Onwards and upwards seems to be the new battle cry at Maserati. Finally returning to profitability for the first time in 17 years, the company launched the 438-hp GranTurismo S at this year's Geneva Motor Show. So what's next for the Trident marque? Maserati confirmed back in January that the the convertible version of its sumptuous grand tourer will be hitting showrooms by this time next year, translating to a possible motor show debut at Geneva 2009.
The jury is still out on whether the drop-top GT will feature a collapsible hard-top or a more conventional canvas roof. Meanwhile, the roof mechanism could take the place of the rear seats like on the previous-generation Spyder, however the larger size of the GranTurismo could provide for a four-seat open-air experience. Expect a performance penalty due to the extra weight of the roof mechanism, although the S version, with its 8C-derived 438-hp V8, would help mitigate the loss. Whatever form it takes, the new Maserati convertible promises to be a show-stopping stunner to rival Britain's best.
[Source: Motor Authority]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
George @ Apr 8th 2008 9:47AM
Yo, I feel like the rear haunches are way to subtle for the GranTurismo. The car oozes of flashiness and I think will have a higher back end. Maybe something on par with a Porsche 911 Carerra Cabriolet's rear end. ( I know that sounds a little strange considering the difference in engine placement of the two cars, however it was the first thing that popped into my mind when I looked at the renderings)
iceman7 @ Apr 8th 2008 10:12AM
I'm not a fan of a coupe being made into a convertible. A convertible should be a convertible from birth. But hey its a Maserati.
almost Dr. G.. @ Apr 8th 2008 10:28AM
like the s2000/miata/solstice underpinnings for the under $35k market.. i totally agree..
B-Rad @ Apr 8th 2008 11:59AM
Well, it was really only the Solstice that was made into a coupe. You can get tin tops for the Miata and S2000, but that's not quite the same as a coupe.
The Z4 was made into a coupe, too, now that I think about it. But that's more than $35k.