With the help of the S's robotized manual transaxle, which does a passable impression of Ferrari's Superfast F1 box under duress, the GranTurismo S now rockets through the 62-mph mark in 4.5 seconds. It hits 125 mph 10 seconds later and will reportedly run all the way to a top speed of 196 mph. That's a lot quicker than the standard car and that extra shove means it can cruise through bends in a higher gear, riding a wave of torque rather than wringing the engine, but then you'll still push for the redline just because it sounds so downright dirty.
And all the time inside the car it's a refined, relaxed and cultured drive. Yes, Novitec has employed its specifically tuned KW suspension with height-adjustable coilovers and dropped the car 30mm on to NM3 21-inch five-spoke wheels, but inside it's like this is the way it was always meant to be. Novitec worked long and hard to maintain the original character of the car, with a whole heap more power and cornering skills, and the most demanding customers on the planet say that they're doing something right.
Their profound skills show in every twist, turn and pothole as the new GranTurismo S remains a gentleman's car at a hooligan's speed.
It's still not quite a match for the 599 in terms of outright pace and it's true you might just miss that fraction at the apex on occasion. But then Novitec's GranTurismo S is just a slicker all-around package on the road, it's more than fast enough, even with the mods it comes in for less money and you won't have to put up with the world flipping you off at lights.
Instead you'll be a card carrying, top hat wearing gentleman, with 600 hp of pure fury and a genuine supercar under your brogued foot.
Novitec Tridente Gran Turismo S
Layout
Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine
4.7-liter V8, dohc, 32-valve. Novitec Tridente supercharger system and software
Transmission
Six-speed sequential manual
Brakes
Novitec/KW coilovers, adjustable height and rebound
Wheels and Tires
Novitec NM3, 9x20 (f), 12.5x21 (r)
Michelin Pilot Sport, 275/30 (f), 355/25 (r)
Performance
Peak Power: 600 hp @ 4750 rpm
Peak Torque: 433 lb-ft @ 5400 rpm
0-62 mph: 4.5 sec.
Top Speed: 196 mph