Showing posts with label Maserati. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maserati. Show all posts

Thursday, October 20, 2011

2012 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Sport - Highlights and New Exterior Features

With the successful launch of the GranTurismo Convertible in 2010, Maserati has further enhanced the power, handling, appearance and sound to create the new Sport version for 2012. An array of dynamic features, such as MC Autoshift, sport exhaust and increased power and torque are standard in the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Sport. This model appeals to the many performance-oriented owners whom are seeking the highest level of driving enjoyment in a Maserati convertible.

The new Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Sport features six soft colors, headlights with black look, newly designed colored GT S side skirts, new Astro Design 20" wheels, black grille and Trident with red accents, body colored front splitter (in carbon fiber as an option), Hi-Tech steering wheel with Trofeo Shift Paddles, body-color handles, GT S exhaust system with oval outlets.

Highlights

444 hp 4.7 L V8 Engine: Thanks to upgrades to the engine internal components, a power increase of 10 hp and +15 ft-lbs has been achieved together with a 6% fuel economy improvement.

MC Autoshift: Based on the transmission of the Quattroporte Sport GTS, the MC Autoshift adds gear-holding in manual mode, faster shifting, double declutch downshifts and digital RPM indicator.

Sport Exhaust System: As expected on the sportiest version of the GranTurismo Convertible line, the exhaust is true performing with bypass valves allowing open performance and sound.

Sport Skyhook Suspension: Specifically calibrated for sharper handling, the GT convertible has sport skyhook adaptive suspension standard.

MC Sportline: Popular MC Sportline options, such as exterior and interior carbon fiber, are now available on the GranTurismo Convertible Sport.

New Leather Colors: Biancopregiato (replacing the avorio) which is a more white-colored ivory, and grigiochrono, a darker grey (replacing medio).

New Paint: Rossotrionfale, which is a new metallic red matching the national color of 150's racing Maseratis.

Exterior Trim: Dark look trim is standard along with black headlamp surrounds, body-color door handles and the "S" grille with red inserts.

Sport Interior: M-designed seat center sections in Poltrona Frau™ leather are combined with standard aluminum driving pedals and longer Trofeo shift paddles

Astro Design Alloy Wheels: Attractive new 20-inch Silver Astro Design wheels are standard (RM40) while grigio mercury finish (RM41) is optional.

Aerodynamics: Standard wider sport side rocker panels and front fascia with aero extensions.

Trident on headrests: To match the contrast stitching option (STC3), the Maserati Trident logos can now be finished in contrast color stitching for a striking look (STCT).

Saturday, August 20, 2011

2011 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S



The Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S sees an upgrade to 433 horsepower, a tuned suspension, a sports exhaust and styling modifications.



Maserati says that remapping the engine delivers 433 horsepower, an upgrade of 8 horsepower over the 425-horse Quattroporte S. The transmission software has been reprogrammed to allow for faster shifts, as well.



Specially designed for high-performance driving, they provide outstanding grip for quick and precise movements on the brake and accelerator pedals.



The sound system features a hard-drive based satellite navigation system, a CD player, an iPod connection, a 30GB hard disk for storing mp3 files, satellite radio, voice control, Bluetooth connection, and a USB/AUX-in connection that doubles as a USB reader.



Traction control, stability control, anti-lock brakes, brake force distribution, and anti-slip regulation systems are only the beginning of the safety and handling features the Quattroporte S brings to the table.



Outside, the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S gets red accents, new headlamps in a metallic titanium finish and shadow-line finishing. GT S buyers are treated to new Alcantara and leather-covered seats an titanium-colored Titanex composite trim inside.



The Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Awards Edition, the latest jewel in the Maserati range, makes its official debut at the prestigious Geneva Auto Show.



The Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Awards Edition, based on the Quattroporte Sport GT S, aims to combine in one car all the features that have made the Trident flagship a benchmark for its segment:



Completing the interior space are the special brushed aluminum door sills and Piano Black satin-finish wood moldings.



A special exterior Awards Edition series plate completes the car’s look and makes an already unique car even more unmistakable.



The Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Awards Edition will be available in the latter half of 2010 as model year 2011.



The Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S Awards Edition, based on the Quattroporte Sport GT S, aims to combine in one car all the features that have made the Trident flagship a benchmark for its segment. The new Quarzo fuso finishing – a pearlescent metallic grey with golden nuanced colour – exclusive to this model.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Maserati GranCabrio[Reviews]

Maserati Gran Cabrio - four real seats, comfortable, warm and enveloping. Never before available as a convertible from Maserati. Never before has a car with the Trident logo has a whole family or four friends to enjoy a trip outdoors. The magical chemistry Maserati GranCabrio starts when you look: it's incredibly beautiful, with the top up or down. In fact, it has a sophisticated soft top for very specific reasons can be summarized in three words. "Center of gravity" fabric, fabric for ultra-high-tech, low weight, much less than the metal and the use of a walk Car: the weight of the whole system is only 65 kg. And the fabric is flexible, full color palette for the exterior of the car six times the number of colors that are available, from solid black to gray d high-tech titanium hot chocolate in color.

Twenty-eight seconds, it takes time for the Maserati GranTurismo to return to a cocoon of safety. Steering wheel one too, thanks to the 0.35 Cd roof up, which increases only slightly, 0.39, with the top down.



The design is for the benefit of comfort. The time when people travel in the back of a sports car is resigned to suffering physical discomfort is well and truly over: the rear passengers in convertibles Maserati Gran do not support the actors, but co-stars trip. Legs, even for those over six feet tall, is no longer crammed into the spine is no longer constrained to a vertical position against nature, but comfortable and physiologically supported on the record for the sporty no going to compromise on comfort.

GranCabrio Maserati design

Dynamism, sensuality and passion were always the features that make the creative genius of Pininfarina masterpieces can be admired throughout the world that you have. The latest work of art to go to the Maserati factory, Maserati GranTurismo, is planning a dream car, but it is a true masterpiece, that is just begging to be driven by lovers of beautiful cars, they want to travel in a closed environment refined and comfortable.

The challenge for Pininfarina was one of the most exciting: Never a good four-seater convertible that can seat four adults comfortably without stealing the slightest bit of the incomparable joy of travel, was produced by Maserati. Now that the builders have finished their work, all this seems clear: the convertible Maserati Gran could never have been. An expert eye, however, understand how power is behind the front, impressive and dynamic at the same time, the sides and sinuous and feline rear speakers of a language with a high-tech aerodynamic diffuser long tested in a wind tunnel , crowned by large, oval chrome twin tailpipes article.

A sculpture that speaks to the connoisseur of ancient language, the great Italian bodybuilders, to admire a beautiful car when it is open, but when it moves with the roof up, which is not always the case for cars of this type. The flexible fabric roof was chosen on a folding hardtop, which, with its complicated locking system, in need of engineers and designers unacceptable limitations for those who seek beauty in its purest form. And if "all-clear" was given to the highest quality materials and state of the art technique to a structure with a skeleton composed of five steel and aluminum beams and covered with a three-layer fabric is Available in six colors, meeting each client's requirements.

The entire system weighs only 65 kg, but at the same time, ensuring maximum efficiency Aero-acoustic and allows the Maserati GranTurismo can be enjoyed in all seasons thanks to stringent tests are carried out 30 degrees Celsius and 40 degrees in the shade.

When the bell is the drag coefficient of 0.35, while the top down 0.39. Extraordinary figures, the mark of a perfect chemistry between aesthetics and functionality. Not to mention another imperative, the comfort of people who ride the GranTurismo convertible. The option to leave the wind was specifically designed to achieve this objective, provide excellent passenger protection, even at high speeds. Therefore, the wind stopped, the volume of air is outside the 70%, while the speed of the air inside the cabin has been reduced by 50%.

Attention to comfort is also in the details that may arise on the surface, to be secondary, as the unit which, on command, start the cycle opening hood when the key is inserted into the door. This means that the car can be seized when the cover is already down and the heat that built when parked in the sun has already disappeared. And if a storm threatens to break out during the trip, Maserati Gran reaction time convertibles is only 28 seconds, the time required to close the soft top.

The Maserati Gran convertibles Voice

Maserati GranTurismo sound, the notes of the V8 is powerful, but muffled while driving slowly progressed, but they can match the strength of the standard high-pitched sounds when the driver requires maximum. The secret of this flexibility include pneumatic valves, which are normally handled by the drains are closed, so that the car runs within the limits of discretion, but if the Sport mode is selected, open up over 3,000 rpm, and the sound became a roar powerful, especially the roof down.

The orchestra eight-cylinder is a choir that sings the joy of driving on harmonic gearbox 6-speed automatic. This transfer is the result of close collaboration between Maserati and ZF, which has interpreted the exciting combination of 323 kilowatts (440 hp) V8 engine and smooth automatic gearbox. And if the driver wants to feel more like a conductor, all he has to do is select the manual mode and adjust the engine sound to the rhythm of the manual clutch, it is still better when using steering wheel paddles.

Maserati GranTurismo asks to be heard, even through the sound of the hi-fi system developed by Bose, and Maserati. Keep the most discerning audiophiles satisfied was not an easy task: no work on the roof in line with a double speaker design have been completely renovated. Finally, 12 were assembled: one speaker in the middle of the dash, two woofers in a tweeter together from every gate, a low edge of the box under the front passenger seat, two tweeters and two woofers and a rear flat rear subwoofer box contains two woofers. And 'the bass, the speakers that reproduce the lowest tones and give the right depth for the orchestra to grow, or rhythmic foundation for jazz trio, behind the perfection of the cornerstones of the "concert GranCabrio". Rear bass-box, for example, has an unusual shape, which extends behind the back and under the armrest, so it can play its best.

To avoid lengthy manual settings that can develop into potentially dangerous distractions while driving, the system automatically adjust the volume and equalization of sound, depending on whether the car is running with the hood up or down, but the listener not notice any difference, and perceive the same sound quality in both configurations.

All this with the audio-Pilot ®, which allows a small microphone mounted on the dashboard, the interior noise level of alignment and adjust accordingly. This is especially useful at high speed, the wind noise to enhance and ensure the sound quality is always excellent.

The driver has to do is choose the music CD is most appropriate for the journey is about to do and the Maserati Gran Cabrio audiences can become more dynamic.

Maserati GranCabrio dynamics is a critical feature for a car that is as fun to drive than the GranCabrio is a great sense of balance, she has a weight distribution sense. Trident's latest creation is unmatched at this level as well: with the hood up 49% of the burden is on the front axle and 51% in the rear, while the rate with the top down 48 and 52% respectively .

In everyday driving, these figures become a reliable and predictable behavior in all situations, breathtaking acceleration, also for uneven surfaces and exceptional stability in emergency situations of war exercises. This is done by the engine unit is installed, with automatic transmission, rear axle front. Units sent to the 2-wheel shaft supports the limited slip differential (closing ratio is 25% and 45% live in the press).

It took thousands of hours of calculations, and so many hours, while the platform is to develop prototypes. This was deemed necessary to maximize the structural rigidity, even without a roof.

Skyhook suspension infinitely adjustable gas shock absorbers that adapt to changing road conditions. In practice, this means that any abuse is a "hidden" to the driver, who can then enjoy the incredibly smooth driving experience in all real comfort.

But Maserati is also very aware that no two drivers are alike: This is why the Maserati Gran convertibles dynamic performance can be cut to match your personal preferences, as if it were a suit elegantly tailored. By pressing the sport, in a split second the car stiffens the suspension accelerates the shift and exhaust note is deeper and more aggressive. Then just as suddenly, he can return to normal mode by pressing a button, offering them on all the comforts of a top row of Gran Turismo.

Keep an eye on driving safety is a (Maserati Stability Program) MSP system, which uses a wide range of sensors to detect abnormal behavior any car, even the smallest deviation from the ideal trajectory of the vehicle and, if deemed necessary, operates the brakes and engine to stabilize the Maserati GranTurismo and put it back on track.

Another acronym, HBA, which means the hydraulic brake assist, a new concept of Maserati. This application recognizes when the driver is in a panic situation, the analysis of a set of parameters such as pressure on the brake booster, wheel speed and the activation of the third brake light. Once the state of emergency was declared, effectively replaces the HBA driver and unleashes the full power of the brakes to reduce stopping distances to a minimum. Because a smart car knows how to make fast, very fast, but also knows when to put the speed of decline, the total control of the driver.

The train Maserati GranTurismo

Elegant and sporty for. On the outside, cozy and comfortable in this formula has been improved with the experience of the designers that have been tested with the idea of ​​Maserati GranCabrio. A concept that includes first two adults to be able to use the rear seats, even on long trips, without suffering from cramps and fatigue.

This car, even if the journey is again a joy, thanks to an ergonomic seating position that is comfortable and not artificially afloat.

The tunnel in the form of problems between the rear seats with two cupholders and a bucket. Before all the comfort benefits package can be exploited. This feature allows the driver to store the perfect driving position and the seat of cold, heat at three different temperatures of hot and cold concepts are entirely subjective. The driving position is sporty and comfortable, with the upper body and legs flat on the curves at high speed. Curves are fully addressed by grabbing the leather trimmed steering wheel with three branches with a diameter of 37.5 cm ideal.

Active and passive safety

A 190 milliseconds, or less than the bat of an eyelid. This is the time necessary to implement an emergency heart by Maserati convertible security system: roll bars behind the rear seats expandable. Airbag unit to ask for help when the dynamic situation of the car that creates the fear that the car is about to tip over. Or when the convertible Maserati Gran suffer a side impact or high violently struck from behind, to prevent anti-roll bars are damaged and not be able to protect vehicle occupants should the car overturn at a later date.

Maserati Gran convertibles are very, very protective of adults and children. The particular configuration of hoops deal with residents, even if they are taller than average. Special ISOFIX provide a secure grip for child seats. And the new generation of air bag system function according to the current "size" of them in the car.

Do not compromise the safety of this car, because no-compromise, no matter how insignificant, should be approved. But the Maserati GranTurismo also have another task: to be beautiful in its detail. Therefore, the airbag system is located on the passenger side needed to design objective is to look at the top of the dashboard and optimiszing the perfect combination of security features of the overall design.

In summary, the total protection and knowledge that will help only 190 milliseconds to arrive in the event of an emergency. A physical barrier and a large number of electronic security measures to take place between the driver and passengers and road hazards.

Integrated systems

Twenty-five degrees, and air-dried: That's what the experts think is the ideal situation of human well-being at home, office or car trip. The rule, which is certainly not carved in stone, because everyone has their own ideal temperature and during car trips, use the air conditioning on trains to find it.

At Maserati Gran Cabrio driver is required to set the desired temperature in a range between 16 and 32 degrees, and the electronics will start to mix the air and the counter with a precision micrometer intensity circulation as the goal quickly reached. The climate control system is fine tuned to provide maximum comfort both with the hood up and down, adjust accordingly. He knows he has to perform quite differently at a party early summer or on a blisteringly hot, and it is also very well that this should not be too invasive in terms of noise so that the engine can be left to sing to his heart content.

A state of the art system of navigation is one of the many information systems GranCabrio Maserati offers its owner. The interface consists of a high-resolution color screen of 7 inches in the center of the dashboard that shows the features of the CD player, navigation system, radio and onboard computer constantly providing information in the field and the car's performance .

The Maserati GranCabrio is so powerful in terms of IT, an area in which gigabytes instead of taking the power of the scene: the hard drive can provide up to 30 GB and can store up to 180 hours of music obtained directly from a CD or download MP3 files. You can also use your own player as an audio source by plugging into the USB port in the glovebox. The most frequently used functions can be activated with steering wheel controls to avoid all distractions. In addition, the audio system, navigation system and telephone, if any, can be given by voice commands to be able to "talk" with your car is to have maximum security. However, the Maserati Convertible can also speak: you can read text messages and to provide traffic information so that not even need to look at the screen.

Finally, an iPod connection is available upon request, allowing the owner to enjoy their favorite music with state of the art hi-fi system developed by Bose and Maserati, a system that offers no fewer than 12 speakers to recreate the atmosphere a concert hall.

Interior Maserati GranCabrio

Maserati GranTurismo reflects the soul of Italian craftsmanship, dating back to the old Renaissance workshops, and has gradually evolved, not to mention their noble origin. The seats are the first thing you appreciate when you get behind the wheel: upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather, plush, naturally will feel soft and cozy in winter, cool and breezy in summer. Skin will improve over time just like the great vintage of wine.

The color palette includes no fewer than 10 colors can be mixed with the seats, dashboard, hood, steering wheel and shift knob of an infinite number of combinations to create an environment tailored to suit your own taste. Each button on the steering wheel and dashboard is decorated with a fine chrome trim, a seal with the domain of an elegant style. The Trident logo is engraved by hand on the headrest and exposed seams on the arm is sewn by hand.

More hands are made of woods that have a place of honor in the cockpit of the Maserati Gran Cabrio. These hands have softened the wood with infinite patience, it removes all impurities and polished again to obtain a striking result. Carbalho wood comes from Brazil. Maserati has sought to distant lands in their original, because references unequivocal: each part has a different fabric, a kind of footprint that ensures that each vehicle is unique.

And for those who want to customize their cars to the nth degree, two different sets of luggage are available. The first all-leather, Thu elegance filtered, while the second is made of leather and fabric. The color palette is extended in this case too, ranging from black to blue through the Testa di Moro beige (very dark) and will be completed annually by a shadow Interpretation of trends in international fashion: Grigio (gray ) made his debut in the 2010 collection. The basic package consists of two wheels and two cases of vanity, a bag is also available designed to be placed in the rear seats.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

2012 Maserati GranCabrio Sport cars prices and reviews

Maserati GranCabrio Sport uses the latest version of Maserati’s sonorous, all-alloy 4.7-litre V8, taken straight from the high-performance GranTurismo MC Stradale. This naturally aspirated engine produces 450 horsepower (331kW) at 7000rpm: that is10hp more than the GranCabrio. It is also rich with torque, with a peak of 510Nm (20Nm more than the GranCabrio) arriving at 4750rpm. Eighty percent...

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

2012 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Sport - First Drive Review

It was a peaceful and elegant scene, the bright sunlight glinting off the top-down Maserati GranTurismo convertibles parked on the Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia in Trieste. Passersby admired the gorgeous cars, one of Pininfarina’s masterpieces. Then a legion of uprated 4.7-liter V-8s ignited with a snarl, and peace and elegance were the last things on our mind.
About that wonderful engine, fitted in the top-spec GranTurismo Convertible Sport. Purists still lament the fact that Maseratis, which were long defined by powerplants that developed peak power at low rpm, are now equipped with high-revving buzzsaws bought from its former arch-rival, Ferrari. But the GranTurismo Convertible Sport's 444-hp variation of the 4.7-liter V-8 is sure to create a few converts.
It’s an evolution of the regular GranTurismo convertible’s 433-horse 4.7-liter with less internal friction thanks to a revised oil sump and slipperier coatings for the valve tappets and cam lobes; this upgraded version also powers the GranTurismo MC Stradale coupe. Compared to its lesser sibling, the droptop Sport exhales through a freer-flowing exhaust, the main purpose of which seems to be to create as much beautiful noise as is legally allowed. It’s aided in that pursuit by active valves that open at 2500 rpm when the transmission is in its Automatic Sport mode. We predict the V-8 will haul the 4600-pound droptop to 60 in 4.8 seconds.


Fantastico Automatico
As in the U.S.-market MC Stradale and the Quattroporte Sport GT S, power flows through a six-speed, torque-converter automatic supplied by ZF. But don’t lament the fact that there’s no hard-core gearbox; the automatic has been extensively reworked for duty here, and offers Normal and Manual Sport modes in addition to the aforementioned Automatic Sport, as well as launch control. Gearshift times are improved by up to 50 percent, it blips the throttle for downshifts, and, in Manual Sport mode, it doesn’t downshift when you hit the kickdown switch or upshift unless you tell it to. There’s more: You can call for a lower gear if there’s any leeway whatsoever before redline (most transmissions won’t let you downshift unless the resulting engine speed is farther down the tach from redline) and the exhaust flaps are always open in Manual Sport. This automatic is so good that you'll hardly miss a dual-clutch transmission—or the Euro-market MC’s single-clutch automated manual. Of course, you might miss a proper clutch-pedal manual gearbox, but Maserati doesn't offer one anymore.
Chassis Changes, Too
Underneath, the front and rear springs and anti-roll bars are stiffer on this derivative, the dampers are modified, and the ZF Sachs–sourced "Skyhook" damping system has been re-tuned. On twisting roads, the Sport handles well and generally does what you ask of it, but there’s simply no masking the car’s two-ton-plus weight or its somewhat uncommunicative steering. The body flexes more than it should, too. To be sure, the GranTurismo Convertible Sport is an enjoyable companion in nearly every situation, but it’s less full-bore sporty than its sinister looks and capital-S “Sport” badge might let on. So when a well-driven Audi R8 Spyder closes in on you from behind, our advice is to just let it pass. Take solace in the fact that the Audi will never sound as glorious as the Maserati, or seat four as comfortably (or at all).
There are a number of competitors: BMW's new 6-series droptop, the soon-to-be-new Mercedes-Benz SL, the Porsche 911 cabriolet, the Audi R8 Spyder, and, of course, the Jaguar XK and its distant cousin, the Aston Martin V-8 Vantage roadster. The Maserati acquits itself well by informal comparison: It’s more spacious than most (even if the trunk is tiny), it’s not outrageously expensive by the standards of the segment, it offers incredibly luxurious accommodations, and it just might have more character than the whole bunch combined. Those qualities ought to satisfy most anyone—trident purists included.
 
Source : Caranddriver.com

Sunday, March 6, 2011

maserati granturismo


Sports car enthusiasts will love Maserati’s freshest creation. The Maserati GranTurismo S MC Sport Line is an automobile of mastertful historical design, newly inspired by some recent dominance on the racetrack. Maserati has proven this year that it knows what it takes to perform. The phenomenal car is reconfigured to include front and rear spoilers, 20-inch rims with black finish and catchy side skirts.
The car boasts an upgraded suspension which has been lowered 10 mm from the GranTurismo S for maximum performance and enjoyability. The engine is a roaring 440 HP / 4.7 litre V8. Carbon fiber exterior elements round out the sporty look. Citizens of Bologna, Italy, were lucky enough to get the first glimpses of this one.



Monday, September 27, 2010

2012 Maserati Sport Cars GranTurismo MC Stradale

The Italian automaker announced the 2012 Maserati Sport Cars GranTurismo MC Stradale, that it will debut the lightest and most powerful variation of the GranTurismo, at this year's 2010 Paris Motor Show. Maserati said the car will boast "razor-sharp handling and will break the 300km/h [187mph] barrier", adding that the reworked body also produces more aerodynamic down force without producing more aerodynamic drag.
2012 Maserati Sport Cars Gran Turismo MC Stradale looks sporty, the bumper and grille has been redesigned. The car also has a large diffuser to improve performance. Inspired by the Trofeo GranTurismo MC and the race-winning GT4 motorsport models, the two-seater 2012 Maserati Sport Cars GranTurismo MC Stradale that will debut at the Paris Auto Show. GranTurismo MC Stradale high-performance model and will be on sale next spring, with £ 105,000 prize.
2012 Maserati Sport Cars GranTurismo MC Stradale
2012 Maserati Sport Cars GranTurismo MC Stradale is in the GranTurismo S. The basis is seen in power, it features a 4.7L V8 engine, maximum power of 336kw. Corresponds to a 6-speed manual transmission with mechanical top speed to 300 km / h, the 0-100km / h acceleration of about 4.5 seconds.
The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale responds to demands for a GranTurismo which can balance on-road driving needs with race-driving desires, incorporating the handling and aerodynamic lessons from Maserati's three racing programs.
No other details were given on the car but the official photos show a raft of styling upgrades including the new front end with a lower spoiler and additional air ducts, chunkier side skirts, possibly larger front fenders with new air vents, a boot lid spoiler and a new rear bumper with a diffuser and twin central exhaust pipes plus unique alloy wheels.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Car Sport

2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Front View2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Front View

2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Interior2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Interior

2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Side View2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Side View

2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Rear2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Rear

2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Car Sport

2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Front View2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Front View

2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Interior2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Interior

2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Side View2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Side View

2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Rear2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Rear

Monday, November 3, 2008

Baby Maserati Spyder to slot in below GranTurismo

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.