Maserati has unveiled a convertible version of its gorgeous Granturismo. Called the Grancabrio, it’s the first four-seat convertible from the Italian company and will make its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September 2009.
How has the Granturismo been turned into the Maserati Grancabrio?
With the apt application of a can opener. The svelte Pininfarina looks of the coupé are kept with the gaping oval nose, angular headlights, triple side vents and upright rear. But rather than a metal roof there’s now an automatic canvas hood, and thanks to Maserati’s promise of the Grancabrio having ‘the longest wheelbase on the market’ there are also four proper seats.
Does the Grancabrio get Maserati’s 4.2- or 4.7-litre V8?
Power comes from the same 4.7-litre V8 that’s found in the Granturismo S, which means 433bhp produced at 7000rpm and 362lb ft coming in at 4750rpm. All that action is then sent to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic, though the extra weight of the soft-top’s necessary bracing is expected to add a few tenths on top of the coupé’s five second 0-62mph sprint.
When the Grancabrio goes on sale early in 2010 it’ll complete a three-strong line-up for Maserati, alongside the Quattroporte and Granturismo. Expect the Maserati Grancabrio to cost at least £90,000.
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