It Responds Only When You Drive with "Maserati" in Mind

──Before we discuss your impressions of the Maserati, could you tell us about your car history?

I wasn't interested in cars at all initially. But when I was 21, a friend let me drive his Nissan Stagea Autech Version, equipped with an RB26 engine, on the Shuto Expressway. It was a car tuned to 500 horsepower with HKS 2540 twin turbines. The exhilarating drive on the Shuto Expressway at that time sparked my interest, and I wanted to drive the fastest car! So, I bought an R32 GT-R. It started with 400 horsepower using Nismo turbines. Actually, I bought the car before I got my license. After receiving my license at the testing center, I drove it home, but with a single-plate clutch installed, I stalled 25 times before reaching home.

After that, I started racing at Tsukuba Circuit at the invitation of a friend's shop and obtained my license. Once I got comfortable at Tsukuba, I began drag racing. I've modified everything, from pistons to crankshafts. My current setup has an OS GIKEN sequential dog-engagement gearbox and a Trust T88 big single turbo, producing about 700 horsepower. However, I'm currently taking a break from racing and use an R35 GT-R and a Mercedes-Benz S-Class for daily driving.



──From your perspective, what did you think of this Maserati?

I fundamentally like fast cars, so when I drive a GT-R, other cars tend to fade into the background. However, with this Maserati, I got the impression that it's a car you grow to like the more you get to know it. At first, it didn't open up to me. Even when I pressed the accelerator, the drive didn't quite sync with me. But when I started adjusting my driving to match the car, thinking of it as "Maserati," we clicked perfectly, and I was able to drive fast. It's a mysterious car.

──What about the engine's feel?

It has solid torque from low RPMs, and with a respectable 450 horsepower at peak output (laughs). The engine is smoother and more composed at higher revs. As expected from a Ferrari engine, the sound is exhilarating, and it becomes truly fun above 5,000 rpm. Because the car's width is easy to gauge, it's a car where you can truly feel the engine's enjoyment!

I Want to Drive Only in RACE Mode

──Did you find the semi-automatic transmission a bit challenging?


──What are your impressions of the interior?

It has an Italian luxury! It's stylish with abundant use of Alcantara and leather, giving it a luxurious impression. Yet, the rear seats, which are present in the normal GranTurismo, have been removed and replaced with a fire extinguisher. This contrast is also interesting. It balances racing car elements with a sense of celebrity. While I love the GT-R, I'd want a Maserati for dates.


──Who do you think this car would suit?

Given the price, it would naturally be for those with financial means, but I think it's a car that would suit women as well. The handling is quick, so with just a reinforced clutch, I believe it could be enjoyed on the circuit. However, if I owned it, I'd likely use it mostly for driving around Roppongi. Like romance, you don't know until you try, but I don't think it's a car that's gentle with everyone.

MASERATI GRANTURISMO MC STRADALE│
Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale
Body Size│Length 4,935 × Width 1,915 × Height 1,345mm
Wheelbase│2,940mm
Vehicle Weight│1,850kg
Engine│4.7-liter V8 DOHC 4-valve
Max Output│331kW (450ps) / 7,000rpm
Max Torque│510Nm (52.0kgm) / 4,750rpm
Fuel Economy│14.4ℓ/100km
CO2 Emissions│337g/km
Price│21,125,000 yen
*Fuel economy and CO2 emissions are based on UK data.