Maserati convertible arrives in time for summer

The first examples of Maserati's four-seat GranCabrio convertible have landed in Australia and New Zealand.

As a soft-top version of the Maserati GranTurismo coupe, the $338,000 (excluding statutory charges and on-road costs) GranCabrio is claimed to offer "full maintenance of body rigidity and integrity" even though it has what the company claims is the longest wheelbase in its class.

Using a Ferrari-sourced 4.7-litre, 323kW V8, the GranCabrio employs a six-speed ZF auto transmission to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 5.3 seconds on its way to a stated maximum of 283km/h.

Employing a soft-top convertible roof rather than the increasingly popular all-metal folding hardtop, the Maserati enables the driver to raise or lower the complex, multi-crossbar construction on the move at speeds up to 30km/h. This takes 28 seconds, compared to 20 seconds when the car is stationary. It is also possible to operate the roof by remote control from outside the vehicle.

According to Maserati, the structure weighs 65kg and has "a minimal effect on the performance of the car." The reality is that the total weight increase is about 100kg, meaning the GranCabrio is a heavy four-seater with a kerb weight just below two tonnes.

Maserati claims that with the amount of work transforming the coupe into a convertible, it is virtually a new car.

New Zealand figured in the GranCabrio's development, where the hood was tested for cold and wet conditions and the stability control system was calibrated for snow and ice calibrations.

Both the climate-control and audio systems have been designed to compensate when the roof is either up or down, while a special set of bespoke luggage comes as part of the package.

The astonishing claim that the GranTurismo version is available in a possible nine million trim/colour combinations is stretched further in the GranCabrio with "six different hood colours, two new leather interiors and three new dashboard trims."

Available in just one specification, the Maserati Gran Turismo is expected to attract a female ownership of around 15 per cent.

The official on-sale date is July 1, although Maserati claims more than 60 per cent of the cars allocated for Australia and New Zealand "already have owners." The $338,000 pricetag applies equally in Australia and New Zealand.

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