On a trip to Japan, we had time for a brief sit-down with Maserati Asia-Pacific managing director Takayuki Kimura after the regional unveiling of the all-new Maserati GranTurismo at the majestic Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple in Tokyo.

Kimura-san pointed out the relevance of this launch to the brand. Apparently, Japan is one of the strongest markets for the marque globally.

Celebrating over 75 years of the company’s grand touring sports car heritage, the all-new GranTurismo is clearly a strong reflection of the brand’s ethos, opening a new chapter for Maserati.

Combining luxurious comfort, performance, and innovation, the new GranTurismo marries the best of the nameplate’s past with modern innovation, all elegantly packaged in a timeless body reinforced by a combination of magnesium, aluminum, and high-performance steel.

At the unveiling inside the temple, Kimura showcased a limited version dubbed the GranTurismo PrimaSerie Trofeo 75th Anniversary Launch Edition.

This particular GT, limited to only 75 examples, dons a stunning Grigio Lamiera Matte finish embellished with red accents such as the front fender holes and the badges.

The sleek shell with muscular shoulders sits on staggered trident-inspired wheels (20 inches at the front, and 21 inches at the rear), and also sports red circumferential accents and 75th-anniversary center caps.

Despite being a two-door coupe, the GranTurismo comfortably seats four occupants. Inside, 75th-anniversary touches continue with red embroidery work on all four headrests. The driver’s saddle showcases Maserati’s modern, ergonomic cockpit design.

A fully digital driver’s display is partnered with the Trident’s latest infotainment system featuring Level 5 cyber security and over-the-air update capabilities. The large curved center touchscreen sits nicely below the iconic (now digital) dash clock and is within perfect reach.

A heads-up display is optional. The whole idea here is to make everything effortless and drive-focused for the pilot. With a 14-speaker Sonus Faber 3D audio system, the GT experience is elevated to a whole new level.

At the heart of the GranTurismo Trofeo roars a 3.0-liter Nettuno twin-turbo V6 engine (542hp), a detuned version of the one found in the MC20 supercar—mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, capable of hitting 100km/h from a standstill in just 3.5 seconds.

The Modena variant gets the same impressive powertrain with 483hp on tap.

All variants come with all-wheel drive and the marque’s Vehicle Domain Control Module, ensuring the best driving experience under varying scenarios.

As Maserati chief designer Klaus Busse explained, the beauty of the in-house engine is that it can be mounted as far back from the front as possible (behind the front axles) and positioned low to the ground. This makes the GranTurismo a front mid-engine sports coupe that handles turns very well and stays planted on the asphalt.

A third variant, the all-electric Folgore, will be introduced at a later time. Powered by a 92.5kWh battery, the Folgore churns out around 750hp and promises a uniquely exhilarating drive experience. According to Maserati’s Asia-Pacific management, customers still prefer ICE (internal combustion engine) models, and Maserati will continue to satisfy that demand for as long as possible.

Also revealed at the event was the GranTurismo Fuoriserie One-Off Prisma, symbolizing a celebration of select GT colors since 1947. This one and only model showcases 14 finishes meticulously laid out in a kaleidoscope-like presentation throughout the shell of the GranTurismo.

Kimura shared that the GranTurismo Modena and Trofeo options will be priced for the Japanese market at roughly ¥25,000,000 (P9.38 million) and ¥30,000,000 (P11.25 million), respectively.

This grand tourer is expected to hit Philippine shores in the first quarter of 2024, just after the completion of the new local showroom at the corner of EDSA and Connecticut Avenue in Greenhills, San Juan City.