My GT7 Log: Know Your Legends - Maserati Merak

Let's get to know about the legendary cars that are hard to get in Gran Turismo 7's Legend Cars not only because of their extreme rarity that appears once in a blue moon but also their outrageous price tag that takes almost forever to save one. Today, let's get to know about the Maserati Merak, a mid-engined sports car that emerged at the time of the oil crisis.

Launched in 1972, the Merak is the sibling model to the Bora that came out the previous year. Although both of the cars' styling was penned by Giugiaro, the Merak features a notchback styling with a fastback-style pillar compared to the Bora's fastback looks.

Powering the Merak is the same 3.0L V6 engine sourced from the Citroen SM, which produces 187HP of power, capable of a top speed of 140mph. The SS variant, introduced in 1975, boosts the engine's power output to 216HP, increasing the top speed of 155mph, which is quick even by today's standards.

Let's give the Merak a quick time attack around the Goodwood track and see if the grand tourer of the 70s can keep up in today's landscape. Roll the tape.

It did it in 1m40.937s.

I'm so glad it didn't break down just like what happened when a certain ape from a famous motoring TV show did several years ago, if you catch my drift.

What other hard-to-get legendary cars should I drive next? Stay tuned for more.

My GT7 Log: The First of its Kind

The Maserati MC20 is one of the most anticipated sports cars of the new normal and now that it made its way to Gran Turismo 7, there's nothing controversial about the new-era Maserati sportscar making its waves in the game.

So, what's it all about the Maserati MC20?

The Maserati MC20 is the brand's first mid-engined sports car since the Ferrari Enzo-derived Maserati MC12 of the 2000s. Although the styling is heavily inspired by the ancient Maserati supercar, the MC20 is powered by an all-new turbocharged 3.0L V6 Nettuno engine. It produces 630PS of power and 730Nm of torque and while mated to an 8-speed DCT, the MC20 can sprint from 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds and can go all the way to 325kph. Underneath, it features a double-wishbone suspension system with active shock absorbers as well as available carbon ceramic brakes and extensive carbon fiber bodywork, among others.

For Maserati's return to its sporty roots, it's difficult to explain how the MC20 behaves but I can tell you that it's putting a lot of emphasis on grip, meaning it takes time to get used to its dynamics that are questionable for an Italian sports car of this magnitude. It tends to understeer most of the time even with the traction control off but when things get rowdy, it spits it out like chewable tobacco, the Italian one. Also, the braking feels stuck even in a middle of a downshift, and above all, it feels mild and hypoallergenic.

To test out the MC20's mild but menacing dynamics, I went to Autopolis to prove my hypothesis, a true test to let its Nettuno engine do the talking while swiping through the technical portions of this Japanese racetrack. If by technical, it really is and I almost got away from them.

Roll the tape.

Having survived through Autopolis with the MC20, I managed to post a 2m05.943s lap time. That's the best I can do but whatever. At least, I have proven my point that the MC20 is downright mild but menacing in every way.

Despite its questionable grip that others would say it's dramatic, I am honored to experience the Maserati MC20 in Gran Turismo 7. I know I got hooked on it but because of its behavior, it takes time to get used to it and patience is a cliche. At least, the sensation made me thrilled to bits.

Thanks to the MC20, Maserati's back in the sports car business, and looks like they're on the roll right now. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed driving the MC20 in GT7.

Grazie.

Maserati GranTurismo (AM189)

The Maserati GranTurismo is all-new from the ground up and this is no longer the grand tourer millennials are familiar with because this is a different kind of GranTurismo you will be meeting on the road and you'll be expecting some burning jealousy upon seeing this.

2024 Maserati GranTurismo

Starting at an ultra-expensive 182,000 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new, second-generation, Maserati GranTurismo is the evolution of the definitive Italian grand tourer that is primed and ready to tackle through the new normal with its quintessential style and dramatic performance you can expect in a Maserati.

Starting with the design, the previous Pininfarina-styled shape is gone and replaced by an MC20-inspired one penned by Maserati themselves. Although it bears similarities to its predecessor, the new shape adds drama and valor to this grand tourer, giving observers a whole new meaning of passion at first sight. Bet no one's prepared for this encounter.

2024 Maserati GranTurismo interior

Inside, the new model is display overload behind the wheel because you will be greeted by not one, not two, but five displays such as the 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch satnav, 8.8-inch climate control touch panel, a heads-up display, and a digital clock that dramatically displays the Maserati logo when you start it up. 

Like the previous model, it's a 2+2 set up but you can only fit through the front because the rear seats are rather small, meaning you'll have to fit your poodle behind you as well as your designer handbags in case you couldn't find more room in the 310L boot capacity because of so much luxury goods stuffed.

At launch, the all-new GranTurismo is powered by a 3.0L twin-turbo Nettuno V6 engine derived from the MC20. In the Trofeo version, it produces 550hp of power and 650Nm of torque. With the 8-speed automatic gearbox and 4WD, a first for a Maserati grand tourer, it does 0-100kph in 3.5 seconds and flat out in 320kph, faster than the previous GranTurismo. 

If that wasn't enough, Maserati is preparing an all-electric Folgore model that packs 761PS of total power output through all four wheels and can last over 400km of driving range on one full charge. Silent but deadly, of course.

Despite being a 4WD grand tourer, the all-new GranTurismo is downright addictive behind the wheel because of its rear self-locking differential (mechanical in the Modena and electronic in the Trofeo) as well as sport-tuned dynamics underneath. It even features four driving modes with the last one being the most enjoyable of all; Corsa. Flip this car into Corsa mode and the all-new GranTurismo comes alive as a blown-out sportscar that can dance through the bends in a wild but formal kind of manner. The same goes for the Folgore variant.

Although controversial for Maserati fanatics, the all-new GranTurismo is fitted with a range of driver assistance features such as Maserati Active Driving Assist providing autonomous emergency braking, active lane assist, emergency lane keeping, Dynamic Road View, rear emergency braking, and a surround-view camera. Welcome to the new normal.

The all-new GranTurismo by Maserati rewrote the rules of what an Italian grand tourer should be and judging by its dramatic style, interior, performance, technology, not to mention the controversial electric variant that promises to be as fun as a Formula E racer. With such evolution, this is the GranTurismo the world deserves to be seen and it's something to aspire to. This is Maserati, reloaded.

Photo: Maserati

Maserati MC20 Cielo

The MC20 marked the new beginning for Maserati and as the world is struggling with the new normal, where crossovers are superheroes, this is the antithesis every car enthusiast needs. With its strikingly great styling, driver-focused interior, and performance that is quintessentially Italian, the MC20 became every speedo boy's newest favorite Italian supercar for the time being.

2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo

Those who want an open-top version should consider the MC20 Cielo, the roadster version that offers the same thrills as its hardtop equivalent but with a foldable glass roof at the top. Yours for less than 220K Euros.

Unlike most drop-tops, the MC20 Cielo features a two-piece folding glass roof that takes 12 seconds to open or close and it can turn opaque at the touch of a button. Sounds like a party piece but the roof-folding mechanism adds 65kg of weight.

Despite the added weight, the Cielo behaves just like its hardtop equivalent as expected. Armed with the 630PS 3.0L 6-cylinder twin-turbo Nettuno engine mated to an 8-speed DCT, the MC20 Cielo can sprint from 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds and can go all the way to 325kph. It's still great to drive even with the roof down and because it features a double-wishbone suspension system with active shock absorbers as well as the composite material monocoque soaked in carbon fiber, the Cielo behaves like a racecar on the track, just like what the hardtop equivalent should.

Glass roof or not, the MC20 Cielo is all about taking leaps and bounds from its hardtop equivalent despite the added weight penalty. Like the hardtop equivalent, the MC20 Cielo is quintessentially Italian and it too will become every speedo boy's newest favorite Italian supercar for the time being.

Photo: Maserati

Maserati Grecale

Following the success of Maserati's first SUV, the Levante, it looks like the Italian luxury carmaker wanted to up the ante with the arrival of its Macan-sized crossover known as the Grecale. Although this newcomer can irritate speedo boys aplenty because this is another crossover no speedo boy asked for, there's something about the Grecale.

2023 Maserati Grecale

Priced at 74,470 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Maserati Grecale compact crossover follows the same recipe as its big brother, the Levante, by delivering an all-around performance that suits drivers best, although speedo boys never asked for another luxury crossover because they had the MC20 on their wishlists at the moment. Still, there's something mysterious about Maserati's newest crossover with the fancy name.

Being the little brother of the Levante, the Grecale is smaller than the Levante, and although it features similar lines to its big brother, the Grecale's front view looks obviously similar to the MC20. Either way, it's hard to deny such looks fit for Maserati's baby crossover that's primed and ready to battle the Porsche Macan by a long shot.

2023 Maserati Grecale interior

On the interior, the Grecale features a minimalist dashboard that can terrify speedo boys behind the wheel because, you guessed, almost no buttons are present around. Similar to the Infiniti Q50, the Grecale has two touchscreens in the middle; one for controlling the sat-nav and the other for climate control. The digital analog clock adds a nice touch to the Grecale because it's more than just a clock that tells time, it can be a compass, a G-meter, and annoyingly a virtual assistant to ruin someone's day.

Asking about space, because of such a wheelbase, this five-seater crossover is roomier than the Macan as well as more spacious in the boot as well. Looks like practicality is the Grecale's trump card after all.

2023 Maserati Grecale

Under the hood, the Grecale is powered by a choice of a 2.0L mild-hybrid 4-cylinder engine for the GT and Modena or a 530PS 3.0L 6-cylinder engine inspired by the MC20's Nettuno engine, exclusive for the flagship Trofeo version. They're all mated to an 8-speed AT. The Trofeo is capable of hitting 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds and flat out at 285kph, enough to clap the Porsche Macan GTS in a nutshell.

Of course, a fully-electric version of the Grecale is coming later next year and it's going to pack a lot of power from its electric powertrain.

Although questionable to take it for a picnic trip to Hannibal's, the Grecale's 4WD drivetrain is capable of handling through tarmac, gravel, or snow courtesy of various driving modes with the CORSA mode on the Trofeo variant giving it more sportscar-like dynamics on the track and the OFF-ROAD mode for, well, I just said it above. Whichever way you take it, the Grecale's dynamics can be almost as addictive as a sportscar but with the added mess to call it, as one famous TV painter would say happy accidents.

Speaking of accidents, the Grecale can prevent accidents on the road thanks to its wide array of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, although too disturbing for speedo boys behind the wheel but who cares about such witchcraft?

Although this is just another sporty crossover no one asked for, the Grecale's dynamics and technology are almost addictive to indulge from the start to finish, and looks like jealousy will come to those who want to experience the Grecale someday. Love it or hate it, the Grecale is the Macan fighter we want to try.

Photo: Maserati

My FH5 Log: A German super saloon and a vintage racer

Having fought my way through the FH5 Series 2 Wet Season Playlist, I got my hands on two exclusive vehicles such as the W213 Mercedes-AMG E63 and the ancient Maserati 8CTF race car. Let's get to know my new prized possessions.

The W213 Mercedes-AMG E63 sets the standards of fast executive-class super saloons as the rear-wheel-drive layout of the past has been ditched in favor of its AMG-tweaked 4MATIC+ four-wheel-drive system with a special Drift Mode feature that allows this sedan to oversteer like a rear-wheel-drive car. It is powered by the same 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine as the Mercedes-AMG GT sports car but in the S version, it produces up to 612PS of power and 850Nm of torque. With the nine-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT, it does 0-100kph in 3,4 seconds and it is electronically limited to 250kph or with an additional extra, the limit can be raised up to 50kph more, resulting in 300kph.

The 8CTF is Maserati's attempt to take on the likes of the Germans on the Grand Prix scene of the thirties. Taking advantage of Adolfo Orsi's acquisition of Maserati, the 8CTF is derived from the team's voiturette chassis while powered by a 2991cc eight-cylinder in-line engine with double overhead camshafts and twin Roots-type superchargers. It is capable of hitting 131.2mph of top speed during its maiden campaign at Tripoli with Count Felice Trossi behind the wheel. Despite its unsuccessful run, the 8CTF dominated Indianapolis and Pikes Peak in the late '30s.

Now that I had my word on these two new beauties, let's give them a quick run just to see what's like to be with these machines. Roll the tapes.

Enjoy your new ride!

Maserati MC20

From its humble beginnings, Maserati is known for making the most iconic racing machines and sportscars for gentlemen who prefer something quintessential and Italian in every way but not Ferrari or Lamborghini. Today's Maserati is nothing more than an Italian BMW because the current lineup consists of the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons and the Levante SUV. Disagreed, Maserati prepares for its renaissance with the arrival of its brand-new sportscar called the MC20, the sportscar speedo boys can't wait to get their hands on it.

2021 Maserati MC20

2021 Maserati MC20

Priced at 210,000 Euros, the MC20 marks the true beginning of the Maserati renaissance and a true return to form where beauty and performance are what Maserati does best.

The story begins with the styling and this is where the MC20 showcases its critical side from every angle. Although mistaken for a lightweight sportscar like the Lotus Evora, the Maserati MC20's styling draws inspiration from the ancient MC12, the comfortable side of the Ferrari Enzo from two decades ago. With looks that can softly kill, the MC20's aerodynamics are beyond expectations.

Step inside the interior and you are greeted with its driver-focused cockpit that gives drivers an impression of driving a racing car on the track. Although track-focused in spirit, it's a well-tailored accessory every gentleman should have, especially when it packs a premium sound system and a Maserati Connect feature for their daily driving commodities. That sounds flashy and cheesy but this is all in the experience of being a high-value Italian sportscar that separates the men from the boys.

Speaking of separating the men from the boys, the main highlight of the MC20 is its performance and this is something everybody's feeling jealous of, wishing they want to drive one someday. Unlike most sportscars donning fancy hybrid tech, the MC20's powertrain is neo-20th-century stuff. It's a brand new 3.0L 6-cylinder twin-turbo Nettuno engine bolted to the middle at 90 degrees. It produces 630PS of power and 730Nm of torque and while mated to an 8-speed DCT, the MC20 can sprint from 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds and can go all the way to 325kph. This is a supercar performance the Italians can take pride in.

Aside from its supercar performance, the MC20's dynamics are worth driving for because underneath, it features a double-wishbone suspension system with active shock absorbers. They can really behave depending on which driving mode you're on; be it on WET, SPORT, CORSA, or on ESC OFF Mode.

Driving in CORSA Mode, the MC20's almost behaving like a true racing car on the track, but when the driver engaged ESC OFF Mode, this is where you'll need your adult diapers because, in this mode, the MC20's going all-out dynamic and it's going to be as crazy as trying to beat your favorite song on the EXPERT difficulty setting. It's struggling at first but when you are familiarized with it, the MC20 is a supercar you can't stop until you are fully satisfied with its result.

Also on the dynamics side, the MC20 really is a lightweight supercar from the start because underneath, it features a composite material monocoque soaked in carbon fiber, and combined with its lightweight materials assembled specifically for this car, it weighs one and a half tons.

The MC20 really marks the new beginning for Maserati and as the world is struggling with the new normal, where crossovers are superheroes, this is the antithesis every car enthusiast needs. With its strikingly great styling, driver-focused interior, and performance that is quintessentially Italian, the MC20 will soon be your newest favorite Italian supercar for the time being.

Photo: Maserati

Forza Horizon 4: The track-focused MC12

Back in Colorado during the first Horizon game, festival-goers got enraptured by the raw power of the most hardcore Maserati to date, the MC12 Versione Corse. It has returned in the fourth Horizon game as a Autumn Playlist prize car and now that I got it, I got a little amount of time to talk about the track-only MC12 in question.



Made to commemorate the MC12's victory at the 2005 FIA GT world endurance championship, this track-only version pushes beyond the limits of what a Maserati should be. The 6.0L V12 engine that powers it churned out 755hp of power, making it more powerful than the road car and the GT1 race car combined and because it weighs over 2,500lbs, it does 0-200kph in 6.4 seconds and has a top speed of 326kph. Apart from the engine, the Versione Corse has a stress-bearing carbon fiber and Nomex honeycomb sandwich monocoque, aluminum subframe, and an integrated roll cage for added rigidity. About 12 of these were made for the customers who want to do some free track time on the weekends.



Anyway, enough talk about the MC12 Versione Corse, because it's time to push this car to its paces and see if this is more than just being a Ferrari FXX in a fat suit. Since I am running out of space in Britain, I decided to have some time out at Fortune Island and enjoy the Versione Corse the way I want. Anything happens, right? So, without further ado, let's go!



Job well done, there's nothing else I can say about it.

Enjoy your new ride.

Forza Horizon 4: Le Vante

Having fought my way through the winter wonderland in Forza Horizon 4, I got my hands on the Maserati Levante prize car and I lived to tell the tale about Maserati's first luxury crossover which goes to the flow of luxury carmakers making crossovers because money talks.



The Levante is Maserati's first-ever crossover that represents a natural direction for the company to enlarge its product range and strengthen its presence in the sport luxury market. It was premiered to the world at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show and named after a warm, Mediterranean wind that can change from mild to gale force in an instant.

At launch, the top-of-the-line S variant, seen here, is powered by the same turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine offered from the Ghibli and the Quattroporte. It produces up to 430HP of power and does 0-100kph in 5.2 seconds with the top speed of 264kph. Although being a crossover, the Levante offers sportscar-like agility courtesy of its aluminium double wishbone - five link suspension layout in conjunction with Q4 All-Wheel-Drive system and the new Torque Vectoring system.



The Levante emerged from Maserati's lineup in the time when sportiness and luxury don't have just one definition anymore as these keywords can show up in new and exciting things like this. It maybe too bulky to be called a sportscar but because this is a Ghibli underneath, the Levante is a surprising crossover that works like a sports saloon in so many levels and with that, it's time to put the multirole nature of the Maserati Levante to the test and with that, I found a offroad playpen somewhere below Edinburgh and with other crossovers waiting to maul me and this Levante, it's time to show what the Levante's made of.



Maybe a rough day today but the Levante performed quite well.



Job well done, there's nothing else I can say.

Enjoy your new ride!

Maserati Levante vs. Bentley Bentayga

The Italian sportscar company, Maserati, is morphing from Italy's Porsche to Italy's BMW ever since cars like the Quattroporte and the Ghibli are slotting alongside the aging GranTurismo coupe and if that wasn't enough, a new SUV, called the Levante, is joining the ranks of the Maserati lineage.

2017 Maserati Levante

The Levante is Maserati's first ever SUV that was made to compete against the likes of Porsche's Macan, BMW's X3, Mercedes' GLC, Audi's Q5, even Jaguar's first ever F-PACE and because SUVs are becoming the norm in today's automotive society, the Levante proves that it handles like a Maserati even in its bigger packaging fit for the outdoorsmen in them. Fitting for the high rollers who have a hectic lifestyle ahead after their long week of business, the Levante caters them with something that its competitors had with a major twist.

Although the Levante's design is what you called kinky, it's still sexy from every angle even for a bulky exterior. You can think of it as a bouncer who knows how to kick butts with his martial arts per se. On the inside, the dashboard is highly reminiscent of the Porsche Cayenne with the shift lever looks like it came from BMW. At least it wasn't as complicated as the Cayenne when you operate the gizmos offered on the Levante. For a five-seater crossover with lots of room in the back, this is the more practical one for your next week off from work.

For an SUV, the Levante sits in the same stuff that you get in the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons and at launch, the turbocharged 3.0L V6 was offered in petrol and diesel guise, mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The petrol version produces up to 430HP of power and does 0-100kph in 5.2 seconds with the top speed of 264kph, more than what the Germans can do. The diesel version promises fuel economy as low as 7.2 litres/100 km under the New European Driving Cycle, although that consumption for a diesel-powered Maserati does raise some eyebrows to those conspiracy theorists who are still clueless about diesels and their discrepancies. Although we remain clueless, the Levante was benefitted by its clever aerodynamics system that takes charge of its engine temperature, reduces the aerodynamic drag of the car and subsequently reduces fuel consumption and emissions.

Despite being heavier than the Ghibli, the new Levante handles with precision thanks to its Q4 All-Wheel Drive system and Torque Vectoring and although too grippy to be called a fun car full-stop, its well-balanced dynamics made it a serious player in the sport crossover genre. Get use to it more and you will be able to accept that the Levante is a good car to handle despite its chunks. In other terms, it behaves just like what a Maserati should.

There are some feared that despite its potential capabilities, the Levante can't live up to the Maserati lineage because its too bulky to be classified for a sportscar. Too bulky to be a sportscar, huh? What if there's something that is way too bulky to be a sportscar, it isn't one?

2016 Bentley Bentayga

This is the first ever SUV from Bentley, called the Bentayga and with its design as bizarre as its naming, you can consider this mammoth to be the most outlandish car made by the Brits. Underneath its whopperness lies a brand new 6.0L W12 TSi engine producing 608PS of power and 900Nm of torque. Couple that to an 8-speed gearbox, it does 0-100kph near the five second mark and onwards to 301kph. 

Although the Bentayga is one of the most powerful SUVs in the planet, you can't just storm in like what others did with the Continental GT because its dynamics are so the drama for a whopper supreme of that size. Car enthusiasts had to admit that the Bentayga's interior is the most luxurious for a crossover, even a Range Rover can't have those kind of stuff found on the Bentayga, but considering the struggle on how to get it round the corner or tackle off-road in uncharted territories, the Bentayga wasn't made for the most insane drivers everywhere, considering the load and effort needed to turn this bulky machine around from A to Z, unless if you get the Bentley Dynamic Ride system kicking alive and well, which gives the driver many ways to drive in different conditions.

Pricing? That sounds like too much for a whopper supreme because the Bentayga starts at £160,200, which is more costly than the Levante's starting price of 73,417 Euros, depending on exchange rates and region. So, there you have it. With their first ever SUVs step into the luxury car limelight, it's everyone's fair play for the two because if you are interested in dynamics, the Levante is the better bet, but if its power and luxury you're after, you can go with the awkwardly styled and named Bentayga. Whichever you go for, it's anyone's guess.

Forza Motorsport 6: Studio Ghibli

No, not what it seems but the Ghibli I'm referring now is Maserati's 4-door saloon, the Ghibli. Italian's take on BMW's 3-Series, Mercedes' C-Class, and Audi's A4.

As you recall, you may have drove this car in Forza Horizon 2 as a special machine that was part from the Fast & Furious car pack as Deckard Shaw's Ghibli from Furious 7. Now, I'm driving a totally normal Ghibli model, in the high-end S model with four-wheel drive and a 3.0L V6 engine that produces 404HP of power, mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Upon driving the Ghibli S Q4, I have doubts that this car is as grippy as any other four-wheel drive cars get because by normal, most of the power goes to the front wheels, but I was wrong because Maserati has been very keen on tackling its four-wheel drive powertrain very seriously since the Quattroporte and as a result, it behaves like a rear-wheel drive car by default but when necessary, it can transfer half of the power to the front. As a result, I have a luxury four-door saloon that has the sophistication of a luxury German saloon but with the feel of an Italian sports car. How fun is that. Sounds like the Italian flair really get the job done for the Ghibli, although I don't find its twin-turbo V6 engine to be more exciting even when it injects a lot of power on it. Sure, the turbocharging's all nice and easy but when it comes to excitement, it never really makes the grade for it.

In general, the Ghibli S maybe born from the company that makes grand tourers like the GranTurismo but for having fun...let's demonstrate it when I drive this car round Monza.

Then, I'm going to look for another Ghibli to make a point and looks like I found one...

What you're looking at is a limited-edition Ghibli Cup, a road-legal version of the car that was once used in Maserati's one-make race series in the mid-90's. With its 2.0L twin turbo engine producing 330PS of power, the Ghibli Cup has the strongest power output per litre compared to the Bugatti EB110 and Jaguar XJ220. Sounds cool but let's find out how does the old Ghibli and the new Ghibli face themselves off...

And now the results...

Ghibli Cup - 2:26.647
Ghibli S - 2:23.443

So, what can I say, for a four-door saloon with a four-wheel drive, the Ghibli S Q4 sure knows how to tackle a track with precision but despite its fast result, it's all serious business for the Ghibli as I'm sure why would anyone didn't mind about the hidden potential beneath Italy's 3-Series fighter. It maybe fast enough to handle a corner but for excitement, you'd better off with the old Ghibli Cup instead because with such reputation, no other motorsport-bred Maserati comes close than the legend.

However, if you wanted a saloon that balances luxury and performance, consider the Ghibli a job well done for you.

Forza Horizon 2 - Barn Find #08: Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage

Upon my arrival to the next Horizon Hub at Saint-Martin, I've received a barn find rumor regarding an abandoned Maserati lurking somewhere in the posh town of Nice.

The barn find is located over two miles from the Nice Horizon Hub or over 600 yards from the West Nice Speed Trap. I quickly grasp to that location by myself and visually. Because of the offroad path of West Nice is heavily exposed, with a few trees in sight, searching for the legendary Maserati is like threading a needle.

After moments of waiting, here it is!

The legendary Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage is now ready for action! Sorry but my eyes are tearing up looking at a restored beauty but this is the eighth barn find I found and drove. There are two more out there.

Maserati was heavily involved in the world of motorsports since the dawn of time but as the famed Italian carmaker is struggling with their finances, their involvement in motorsport reached their climax and they made this. The Tipo 61 is their final attempt as it struggled to balance the expense of racing with profitability. It comes with the same 2.0L 4-cylinder engine from the 200S and it was positioned at 45 degrees to lower ride height and its center of gravity. For strengthening and weight loss purposes, one of the engineers designed the car's latticed space frame composed of small diamter tubing which shaped like the birdcage.

Stirling Moss and Dan Gurney were one of the aces that drove the Birdcage to victory at the 1960 Nurburgring 1000 in extreme weather conditions.

Anyway, that's enough history lesson but since I found the Birdcage Masis, it became my most valuable car in the game, eclipsing my McLaren P1 that I'm saving it for later. Amazing for a legendary machine to become one of the most valuable cars in the game right?

Speaking of which, I got myself another barn find. It's the ninth one! The second to the last! Will I find it? Nah, let's save the finding for later but for now, I got a race to attend to. See you later!

Maserati Ghibli

2014 Maserati Ghibli

Hmmm...Ever wonder why there is another sedan in the Maserati lineup? Maserati makes sports cars and that's it until the four-door Quattroporte crashed the party, the same thing happened to Aston Martin with their Rapide and Porsche with their Panamera. Sure, there are four-door sedans wearing supercar badges but for Maserati, there's plenty for that came from so in case you're wondering...why? Why did Maserati added another four door saloon which is shorter than the Quattroporte?

It's called the Ghibli (no, not Studio Ghibli. Just Ghibli) and what this is is the Italian supercar maker's take on the baby luxury saloons such as the Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. That's right. This Italian luxury saloon has its rivals on its crosshairs or tridents perhaps but there's some bizarre oddities lurking around the new Ghibli even though it was labeled as a Quattroporte for the posh yuppies.

2014 Maserati Ghibli interior

2014 Maserati Ghibli interior

Normally, the exterior design looks more like a Quattroporte that has been zapped by the small ray but naturally, the new Ghibli, which is Italian for "I'm gonna take down those German rivals in my class", showcases its prolific characteristics suitable for anyone who's having their seminal work done and move on to another. It maybe smaller, shorter, lighter, more dynamic, less expensive and more economical than the flagship Quattroporte but amazingly, the new Ghibli serves as the next evolution for Maserati as this saloon serves more profit for Maserati as by 2015, they'll be making 50,000 Maseratis, most of them will be Ghiblis while some are GranTurismo and Quattroporte but never mind about the GranTurismo. Some say there's going to be a replacement in the works right now but we'll remain mum about this.

On the interior, that's also an oddity because even though it looks Maserati, there are some stuff sourced from Chrysler such as the engine start/stop button. That's from Chrysler, you known. Then, when you turned on the satellite navigation, yep! That's also sourced from Chrysler and I'm starting to get some connectivity problems out there.

2014 Maserati Ghibli

While the Quattroporte comes with a big V8 engine, the Ghibli tries to be smaller as this baby Maserati saloon is fitted with different V6 engines. For the first time, the Ghibli is the first Maserati to be fitted with a diesel engine. That's sound strange because there hasn't been a supercar maker using a diesel engine but for Maserati, they do have now but only this Italian carmaker can do that, well Porsche did with their diesel-powered Cayenne SUV and the Panamera saloon. Anyway, the diesel-powered model is powered by one of the most powerful single-turbo 3.0L engine on the market, developing 275PS of power, a 0-100kph time of 6.3 seconds, and top speed of 250kph. They even had a cheaper 250PS version but it's only for the Italian market. What makes this Ghibli diesel economical is because of the combined fuel economy of 16.9kmpl and 158 grams of CO2/km emissions. 

Well, the diesel engine maybe a bit of a hush right now but when you compare these to the diesel-powered Germans in its class, it will surely give them a run for its money, theoretically. Now what about the petrol versions? As of now, the most sportiest of them all is the Ghibli S version featuring a high-performance 3.0L V6 engine capable of doing a 0-100kph time of 5 seconds and top speed of 285kph. Couple that with the available four-wheel drive system and it will drop .2 seconds in its 0-100kph but because it's heavy, top speed is now 284kph, one less than the FR version of the Ghibli S.

Also new to Maserati is that all Ghibli models come with the Active Speed Limited function standard. You can activate it or deactivate it at the touch of the button and when its own, the driver will now judge which appropriate speed limit for the car. For the first time, it's the driver's decision, not the maker, to decide the limited top speed for the Ghibli and sounds too good to be true. If the driver sets it to 250kph limited top speed, then fine! 250kph limited top speed for the Ghibli but just to let you know, the normal Ghibli with the normal 3.0L V6 engine has a top speed of 263kph, Ghibli S is 285, Ghibli S Q4 is 284, and Ghibli Diesel is 250 so changing the speed limit of the Ghibli can be somewhat more of a class act so best to be careful with that feature though.

Most Ghiblis do fitted with the Quattroporte-derived 8-speed automatic transmission which delivers in every parameter, from comfort to fast gear shifting, and from minimised fuel consumption to low NVH. It has five settings ranging from Auto Normal, Auto Sport, Manual Normal, Manual Sport and the extreme weather I.C.E mode and the driver can choose which mode is suitable on several driving conditions. Of course some modes are fine if used correctly but some can be a bit more annoying especially the Auto Normal mode which in this mode, this transmission forgot that this is the gear-shifting mechanism, not some kind of stuff that has been idled for too long. You may feel like you are as stressed as watching too much late night television before 2:00AM but it's not over yet.

Judging by the way it handles, the Ghibli does have some characters on the corners but on the normal roads, you'll get the same feeling as you expect from remembering the most painful moments like the awful moment that your sisters think that you're a fraud at watching TV shows. You may think you did watch that show but you're not. Quite a bitter personal experience I got here but this is what you expect when you're driving one on the normal roads. (sigh)

But still, the new Maserati Ghibli is still one of the good driver's car of the year and it has the A4, C-Class, and the 3-Series locked-on. So much for the baby Quattroporte but if this sells like hotcakes, I'm so in to that baby Maserati. Remember it may have the marque of the supercar even with four doors but when you want to take a spin on the Ghibli, you are about as interesting as a man selling falsified documents to the black market. If you saw one of these in your next door neighborhood, you are getting too jealous about your neighbor driving one of those and you just can't resist the temptation. Very well then, guess I'm short of time about this but if you're interested on the Ghibli, contact your nearest Maserati dealer for more info. Cheers!

Photo: Maserati

Maserati Quattroporte VI

Once, Maserati is a Italian sportscar maker specializes in cutting-edge grand tourers such as the GranTurismo, but by a twist from the noughties gave them a 4-door premium sedan that is a worthy contender against the Germans such as the S-Class, the 7-Series, and the A8.

It's called the Quattroporte and Quattroporte is Italian for four-doors when you're not surrendering. Now, you may remember that the Quattroporte was tested in Top Gear three years ago and even though it's not as fast as the Aston Martin Rapide or the Porsche Panamera, it's still one of the most interesting 4-door supercar ever made and that noise in sports mode really hits the spot. It's also more fun to drive and you can ever do some powersliding in here.

2013 Maserati Quattroporte

But now, let's move to the brand new and even more interesting Maserati Quattroporte. It's the newest incarnation of Maserati's 4-door supercar that we all like and at first glance, it's still more like The Godfather Part II but with some added...um...added...hey, what was the name of that HBO drama series that was ended a few years ago? Sopranos? Okay, it's still more like The Godfather Part II but with some added Sopranos on it.

2013 Maserati Quattroporte

How? Well, enough about mafia stuff, let's talk about the design. For starters, the front looks more of the same but it feels like Fidel Castro's face being squished  by several pliers. Also, two kinds of Maserati badges showed up in the front. One in the hood, one in the grille. Same as the Maserati GranTurismo but really? Do you need two badges on the front? And then there's the back view which feels like it came from the Kia K7. Go ahead, when you see a Kia K7, park near to it and you might notice that both of their backs look more of the same. Hmmm...

2013 Maserati Quattroporte interior

Now, what about the interior? Judging by its new interior, it's pretty much well crafted and well tailored like an exotic Chinese dress for the long-legged or maybe is Angelina Jolie's gown as seen in Mr. and Mrs. Smith, perhaps? Well, whatever that is, it's still looking nicely for the brand new interior of the new Quattroporte. Also, there's this stereo system in which when you had some spare change, you can opt in for the Bowers & Wilkins Premium Surround System which features 15 speakers, 5 x 25mm aluminium dome tweeters, 5 x 100mm Kevlar midrange drivers, 2 x 165mm Kevlar bass/midrange drivers, 2 x 165mm Rohacell bass drivers, 1x 350x200mm racetrack subwoofer 16 channel Class D amplifier with a combined output 1,280W, and QuantumLogic Surround Sound processing. 

Sounds wonderful though, and what's amazing though that is has an available WLAN technology that effectively turns it into a rolling Wi-Fi HotSpot. With this, your boss at the back will spend most of the trips doing Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram with some hashtag nonsense. Yeah right, you might wanna leave as much hashtags you can while on the trip to Monte Carlo. He he he...

2013 Maserati Quattroporte

So, what about driving? If you were on the top-spec GTS version, it's still a a great car to drive on the open roads and on normal roads, as long as you're not fiddling with anything, it's still a comfortable premium saloon car. It was interesting but sadly, the fun doesn't last for long because the ride and handling doesn't have that "Ah!" factor so how about adding an extra ingredient? Four-wheel drive!

STOP: Four-wheel drive versions of the Quattroporte are available exclusively on the Left Hand Drive markets. Yes, really, the Quattroporte S Q4 is available only for selected Left Hand Drive markets.

The S Q4 version of the Quattroporte provides this 4-door supercar four-wheel drive so you can reach amazing angles and still rescue it but for a price, the 3.8 V8 engine was downgraded to a 3.0 V6 engine, which delivers 410PS of power, does 0-60 in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 176mph. Still, it was worth a shot against premium luxury German saloon cars with a top speed limited to 155mph so no worries for this one. Anyway, with the four wheel-drive, it becomes more forgiving and more enjoyable in the corners but sadly, it feels a bit more milder. It's too mild for a Quattroporte with four-wheel drive so you don't get the sensation flowing through your adrenaline so for a real challenge, let's go back to the GTS model because it has rear-wheel drive, 3.8L V8 engine that develops 530PS of power, and some added dynamism for some added challenge.

But still, whichever which version you're on, whether if its a rear-wheel drive GTS variant with a V8 engine or a four wheel drive S Q4, an 8-speed flappy-paddle gearbox is the only gearbox available for the new Quattroporte and although still a single-clutch rather than the too-common double clutch, it's worth on par with the best sport/luxury sedans in this segment but sadly, nothing's too perfect for this gearbox because it's still as complicating as the other Chrysler Group sedans wearing the same gearbox. Sigh...

Even though the gearbox is a bit of an issue for the new model because it's too much and the suspension noise that's more terrible to notice than checking your door for a power interruption notice on the next day, the new Quattroporte is still one of the most top notch premium sedans ever made and it sets a blistering pace against any two-tonne saloon that has any right to. It's still worth a try for a mafioso hitman to drive one or a chauffeur who turns out to be a former special ops.

Available colors: Nero, Bianco, Grigio Metallo, Bronzo Siena, Champagne, Nero Ribelle, Blu Passione, and Rosso Folgore.

Photo: Maserati

Forza Horizon: Can you find thrills on Horizon?

An open world driving game called Forza Horizon can sometimes be a thriller because most players have a million ways to get themselves a thrill in Colorado such as racing against each other or tunnel runs or car chases or I-70 runs or whatever they want to get them thrilled. That's how a gamer wants but what cars made some thrills on Horizon? Can you get thrills on driving the fastest supercars on Horizon? I'm not sure but there are some candidate for thrillers out there...

A true V8 road runner

Hmmm... I drove the Maserati Granturismo S coupe on Horizon and that seems fine for a V8 road runner that feels as sublime as a fancy restaurant but for sheer thrills, the Granturismo doesn't offer that. Sure, I once read stories about the Maserati history, about how the racing career became historical, and everything related to Maserati but sadly though, in the Granturismo though, it feels like it's a well-civilized being, feels like there was some university life going on around here. It was made as a grand tourer, not a thrill seeker that tickles my fancy. Sorry.

A true thoroughbred

What about the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione? This maybe a candidate for a thrill seeker. With big brakes, carbon fibre body, the same V8 engine that powers the Maserati, double wishbone suspension, and the fact that it was built on the same factory as the Maserati Granturismo, the Alfa Romeo 8C seems to be a thrill-seeker's preference but as I drove one on Horizon, (sigh) it doesn't made me feel the thrill. I mean look at it, the skies, the mountains, the roads, ruined by this car. Even though it was classified as a supercar, it doesn't feel a bit supercar-ish. It reacts, feels, and sounds like an American muscle car and sometimes, this car seems to be too uncomfortable enough to tickle my fancies. Despite its faults, the 8C is still one of the best Alfa Romeos ever built.

Pure Elegance

This is the car I found on the December IGN Car Pack. The Aston Martin DBS. Even though this is an invalid choice because the new 2013 Vanquish is supposed to be on Horizon, not this, this is still a proper thoroughbred car. Let's not talk about the faults okay? Not even the Volvo-sourced sat-nav system, okay? What it feels here on the DBS is pure thrills. Sure, it has the same German-built 6.0L V12 engine as the DB9 but the engine output produces 510HP of power while being mated with a 6-speed manual transmission. Also, I can expect the same architecture as the DB9 as well.

Despite the fact that it's just a DB9 that has been on breast implants, the DBS really shivers my excitement. Thanks to its Pirelli P-Zero tires developed specifically for the DBS, this car dances excelentlly and with the reworked suspension, the DBS sure seems to be more fun to drive than the 8C or the Granturismo.

I know, the Aston Martin DBS brought me more thrills than the Maserati and the 8C but in overall thrills, you can do better. There are so many thrills to find on Horizon, just not this car, okay? Take your time, the thrills are all around you and feel free to enjoy.

Forza 4 Head to Head: Enzo vs. MC12

Hello again. Time for another showdown and this time, I could be comparing some sort of fraternal twins from Italy.

Fraternal Twins

I'm talking about the Enzo and the MC12. Sure, they are the finest achievements two Italian carmakers can ever think of. Both of these are more fun on the track but the feeling of owning and driving them in reality can be somewhat frustrating but I don't care. First off, let's start with the MC12...

Maserati MC12:

The MC12 from Maserati was used to compete in the FIA GT Championship and this was based on the Enzo Ferrari. The road-going version of the MC12 was produced in 2004 with 30 cars produced (five of which were not for sale). A further 25 were produced in 2005 making a total of 50 cars available for customers, each of which were pre-sold for €600,000.

It uses the same 6.0L V12 engine from the Enzo but it produces a maximum torque of 652 newton metres (481 lbf·ft) at 5500 rpm and a maximum power of 630 PS (460 kW; 620 hp) at 7500 rpm, while being mated with the Maserati Cambiocorsa semi-automatic transmission which has the final drive ratio of 4.10:1 and provides a shift time of just 150 milliseconds.

Jeremy Clarkson reviewed the MC12 on Top Gear and he disliked it more like the BiTurbo that he crushed. "Is it a racer? Is it a GT car? Is it a de-tuned Enzo in a fat suit? You can't really tell." he said but when handed to The Stig, it set a lap time of 1:18.9, 0.1 seconds faster than the Enzo Ferrari.

The MC12 crossed the line in 1:17.787

Enzo Ferrari:


The Enzo Ferrari was the ultimate Ferrari ever built in 2002 in celebration of Ferrari's 55th anniversary and it is limited to 399 units.

Originally, it supposed to be called the F60, in line with other anniversary models such as the F40 and the F50, but it was announced that before its launch, this car has to be named after the founder of Ferrari, ENZO FERRARI.

Designed by a Japanese named Ken (Kiyoyuki Okuyama), the Enzo was heavily influenced by its Formula One-style nose, providing better aerodynamics. Little known fact that Michael Schumacher was contributed for this car.

Powering the Enzo was its 6.0L V12 engine that generates 651HP of power and 484.8lb-ft of torque, armed with a semi-auto transmission called the F1-matic. Top speed is 350kph.

Jeremy Clarkson borrowed Nick Mason's Enzo for a review on Top Gear and when handed to The Stig, it set a lap time of 1:19.0.  The Enzo was one of the cars contributed for the challenge when James May tries to recreate the Top Gear theme song using car engines.




The Enzo Ferrari did it in 1:17.981, a few seconds slower than the...MC12(?)

Enzo's Time

Strange that despite the MC12 is somewhat a de-tuned Enzo in a fat suit, how can it be more quicker than the Enzo in terms of lap times? Doesn't matter though because what I'm driving those were works of art. The MC12 is all about being as delicate as a piano concerto but it takes skill to master the handling because such brutal speed may cost you more. The Enzo though, that is truly a knife-edge combatant I truly love about. Although both of these cars have no luxury equipment, the freedom to drive those cars are highly immense. I wanna drive one of these more than hanging on my last breath.

V8 Road Runners

A beautiful scenery

Swiss background is very lovely

Gran Turismo meets GranTurismo, very lovely...

Now this is quite a thrill...

GranTurismo tackling through the driving heaven

...because what we have here on Gran Turismo 5 is a front-engine rear-wheel drive GT car. A 4.7-litre, 183 mph V8 roadrunner. This car is wonderful and overall, this is a Maserati GranTurismo S, which if you're 700 to 13 or 14 years old means a lot.

Maserati taking a day-off in Japan

Maserati was founded in 1914 and it won several races when Enzo Ferrari wasn't even born yet. In 1957, courtesy of racing driver J.M. Fangio, a legendary Maserati 250F won the world championship. To men with beards and adenoids, a Maserati with a big steering wheel and cross pipe tyres is Debbie does Dallas. You would think that with such heritage mixed with a cocktail of technology comes with a big surprise when you're driving a Maserati and spicing up your thriller sense but sadly, it doesn't.

I was expecting that this Maserati GranTurismo S will amaze me with its perfect mix of luxury and sportiness but to me, it's a bit boring for me. It doesn't give me such thrillers every time my foot is on the gas pedal. Sure it has a fixed-setting steel dampers or the optional Sky Hook adaptive suspension feature but they're not enough to please me. Not enough to make me smile. It feels like I'm sitting a massaging chair and reading a good book for a spare time. Mmmmm.....

Trident smoking is hazardous to my mind...

In terms of Pininfarina design, the Maserati GranTurismo isn't quite a sightseeing stuff for me. The front is too big and the rims are too gaudy. It maybe a 4.7-litre 183 mph V8 roadrunner that rides comfortably as a long distance cruiser but for thrills, that doesn't work...

I'm sure The Stig left the keys to this car somewhere...

How about this? It's the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione, their first attempt to create a supercar. Sure it may have the same 4.7L V8 I'd expect from the Maserati GranTurismo S but it's a bit detuned. It produces 331 kW (450 PS; 444 hp) of power, 480 N·m (350 lb·ft) of torque, and it has a top speed of 292 km/h (181 mph). It has a 6-speed semi-automatic gearbox mounted at the back, double-wishbone suspension, bigger brakes, carbon fiber body and this car is truly a thoroughbred.

Alfa Romeo made a V8 supercar?

There is a simple Top Gear dialog that you can't be a true petrolhead without an Alfa Romeo but this 8C, a limited-to-500-units special edition supercar, is the best Alfa Romeo petrolheads could ever have.

In the days of black-and-white television, Alfa Romeo is one of the world's greatest racing team and as a matter of fact, Enzo Ferrari began his racing career there. In the 1950's, Alfa Romeo won many races in years and their racing pedigree has been preserved for years. Surely the Maserati has records of motorsport history but for Alfa, this is how they all began.

From the looks of it, it's horrid

Because it was made in the same factory as the Maserati, it doesn't pack too much thrill to me and...Jeremy Clarkson's right because THE 8C IS HORRID! Horrid when it comes to its exterior design because it looks like Ju-On The Grudge meets Sadako from The Ring if you know what I mean. Also horrid was the gearbox and then the suspension that Alfa claims that they made it so firm but when potholes came...ouch. It feels like you're going to get some serious osteoporosis here.

Horrid, isn't it?

It feels wayward, uncomfortable, and it feels like an American muscle car. It even sounds like one. It doesn't feel that fast every time when your foot is on the pedal. Imagine that, Eiger in Switzerland, ribbon of asphalt, driving heaven, all ruined by this...Alfa Romeo 8C. Even it is rather disappointed, the Alfa Romeo 8C is a wonderful car, it's one of the best looking supercars I have ever seen and that's all it is.

Modena Exotica

These two are not the biggest thrill

The Maserati GranTurismo S may be more comfortable and the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione may be better looking but for me, I'm afraid these two doesn't work and for me...I could do better than those...