IT'S the sound that sends the shivers down your spine - an ear-splitting crack of thunder, the squealing whistle of a banshee firework, a guitar power chord at 120 decibels.

Better still, the engine of an Italian supercar. And when it comes to the latter, the crackle and snarl from the new generation Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo is an aural sensation you don't forget in a hurry.

Trofeo may mean trophy in English but the Italians see this sensational version of its grand tourer as being synonymous with racing, and you don't need long behind the wheel to appreciate why.

The engine is an F1-derived V6 Nettuno twin turbo and its performance figures are seismic - a whopping 550bhp on tap, 0-62 in a fleeting 3.5 seconds, a potential top speed of 199mph and the ability to stop from 62mph in 35 metres.

No surprise then that this is the most powerful internal combustion engine ever fitted into a GranTurismo.

Simply prodding the blue start button brings a smile to your face, engage the Sport mode and you have maximum power - with the accompanying volcanic soundtrack from the double twin tailpipes.

If that's still not enough there's an extreme Corsa mode for putting the Maserati's abilities to test on the racetrack or proving ground.

And does it look the part? Absolutely. This is a sports car/GT with compelling presence, sleek, elegant and menacing all in one, with smart touches like carbon fibre on the front splitters, the rear bumper and side skirts to ensure its dramatic appeal.

Gloss black slats on the front grille scream performance and the forged 20/21-inch wheels with shiny black finish and red Brembo calipers along with the Trofeo badge and side Trident logo in burnished chrome complete the view.

Move inside and as a GT there are four seats which include something of a surprise package in that they are all capable of comfortably accommodating adults, with decent legroom to boot.

The digital displays, including a 12.3-inch central screen, all work seamlessly and there's also a head-up display plus an analogue clock that can be changed to a compass or stopwatch.

Everything inside feels well put together and premium while the soft leather seats and surround come with red double stitching, though if you want the Maserati trident embossed on the seat backs it will set you back an extra £600.

In fact extras are what can really hike up the GT's price. Simply opting for Rosso Granturismo-Fuoriserie paint will set you back a princely £29,160, the Astreo Design diamond cut rims add £2,880, the Sonus faber high premium sound system with 19 speakers costs £3,360 and there are various packages from Comfort to Tech Assistance.

Our tested model included all these and more, lifting the total price when taxes are included to a hefty £212,060 - not a tab for the faint-hearted.

What those with very deep pockets are getting though is a GT model of outstanding provenance, a performance car icon of immense desirability that's beautifully engineered and oozes pedigree.