The ever-elegant Maserati GranTurismo graces 2012 with a significant refresh ending in a four-trim lineup. Maserati made several modifications inside and out of every GranTurismo, from feature content to mechanicals and even body, but one thing in particular sticks out—this vixen is the fastest thing Maserati makes today.

Despite the chunk taken out of the cost for a stock 2012 GranTurismo, the value got better. Maserati upgraded the seat trim to genuine leather, the Bose sound system is now surround, and brake assist is now standard—for all 2012 GranTurismos. Coupe variants additionally moved their seat-mounted side-impact airbag to the door. Observant lovers of the trident will also notice a slightly more forgiving suspension working in tandem with increased power, and perhaps a slight fuel efficiency improvement touted by Maserati.

The 4.2-liter V8 is no more, replaced entirely by the 4.7, but for the all-new Convertible Sport and Base versions that 4.7 lets out a particular chorus to the tune of 444 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. The Convertible keeps its 433 hp and 361 lb-ft engine, so it is now the only GranTurismo to hit 60 mph after 5 seconds, due to hefting around some 200 extra pounds of reinforcement over what the S needs, which also shares the same engine. The end result on fuel economy is a 1 to 2 mpg bump up to 13 mpg city/20 highway for the convertibles and 13/21 for the coupes.

The Convertible Sport takes on the Skyhook Sport suspension, while the Convertible now receives the same touring treatment as this year's S, and the Base takes up the sport suspension torch from the 2011 Convertible. As for transmission, the glossies can't decide whether Maserati used a 6-speed automatic with manumatic shifting or a 6-speed automated manual, but based on official literature it appears they each use an automatic with manual shifting capabilities and certain tweaks to suit each particular GT edition. Either way, the only choices to make are among an exceptionally wide array of external, internal and wheel-style derivatives, and from there you are virtually guaranteed an unforgettable and exclusive driving experience at the wheel of the most coveted trident-bearer available today.