Maserati’s second-generation GranTurismo coupe is the tin-top sister car of the GranCabrio, and both cars use the same mixed-metal model platform, which was developed from scratch for both open and closed applications – and to accommodate an electric version – starting in 2017.
Both are large cars by two-door GT coupe/cabrio class norms: very nearly five metres long, when anywhere between 4.7- and 4.9- would be more typical. But then you don’t make space for passengers without a bit of a stretch.
Unlike the GranTurismo (which can be had as slightly less powerful and less expensive V6 Modena model), the GranCabrio only comes as either a 542bhp V6 Trofeo model; or as a more expensive, three-motor, 750bhp, all-electric Folgore model. All GranCabrios are four-wheel drive, however, and all use air suspension with adaptive damping.
Since it’s a convertible, the GranCabrio Trofeo needs chassis reinforcements that the Folgore can do without (because its drive battery itself adds structural stiffness to the car). Even so, it weighs a pretty reasonable 100kg more than an equivalent GranTurismo; though that’ll leave it very close to two tonnes with a driver and fuel onboard.
Design appeal is claimed as one of the car’s chief lures; and the packaging of the car’s mechanicals has certainly delivered a low bonnet line and an elegant look overall, which the car’s wide ‘cofango’ clamshell-style bonnet feeds into, ditto Maserati’s use of smoked chrome for the highlights. If you like a coloured hood, you can choose between black, blue, grey, ‘greige’ or ‘granata’ red.
