Maserati GranCabrio

[exigeracer]

Sooo looks like we'll be hearing more from the "it looks like a fish" crowd and les from the "it looks absolutely amazing" crowd. Being from the latter camp, I definitely think the body and graphics didn't really translate well into cabrio when they busted out the plasma cutter. Maserati holds the rights to one of the sexiest c-pillars: maybe it was what held everything together on the regular GS? Maybe it needs more deck in the back (taper the cabin line and flatten the boot)? Oh well...

Maserati has released the first official images and information on the GranCabrio, the first four-seat convertible in the brand's history. It will be unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and will go on sale on Spring 2010.
From the offficial Press Release:
The Maserati GranCabrio, the first four-seater convertible in the Trident carmaker’s history, will make its world wide debut on September 15 at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. The introduction of the GranCabrio – the Trident’s third prong – completes Maserati’s product line-up that now consists of three different families of models: Quattroporte, GranTurismo, GranCabrio.

The GranCabrio was designed by Pininfarina and is continuing the Maserati tradition in open-top automobiles, beginning with the 1950 A6G Frua Spyder.

The GranCabrio is powered by a 4.7 liter V8, 323 kW engine and is the convertible with the longest wheelbase on the market. The GranCabrio’s roof is strictly canvas-made, emphasizing the link with the Maserati tradition.

Source

 

[YSSMAN]

Interesting...

I like the overall look of the car, but with the overall performance of the vehicle otherwise compromised due mainly to its size, this only makes a small problem worse. Not that it means much, it is a GT car after all. Hmmm. Having four seats is an interesting advantage, especially in the luxo coupe market, but given the competition, there may be better options available.

 

[harrytuttle]

I'd have to see it with the top up, but I like it (except for the massive weight it must carry). Then again, I actually like the Gran Turismo as it is. Large, yes; heavy, definitely; but a very-well proportioned and detailed design. Maybe a little thick at the front and rear ends, but hardly deal-breaking. I see it as more shark-nosed rather than fish-faced.

 

[McLaren]

This is a model anyone could have seen coming. On the design, I love it; think it looks stunning.

 

[gt3_racer05]

The pictures make it looks so nice, even though I prefer coupe over convertible (unless it's a hardtop)

 

[Philly]

I'll take a coupe. I never really have liked convertibles all that much, but this is a case where I think the hardtop looks much better than the drop top.