Autoblog

Frankfurt 2009 Preview: Maserati GranCabrio unveiled!

Noah Joseph — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:19:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Convertible, Performance, Maserati, Luxury

Maserati GranCabrio - Click above for high-res image gallery

After what seems like years of eager anticipation, and with the weeks ticking down until the Frankfurt Motor Show, Maserati has finally unveiled its long-awaited convertible model. With the Maserati GranCabrio, it looks like the Italian automaker has done a beautiful job of translating the Pininfarina-designed GranTurismo into an open-top machine.

The questions on all our minds as we saw an endless stream of heavily-disguised test mules were whether the new convertible would have a fabric or metal roof, retain its four seats or sacrifice the back row (like its predecessor, the Spyder), and which engine would be found under that long hood.

Now we've got our answers. Unlike the Ferrari California, the GranCabrio features a cloth roof that deploys over the four-place passenger compartment, saving both weight and space. In fact, it's the first four-seat convertible in the company's history, and boasts what Maserati says is the longest wheelbase on the market. The Trident marque has also chosen to fit the convertible with the 4.7-liter 433-hp V8 from the GranTurismo S, bypassing the base 4.2-liter unit and mating it to the highly-rated ZF six-speed automatic. The new Maser's public debut is scheduled for the Frankfurt show next month, but in the meantime, follow the jump to read the press release and check out the quartet of images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Maserati GranCabrio

[Source: Maserati]

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Frankfurt 2009 Preview: Maserati GranCabrio unveiled! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 08:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maserati Spyder debut pegged for early 2010

Noah Joseph — Wed, 06 May 2009 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Maserati

Maserati GranTurismo S - Click above for a high-res image gallery

As the prospective launch date approaches, everyone's wondering what will become of the upcoming Maserati Spyder. Some big questions remain about what shape the new GranTurismo cabrio will take: will it have four seats, or will the folding top take up the cramped rear quarters? Will it have a soft top like its predecessor, or a hard top like its Ferrari counterpart? Will it offer the 400hp 4.2-liter V8 from the base GranTurismo, or the 435hp 4.7-liter unit from the GranTurismo S? One way or another, sources suggest we'll find out soon enough, placing it on the road by early next year, with a springtime market launch likely. That means its debut could come as early as the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, or else wait for the Geneva Motor Show in March. Expect the sticker price to come in below the Ferrari California, targeting the likes of the Aston Martin DB9 Volante, Bentley Continental GTC, BMW M6 convertible, Jaguar XKR convertible and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and at around $130,000.

Gallery: Maserati GranTurismo S

[Source: Car and Driver]

Maserati Spyder debut pegged for early 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 May 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Along came a Spyder: Maserati to roll out GranTurismo GTS, convertible

Noah Joseph — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Maserati

Click above for a high-resolution gallery of the Maserati GranTurismo

For an automaker with only two model lines, Maserati is certainly keeping busy. One of a handful of luxury carmakers to improve its sales figures in 2008, the Trident marque is undoubtedly looking to build upon its growth with an eye towards setting yet another sales record. Fortunately that push is product-driven, prompting Modena to improve upon its already-mouthwatering offerings and give us something new to drool over, too.

First up is the Quattroporte GTS, the sportiest version yet of Maserati's performance luxury sedan, which debuted at the Detroit show and goes on sale next month. That will reportedly be followed by a similarly-equipped version of its two-door counterpart. Called the GranTurismo GTS, we can't help but wonder if it was named by someone with a stutter... or maybe by former UN sec-gen Boutros Boutros-Ghali. Naming aside, the high-spec GranTurismo is expected to ditch the robotized manual in favor of the performance-tuned automatic coupled to the 433-hp, 4.8-liter V8 from the Quattroporte GTS. Other changes will include a tighter suspension and sporty touches all around.

The bigger news, however, will be the debut of the new Spyder. While a smaller sports car has been speculated, sources expect this Spyder to be GranTurismo-based, retaining its four proper seats under the open sky. The new Maserati Spyder could make its public debut as soon as Frankfurt later this year, so stay tuned.

Gallery: Review: 2008 Maserati GranTurismo

[Source: What Car?]

Along came a Spyder: Maserati to roll out GranTurismo GTS, convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Feb 2009 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Baby Maserati Spyder to slot in below GranTurismo

Noah Joseph — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, Maserati, Rendered Speculation

Spy shots have been circulating the web of an upcoming hard-top convertible from Maserati. But while the Trident marque is known to be developing a convertible version of the big GranTurismo, reports now suggest that the vehicle spied is actually the smaller Porsche-rivaling sportscar previously rumored and spied.

Like the Ferrari California, the new model positioned below the GranTurismo is tipped to come only in hard-top convertible form. If that's the case, expect a fast-action retractable roof lighter in weight than a comparable soft-top mechanism but with the added benefits of a solid lid. Again, like the Ferrari, the new small Maserati is expected to have a 2+2 cabin layout, although the rear seats are anticipated to be removable. Power is tipped to come from a smaller version of the 4.2-liter V8 in the base GranTurismo, producing about 350hp and driving the rear wheels through a revised version of the DuoSelect clutchless manual transmission still used in the GranTurismo S instead of the newer ZF six-speed auto in the rest of the Maserati range. Competitive pricing would pit it against the Jaguar XK, BMW 6 Series and Porsche 911. Hard to say at this point if the new model will appear before or after the convertible GranTurismo, but sources suggest it could be ready for unveiling sometime next year, so stay tuned.

[Source: Auto Express]

Baby Maserati Spyder to slot in below GranTurismo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Maserati GranTurismo convertible

Noah Joseph — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Maserati

Maseratis are capable of tremendous momentum, and that's exactly what the company has been carrying forward. With only a two-model line-up, Maserati has been hard at work coming out with new variants and updates at every turn. Following on the heels of the GranTurismo and GranTurismo S, the Trident marque is in the process of unveiling the new Quattroporte, but the next batter is already on deck and ready to swing.

Although these spy shots are heavily disguised, the wheels and front end betray a GranTurismo, but the hunched back - like that seen on test mules of the new Ferrari California before its launch - suggest a convertible roof mechanism. While previous reports couldn't ascertain whether the anticipated cabrio version of the elegant GT would incorporate a folding hard-top or more traditional cloth enclosure, the size of the test mule's appendage suggests the former. Reports indicate a launch in March of next year, which could coincide with a public unveiling at the next Geneva show.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Maserati GranTurismo convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Maserati GranTurismo convertible

Noah Joseph — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:35:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Maserati

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]

Rendered Speculation: Maserati GranTurismo convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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