Air / Land / Water
Maserati Gran Cabrio
Refined, civilized, uncommon, and happy to get your heart racing and your ears ringing at the flick of a switch.
By Annabelle Frankl
The car is gorgeous. As one would expect from the revered Pininfarina design house, this drop-top version of the GranTurismo S Automatic loses none of its donor’s sleek styling. Its nicely integrated soft roof disappears in 28 seconds beneath a flush-fitted, leather-covered lid. The resulting lines of this 2-door, 4-seater with large 20” wheels, low stance, long, low hood (with classic “V”), and imposing grille all combine to make quite the visual impact.
Powered by the 4.7-litre engine from the GranTurismo S (right) and delivering 434 hp at 7000 rpm and 360 lb-ft at 4750 rpm, you’ll see 0-62 mph in 5.4 seconds. The car’s designers have managed to retain a near 50/50 weight distribution, with a subtle bias to the rear (49/51 top up, 48/52 top down) thanks in part to the 6-speed, ZF automatic tranny and diff unit being mounted between the rear wheels in classic Maserati fashion.
The car’s stunning exterior lines are complemented by soft, handcrafted Poltrona Frau leather, accented by wood panels and chrome switchgear that can be customized. A true 4-seater, rear passengers do not have to perform an act of contortion in order to be accommodated. However, packing light is a necessity. The entire luggage compartment, save for 6.1cu ft, is devoted to the storage of the roof.
It is the perfect car for Southern California. Refined, civilized, uncommon, and happy to get your heart racing and your ears ringing at the flick of a switch. My suggestion? Head to PCH and some of its adjoining canyons and have a blast in the turns, then speed off to lunch and turn some heads.