I recently returned from Italy with a new briefcase that is too expensive and holds only a fraction of the bag it replaced.

So why did I spend my hard-earned soldi that day in Florence on a bag that is smaller and pricier? Because it exudes craftsmanship and a sense of style that so uniquely Italian. I saw it out of the corner of my eye and when I made the mistake of picking it up, all bets were off.

I experienced the same sensory highjacking that makes women swoon and men break their budgets over Italian shoes when I spent time with the latest masterpiece from Maserati, the 2008 GranTurismo.

So what is it about Italian products that make bank accounts empty and adults consider selling their children?

In the case of the Maserati GranTurismo it is a combination of tradition, stunning shapes, quality materials and modern technology that few car companies today can match.
2008 Maserati GranTurismo

On paper the GranTurismo isn’t much different than its high-end competitors from Germany or England. It combines a powerful engine in an attractive body and a luxury brand name. But once you are in the midst of the muscular exterior, experience the smell of the Poltrona Frau® leather, hear sound of the 405-horsepower Ferrari-sourced 4.2L V8 as it catapults you to 60 MPH in 5.1 seconds and feel the hand-crafted materials that surround you, you understand that there you are in the midst of true art.

There is a term it Italian – Stendalissimo – that describes visitors that are so overwhelmed by the beauty of the art and architecture in Italy that they break down in tears. I propose that a new term be coined – GranTurissimo – to describe the incredible sensory overload you experience when piloting a Maserati GranTurismo.

True luxury isn’t just about how it makes you feel. There has to be a sense of exclusivity involved as well.

Maserati understands that and offers over four million color and trim combinations on the GrandTurismo.

You can choose the color of your leather, stitching, carpets and interior panels in addition to the exterior palette to make your GrandTurismo truly your own.

Of course this luxury and exclusivity costs more than the average vehicle but the joining Club Maserati isn’t as prohibitive as you would think. Starting at $114,000 the GrandTurismo is a relative bargain for those of you in the market for a custom-tailored vehicle that could very well bring you to tears every time you start it.

Get more detailed information on the 2008 Maserati GranTurismo in the new car section at GayWheels.com.

For more car reviews, see GayWheels.com.