The GranTurismo Convertible is the open air version of Maserati's GranTurismo luxury grand tourer. It features an unmistakable Pininfarina design, a spacious interior and handcrafted details as well as driving pleasure and performance in spades.
The shape of the GranTurismo Convertible is the result of extensive aerodynamic testing aimed at limiting the drag typical of drop-top cars. The GranTurismo Convertible boasts a Cd (Coefficient of drag) that is one of the best in its class: 0.35 with the top up and 0.39 with it down. The spoiler and rear diffuser both contribute to improved roadholding.
The GranTurismo Convertible's cabin design is covered in leather that was handcrafted by Poltrona Frau and a selection of prestigious wood trim used for the dashboard, door panel and rear areas. The level of craftsmanship and attention to detail can also be seen in the chrome rings that enhance the dashboard switches and steering wheel as well as the Alcantara sections meeting the fingertips on the back of the steering wheel shift paddles.
Towards the rear of the car, the triangular light units are formed by 96 LEDs and contain a wide diffuser that further underlines the car's athletic poise. This sporty feel is also seen in the large, 20-inch alloy wheels that reflect the Trident design.
The Maserati GranTurismo Convertible features a six-speed, ZF automatic transmission with a hydraulic torque converter yielding quick and fluid gear shifts while maintaining the characteristics of the sporty 4.7-liter V8 engine. This motor produces 433 horsepower and 361 foot pounds of torque, good for a zero-to-60 sprint of just 5.7 seconds. Fuel economy is rated at 13 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.
The ZF transmission has four modes and is also equipped with a self-adapting control system that adjusts gear changes to both the driving style and road conditions. In Manual mode, gear changes are made sequentially by the driver via the steering column mounted paddles or the gear shift lever.
The weight distribution of the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible is slightly biased towards the rear with 49% of the vehicle's weight located over the frontaxle and 51% over the back with the roof closed. With the roof retracted, the front-rear distribution changes to 48-52%.
The convertible's dynamic handling is constantly monitored and optimized by the Maserati Stability Program (MSP). The MSP works to correct even the onset of a skid by reducing engine torque. Working further with the ABS antilock brakes, MSP prevents the wheels from locking under hard braking, and distributes the braking force between the front and rear axles. It also prevents wheel-spin on low grip surfaces when accelerating or climbing (using ASR and MSR) to maintain available traction.
Key Competitors
Although the GranTurismo Convertible is a fine machine, it competes against a number of equally enticing drop-tops that offer style, performance and luxury in equal measures. These include the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster, the Porsche 911 Carrera S Convertible, the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG and the Jaguar XKR Convertible.