We're not convinced by Maserati's name for the new convertible version of the GranTurismo (preferring the more arachnid 'spyder' nomenclature for our exotic drop tops), but we were very easily convinced by its looks when we set our eyes upon these pictures.
The Maserati GranCabrio continues Maser's tradition of making blindingly beautiful cars, and gives us yet another reason to get proper excited by the forthcoming
Frankfurt Motor Show, where it'll get its debut. Maserati hasn't ventured much information on the third model in its range, though there's arguably not much to talk about here: it's a
GranTurismo with an electric canvas roof and a slightly silly name.
We don't know how much of a premium Maserati will charge for the privilege of dropping the roof, but we are told it's going on sale in Spring next year, has four proper seats and is, unsurprisingly, powered by the very same 433bhp 4.7-litre V8 that powers the coupé. Imagine the sound of that with the top down. Ooh.
The Pininfarina styled GranCabrio is the first four-seat cabriolet the Italian has ever produced, though it's far from its first open-topped car, following such landmarks as the 1960 3500GT Vignale Spyder, the 1968 Ghibli Spyder and the 2001 Spyder. See - what's wrong with Spyder?
Mark Nichol - 24 Aug 2009