by Robert W. Paster

There’s nothing else like an Italian sports car. Unfortunately, the only Italian sports car available in the U.S. for the last decade or so has been the Ferrari, with model prices starting at "Oh my Gosh," and going up to "You’ve got to be kidding!" Though not cheap, the resurgence of the Maserati in America means we again have access to an exciting Italian sports car for less than six figures.

The 4.2 liter V-8 engine pumps out 390 horsepower to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual or a six-speed paddle shift automatic. The beauty of the engine is exposed in the engine bay rather than covered in plastic like those of manufacturers embarrassed by their engines. With a top speed of 177 mph and a 0 to 60 time of 4.8 seconds, the Maserati delivers the performance you’d expect from a classic Italian sports car. The manual transmission is precise, with an appropriately heavy clutch and gobs of power throughout the rev band. Brakes are excellent, if a bit grabby, and come with ABS, traction control and a stability program. Steering is slightly over-boosted at low speeds, but punch the "sport" button on the center console and the suspension and steering tighten up to pure performance levels. Handling is nothing short of phenomenal. At speed on a twisty, winding road, the GT felt like it was on rails as it carved through curves like a hot knife through butter.When my extremely tolerant wife, who usually puts up with my test driving with no problem, threatens to throw up, I know this is a fun car to drive. If you can afford a Maserati, you don’t care about the 11 mpg city/17 highway figures.

The other thing you expect from an Italian sports car is heartstopping styling, and the Maserati does not disappoint here either. The front is long and sleek, with scooped out headlights and an aggressive grill sporting the famous Maserati trident. The lean and muscular lines flow through to a low roof, high waistline and short rear that give it classic sports car lines. The convertible’s top has a less sharply raked rear window, but doesn’t give up anything to the coupe in styling. However, the back looks a little Honda-esque, and is the only aspect of the car that could use improving.

Fit and finish are excellent. Xenon headlights throw out lots of pure white light which really aids night visibility. The bright bright yellow exterior of the car I drove was anything but subtle, yet appealing. I was almost afraid it was going to run down the battery. The interior is swathed in rich leather, including well bolstered seats that do a good job of holding occupants during spirited driving; extra long seat bottoms provide much appreciated thigh support. Gauges are easy to read and complete, including a voltmeter and oil pressure gauge, as befits a true sports car.

The radio/CD player is controlled through a video display panel in the middle of the center dash and was relatively easy to figure out. Once programmed, it pumped out awesome sound, though the sound from the engine is so beautiful it was almost a shame to drown it out with the radio. In juxtaposition to the high-tech video screen, above it a classic analog clock rests at the top of the center dash. Rear seat room is surprisingly generous. Space in all directions except head room is plentiful; children are very comfortable back there, and an adult could tolerate it for short trips. Back seat passengers even get their own air vents and the front seats automatically glide forward when the seatback is moved forward to allow easier ingress to and egress from the back seats. The trunk, however, is teeny, and couldn’t hold much more than a duffel bag,maybe two, though this is not a car purchased with practicality in mind.

According to J.J. Mills, co-principal of Maserati St. Louis, "The new Maserati GT offers a degree of exclusivity not found with a Porsche or Jaguar. It’s an Italian exotic with a four-year, 50,000-mile warranty that can be driven every day."

Interestingly, about 80 percent of Maseratis sold in St. Louis are convertibles and about 75 percent are paddle shift automatics, surprising in a true enthusiast’s vehicle whose character really demands a true stick. Of course all this exotic hardware doesn’t come cheap. The coupe, with gas-guzzler tax comes in at about $82,000; with options it can top $90,000. Add around $10,000 for the convertible. Not cheap, but competitive with the Porsche 911 and a bargain compared to other Italian sports cars.

Robert W. Paster is also an attorney in private practice, concentrating in estate planning and probate.

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A bird's-eye view of the Maserati GT convertible