Maserati GranCabrio and GranTurismo facelifted

Maserati's GranTurismo and GranCabrio for 2018 have reached Australia, the importer has announced, both models now sporting a mild facelift and a revised interior that incorporates a new infotainment system.

Cosmetic changes for both the coupe and the convertible are limited to the bumpers, grille, front air ducts and headlights, with the redesigned front bumper reducing the aerodynamic drag coefficient from 0.35Cd to 0.33Cd for the GranCabrio, and from 0.33Cd to 0.32Cd for the GranTurismo.

The LED daytime running lights have been revised, the xenon headlight array is now mounted within a grooved housing and the MC headlights feature a new, darker finish. In addition, a rear parking camera with dynamic guidelines displayed in the infotainment screen is now fitted as standard.

Maserati offers the GranCabrio and GranTurismo in 16 colours, of which one – a three-layer colour named Blu Assoluto – is new for 2018. Pirelli P Zero tyres serve to reduce unsprung weight for the 2018 models, and Maserati claims the new 'OE' tyre improves braking distances on both dry and wet road surfaces.

Inside, the dashboard has been revised, with "a more sculptured design" on the passenger side. An 8.4-inch high-resolution touch screen is located in the centre fascia and is the interface for an infotainment system that is now compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and incorporates premium-level Harman Kardon audio.

Changes to the centre fascia have resulted in a neater appearance, according to Maserati, with fewer buttons than before, courtesy of the two concentric rotary dials in the centre console near the gear shifter. A drive-mode button cluster has been relocated in front of the gear shifter. The clock in the dash, positioned between the vents and above the centre fascia, is a new design with a dial set within the major dial.

There are two trim levels – Sport and MC (Maserati Corse) – for the two body styles, amounting to four variants altogether.

Mechanically, the GranCabrio carries over the 4.7-litre V8 (338kW/520Nm) matched to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission.

"The Pininfarina-designed GranTurismo is a historically important, brand-defining model for Maserati," says Glen Sealey, COO for Maserati Australia.

"Over the years, the GranTurismo has evolved into one of the most iconic Maserati cars ever built, thanks to its uncompromised GT character. In essence, the GranTurismo is the ultimate expression of what grand touring means to Maserati, making the GranTurismo a true benchmark for all the cars that claim, but rarely achieve, the real substance of a true grand touring car," Sealey continued.

"For 2018 the GranCabrio’s lines have been sharpened, its features enhanced and there is a choice of two equally beguiling versions, both of which epitomise Maserati and its values of style, performance and exclusivity.

"The Ghibli and Levante may have transformed the availability and broadened the ability of Maserati’s range, but these new models owe their Maserati soul to the GranTurismo," explains Mr Sealey.

"Those new models sound, look and perform they way they do because the GranTurismo set, and continues to set, the benchmark for Maserati. It is, and remains, the heart and soul of what it means to be a Maserati."

Pricing for GranTurismo and GranCabrio
GranTurismo Sport – $295,000
GranTurismo MC – $345,000
GranCabrio Sport – $335,000
GranCabrio MC – $355,000