The ten best Italian cars on sale in 2023 | GRR
Italian cars are not short of unfavourable stereotypes – prone to rust, badly built, disappointingly executed, you've probably heard them all before and more. But here you’ll find a list of ten Italian machines that put the stereotypes to bed, while majoring on the positive aspects that Italy’s famed for such as beautiful looks, charismatic powertrains and fine handling. Keep reading for our list of the best Italian cars you can currently buy.
1. Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
With the Audi RS4 set to bow out any day now and the V8 Mercedes-AMG C63 already gone, replaced by a 2.0-litre hybrid that's compromised in so many ways, arguably, there's never been a better time to get your hands on an Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. Particularly when it's just been facelifted. The Quadrifoglio blew us away when it launched in 2018, packing a free-revving 2.9-litre V6 engine with hefty punch and handling that was, for once, as good as the looks. The updated model improves in all areas. You get a fettled face, powerful matrix LED headlights, power up 10PS to 520PS (382kW) – for 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and a 191mph top speed – and tweaked suspension with a new mechanical LSD. It’s on sale now priced from just over £75,000.
2. Maturo Stradale
The Maturo Stradale is a restored Lancia Integrale that sings from the same hymn sheet as the Kimera EVO37, ironing out the foibles of a much-loved classic without diminishing its character. To build it, Maturo Competition Cars (admittedly based in the Netherlands) takes a standard Delta Integrale, strengthens the shell and drops the steel body in favour of a carbon fibre replacement. The engine is also updated, ironing out known weak points with a steel head gasket, improved oil pump and stronger timing belt. New engine management means there's no need for balancer shafts, while the Garrett T3 turbo gets updated internals. The result? A 406PS (298) rally raider that handles as the Integrale always should have. It’s priced at more than £250,000.
3. Abarth 500e
It was inevitable that following the successful launch of the all-electric Fiat 500, that a spiced-up Abarth version of the brand’s compact EV would follow. This is the Abarth 500e – the first all-electric car to wear the Abarth badge – and it’s here to serve up the same urban tearabout thrills of the 595 and 695 ranges but (near) silently and emissions-free. It’s less potent than its raucous petrol counterparts with the electric motor system serving up 154PS (113kW), but Abarth claims it laps the Balocco test track used to develop all things in the Abarth universe quicker than the more powerful internal combustion cars. That said, it does try to mimic the raucous soundtrack of its counterparts, with a new ‘Sound Generator’ feature reproducing an electronically composed version of the turbocharged 1.4-litre T-Jet engine.
4. Ferrari 296 GTS
We’ve already seen Ferrari’s stunning new 120-degree 2.9-litre V6 engine coupled with hybrid power in the astonishing 296 GTB. The GTS takes that formula but takes the roof off, creating the first convertible Ferrari-badged V6 road car ever. With a thumping peak power output of 830PS (610kW) when engine and electric motor are working together in perfect harmony, Ferrari claims 0-62mph in only 2.9 seconds, and a top speed of 205mph. And thanks to the 7.45kWh on-board battery, the newest member of Ferrari’s ‘Spider’ lineage can drive silently on electric power only, for up to 16 miles.
5. Ferrari Purosangue
Perhaps it was inevitable that one day, Ferrari would find itself joining the likes of Lamborghini, Bentley and Porsche in making an SUV. But the Prancing Horse sees the Purosangue differently. Far from referring to it as an SUV, this is simply the first four-door, four-seat Ferrari ever made, and it shares its platform with the stunning Roma 2+2. But it’s not without any compromise on power. In fact, making quite the statement under the bonnet is a naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12, developing 725PS (533kW) and granting Ferrari’s first tall-riding, family-friendly vehicle the sort of soundtrack you’d expect from one of the company’s flagship Berlinettas.
6. Maserati Ghibli 334 Ultima
So-called because it can hit 208mph (334km/h), the Maserati Ghibli 334 has an absurd top speed in any car, but it's particularly eye-widening in a sensible four-door saloon. Exactly how it improves on the standard Trofeo's 203mph full whack, Maserati must not be at liberty to say. However, it does confirm the 334 gets new "performance" tyres, 21-inch Orione alloy wheels and a carbon fibre spoiler. Whatever the changes, the 334 gets from 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds, down from 3.9 in the Trofeo. Unique Scià di Persia paint and a carbon fibre body kit complete the look on the outside, while inside, you get a Senape leather interior. To match the build numbers of the 5000 GT Scià di Persia – Maserati's first V8 sports car – just 103 Ultimas will be built; orders are being taken now, with prices yet to be confirmed.
7. Kimera EVO37 Martini 7
Like a remastered version of an all-time hit, the Kimera EVO37 Martini 7 is a Lancia 037 with the imperfections smoothed out and finished in a paint job that pays tribute to the original Group B rally cars. Under its carbon-fibre body, you'll find a tubular steel chassis, with subframes welded on either side and forged double wishbone suspension held up by dual Ohlin dampers. Power comes from a brand-new version of the 2.1-litre four-cylinder fitted to the original but with an electrically operated supercharger that doesn't scavenge energy from the motor. The resulting 550PS (404kW) is a lot in isolation, but even more proming given the Martini's 1,100kg kerb weight. Just 37 examples of the Martini 7 will be built, and it costs close to £500,000.
8. Pagani Utopia
When the company responsible for Zonda and Huayra builds a car called the Utopia, you know it will be good. The Utopia is Pagani's celebration of the internal combustion engine; there are no electric motors, no batteries and definitely no manufactured noises. Instead, you get a twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 that's good for 876PS (644kW), and while early cars get an Xtrac automatic gearbox, a seven-speed manual will follow later this year. Pagani's trademark titanium-intertwined carbon fibre tub underpins the Utopia, with CrMo alloy steel subframes and forged aluminium suspension wishbones. Braking comes from ventilated carbon-ceramic discs with six-pot front, four-pot rear brake callipers. According to Horacio, the Utopia excels at "simplicity, lightness and the pleasure of driving" – you just need £2.2million to get your hands on one.
9. Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato
If you thought the Porsche 911 Dakar was as extreme as offroaders could get, you probably didn't reckon on Lamborghini building the Huracan Sterrato. Next to the standard Huracan, the Sterrato gets suspension that's raised 44mm and offers 35 per cent more wheel travel, with new bumpers that give better approach and departure angles. Bridgestone Dueler tyres on relatively modest 19-inch wheels should serve up plenty of all-terrain grip, and a roof-mounted air intake helps the engine gulp clean air on the kind of loose-surface rally stages it is designed for (while also – in the fine tradition of the brand – ruining rear visibility). Power comes from the STO's 610PS (448kW) 5.2-litre V10 that's good for 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds, and a Rally mode sends most of the AWD's power to the rear wheels for lairy handling. It costs £233,000 if you can find a dealer who can sell you one of the 1,499 built.
10. Maserati MC20 Cielo
The Maserati MC20 Cielo – with its folding hard top roof that drops in 12 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph – brings a level of interaction absent in the surprisingly mild-mannered hard top. Power comes from the same twin-turbocharged 630PS (463kW) 3.0-litre V6 fitted to the coupe, which gets the Cielo – which weighs an extra 65kg thanks to its use of thicker carbon fibre tub – from 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds and onto a top speed 199mph. Despite the performance on offer, the Cielo is a mild-mannered supercar that gives you the confidence to push it to its limit, while a comfortable ride and decent roof-down refinement mean it could double as a GT. It's on sale now priced from just under £232,000.