The GranCabrio combines head-turning looks, breathtaking performance and a fantastic engine in one desirable package.
Meet the Maserati GranCabrio, the four-seat, open-top version of the long-wheelbase GranTurismo.
It looks fabulous with Maserati heritage in elegant open-top sports cars, with the roof down you can see all four headrests and better understand why its wheelbase is so long.
Considering that the Maserati GranCabrio may not be as fast, efficient, or hi-tech as the latest Mercedes SL or Porsche 911 Cabriolet but it is a whole lot more desirable.
It looks incredible and comes with one of the greatest sounding engines on the market a 4.7-liter Ferrari-developed V8 which offers acceleration from 0-62mph in around five seconds.
It’s comfortable and refined over long distances and there’s even space for four adults.
There’s a high price for this kind of versatility though, with even the cheapest cars costing setting you back around £100,000.
A Potent Engines and Performance
Coming from the Maserati armory, the GranCabrio is available with the most potent engine the 4.7-liter V8 engine, which comes with 434bhp in the basic model or 434bhp in the Sport and 454bhp in the MC variant.
Acceleration from 0-62mph takes around five seconds no matter which model you choose, and it feels blisteringly quick at the top of the rev range.
Lowering the roof makes for one of the noisiest and best-sounding engine notes available. It’s especially tuneful in the MC due to its louder exhaust.
The GranCabrio feels just like a lightweight, agile sports car in the bends but bigger brakes would help.
The ‘standard’ Maserati GranCabrio might have 444bhp and the capability of hitting 60mph in 5.1sec but the GranCabrio can feel significantly less rapid.
There are two reasons for this: that weight and a distinct lack of torque. At its peak (at 4750rpm) the GranCabrio’s 4.7-litre V8 produces 376lb-ft, but at 2500rpm it has less than 300lb-ft. So although it is quick, it is no match for a Mercedes-AMG SL 63 or a Jaguar XKR convertible.
Whereas the Maserati needs 4.5sec to go from 30mph to 70mph, the Mercedes takes just 3.8.
If it’s a bit too meek you can always push the ‘sport’ button which triggers tauter damping, quicker gearbox responses, sharper throttle response and a gloriously vocal engine note. Around 3000rpm, even on a modest throttle opening, the exhaust note becomes an open, bassy, resonant howl.
The Lavishly Interior Design
The only let down in the GranCabrio is the controls for the stereo and the sat-nav, which are beginning to look a little dated.
Inside there are swathes of leather and polished wood crafted for the GranCabrio and is dominated by a 7.0inc touchscreen infotainment system, which is functional but lacks the refinement and ease of use that makes the BMW, Mercedes and Audi systems a doddle to use.
There are also touches of Alcantara, including on the back of the paddle shifters. Upgrade to the GranCabrio Sport sees aggressive details added to the exterior, while inside the front seats have been replaced for a sportier variant although if you crave heated or electrically adjustable seats then expect to part with more money.
The considerable length pays off because this is a convertible with genuine legroom for four adults.
The GranCabrio is one of the most elegant-looking cars on the road with the range-topping MC has unique additions to the bodywork to improve aerodynamics for greater high-speed stability as well as a redesigned front and rear bumpers, all of which make it look more aggressive.
The interior has a hand-made, bespoke feel to it with all the luxuries you’d expect from a near-£100,000 car. Practicality, comfort and boot space.
Reliability and Safety
Maserati days of having to struggle with reliability are over, thanks to its new owner Ferrari for coming to its aid. Since its launch in 2010, the GranCabrio has performed well in the years it has been on sale.
But a lot of the switchgear in the cabin not only looks old but feels a little flimsy and the build quality isn’t as good as on the new Quattroporte.
The GranCabrio hasn’t been put through the Euro NCAP crash safety tests but it should perform well in an accident, as all of the latest electronic gadgets, airbags and seatbelt tech are fitted as standard.