2010 Maserati GranCabrio

The convertible version of Maserati's GranTurismo features a 433-bhp V-8 and four real seats.
By Mike Monticello

August 2009

Slideshow: 2010 Maserati GranCabrio >>

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We've been waiting several years for Maserati to bring a convertible back to the market, and the company has announced it will finally unveil the new car at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15. But unlike the most recent Maserati Spyder, last built for the 2006 model year and fitted with just two seats, the new GranCabrio model has four real seats—the first convertible to be outfitted as such in Maserati's history.

Maserati says the GranCabrio is "designed and built for men and women who love to live life in an understated—though sophisticated—manner." The car's ride comfort will surely be aided by Maserati's claim that the GranCabrio is "the convertible with the longest wheelbase on the market." The GranCabrio won't be too understated, though, as its motivational force comes from the sportier GranTurismo S coupe's 4.7-liter 433-bhp V-8. Maserati didn't release specifics on transmissions, but figure on the GranCabrio coming only with a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters; Maserati will release more in-depth technical specifications at the Frankfurt show in a few weeks.

One of the big surprises is that the Pininfarina-designed GranCabrio will employ a traditional canvas soft-top; many (including us here at R&T) had suspected Maserati would follow the lead set by Ferrari with its retractable-hardtop California model.

The Maserati GranCabrio will likely go on sale in the U.S. by the spring of 2010.