The convertible version of Maserati’s GranTurismo coupe will arrive in showrooms in March 2009, a company insider has said. That means the new model will likely be unveiled later this year, or very early next year.
As for the specific auto show where the car will debut, “we have not decided yet,” the source told Automotive News Europe. Typically, automakers unveil new models several months ahead of production and sales. That means we’ll probably see the car at the Frankfurt auto show in September or the LA Auto Show in November.
Some details unclear
According to the report, the GranTurismo Convertible will feature a retractable canvas roof. This runs contrary to recent spy photos showing a Maserati prototype with what appears to be a folding hardtop.
Some reports have suggested Maserati is working on two separate convertibles — one hardtop and one soft-top — while others only make reference to one model.
It’s also unclear how many seats the convertible GT will have. The coupe has four, but it might lose its rear seats for the open-air version. On the other hand, if rumors about two convertibles are true, one might be a roadster and the other a 2+2.
Ambitious sales goals
Maserati sold around 7,350 cars in 2007, and the automaker is aiming for 9,000 units in 2008, with the help of the GranTurismo coupe. Maserati hopes to sell 10,000 units in 2009, and reach 12,000 by 2011.
01/16, 3:10 PM
posted by:
corvette
12,000 by 2011 seems a little unlikely. its a really nice car.
01/16, 3:18 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
LP: you really are like Eli Manning. You never know which one’s going to show up: the good one or the bad one. I like the good guy better.
01/16, 5:40 PM
posted by:
autonut
gorgeous cars and so unattainable (:
01/16, 7:00 PM
posted by:
Veda
A convertible? Another girl’s car…
01/16, 7:30 PM
posted by:
El Aleman
Next Frankfurt motor show is in 2009. Very unlikely that it will be presented half a year after it hits the market
01/17, 7:10 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomr
I was under the impression that the GranTurismo would spawn a 2+2 convertible, and would later be followed by a smaller, 2-seat GranSport and Spyder. Wonder if Maserati has opted to stay on the high end and dropped plans for the smaller car?