paddock, and in the company of a string of no-compromise supercars such as the Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera and the Caparo T1, the sole GranTurismo here was a continually at the centre of attention. As well as its paddock appearance the GranTurismo screamed up the hill during both supercar 'runs', the first held at 0845 which kicked off the whole three-day event's track action and the second one just after lunchtime when the huge crowds had swollen to their maximum.

Finished in dark blue and sporting a tan leather interior, the GranTurismo's distinctive nose with its large vertically-slatted radiator grille poked out of its resting place into the intermittent sunshine of this opening day at Goodwood which has seen very changeable weather all day. The grille, inspired by the legendary A6GCS - one example of which is on show just yards away in the Cartier 'Style et Luxe' compound - instantly grabbed onlookers as they passed by, a perfect blend of style, aggression and helping of the Trident's fabulous history.
 

Out in the open its flowing lines can be much better appreciated; and away from the false lighting and atmosphere of its recent whirlwind tour of major motor shows - including Geneva, Amsterdam, Shanghai and New York - it has a shape to be studied and appreciated. The front packs even more supressed power in its form when observed on the 'Hill', it is ready to pounce, the wings packing real punch as it squats on its bulging haunches. The flanks have taught but flowing lines, and the rear end carefully rounds out the overall theme. The Pininfarina design team, who have the styling of Maseratis in their blood, have captured the essence of the modern-day Trident GT perfectly.

Launched at the Geneva Salon at the beginning of March, today at Goodwood has seen the next step in the path of the GranTurismo towards full production accomplished, making its dynamic public driving debut; the car is set to begin deliveries to customers later this year. The GranTurismo will be at the Festival tomorrow, when motorbike ace Troy Bayliss is scheduled to get behind the wheel of the new car, and also on Sunday. Also expected behind the wheel at some point is Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason, a historic car collector of some repute and someone with a close affinity with both Goodwood Hill and Maserati: he has previously driven the sensational Pininfarina-designed Birdcage 75th concept car here.

by Edd Ellison at Goodwood