GranTurismo was the name given to the new V8 GT car from Maserati in 2007 when they replaced the M138 Maserati Coupe and Spyder. This new, aggressively styled GT car ushered in a new era of technology and engineering and made the GranTurismo a decidedly more desirable offering. Initially fitted with a Ferrari-developed 4.2-litre V8, the GranTurismo was designed in record time and eventually became the foundation for the Ferrari California.
Related: Top 3 things you need to know about the Maserati GranTurismo
The GranTurismo was a successful model for the brand and in 2019 it bowed out with a final version, known as the Zéda. Numerous models can be found online when looking through the AutoTrader used car listings, with prices around the R1.8-million mark. That makes this a more affordable way to get into a modern Italian GT car with V8 power.
The singular caveat is that the technology, while relevant for the time, has recently become slightly dated. Should you manage to snag a late model, you will be treated to a respectable infotainment system.
Maserati GranTurismo
Late-model GranTurismos are fitted with a respectable infotainment system that features an 8.4-inch, high-resolution touchscreen. The Maserati Touch Control Plus system features navigation, radio and smartphone tethering while also housing the display for the HVAC system and comfort controls.
The system will accept inputs from USB, SD cards and Bluetooth connections, allowing for hands-free telephony. You are able to stream audio from a Bluetooth connection or mirror your phone's screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Controls come in the form of a multifunction steering wheel, a multi-step rotary control with shortcut buttons in the centre console, or via the touchscreen. The screen displays a row of icons that allow for quick and intuitive access to core functions but some settings are located in obscure locations and are best adjusted while stationary.
Mercedes-AMG GT
Recent updates have seen the infotainment system in the Mercedes-AMG GT updated to a newer system with a larger screen that measures in at 10.2-inches. This system also employs the newer version of the COMAND control interface in the centre console with a revised operating system.
Older models were fitted with a smaller 7-inch screen when specified with the COMAND system while an 8.4-inch screen was fitted to those that opted for the COMAND Online package. This system accepted inputs from USB and Bluetooth, allowing for hands-free communication and audio streaming from connected devices. While dated, the menu was relatively easy to use once accustomed to and was quick to respond.
The centrally-mounted touchpad controller was tricky to use at times with ones palm often causing wayward gestures and selection and it's best to use the bank of shortcut buttons rather than fight through the menu via the touchpad.
Jaguar F-Type
If one is considering a used vehicle, then you will probably be looking at the pre-facelift Jaguar F-Type. If you can forego the V8, you will be able to get behind the wheel of a new Jaguar F-Type but the V8 models will push your budget to the nether-side of R2-million.
You're still going to get a lot of tech for your money though as the F-Type is fitted with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that Jaguar calls the InControl Touch Pro. This high-resolution touchscreen system supports various inputs including USB and Bluetooth for hands-free communication and audio streaming. The system is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone mirroring to allows approved apps to be used while driving.
While the only methods of control are the multifunction steering wheel and touchscreen, a volume and power knob is supplied in the centre console for rapid volume adjustment.
