Maserati GranCabrio: First On-The-Road Impressions - VIDEO ENHANCED
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EDITOR'S NOTE: This is one god-damn beautiful car!
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MODERNA, Italy - February 10, 2010: The Maserati GranCabrio, which will be marketed in the U.S. as GranTurismo Convertible, makes its on-the-road debut with the start of the international press test drive. The GranCabrio, the first four-seater convertible to come out of the Modena-based factory, was introduced worldwide at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September 2009 and will be on the market this spring.
The name, GranCabrio, evokes Maserati’s renowned traditions and experience, tying the new vehicle to the GranTurismo concept and bringing to life past GranSports. At the same time, the name underlines how much the car differs from every model that has preceded it. The GranCabrio redefines the idea of a cabriolet.
The open-top, four-seater GranCabrio offers the chance to share a fantastic driving experience with those you love, one enhanced by top quality materials, the aroma of prestigious woods and refined leather. GranCabrio is Maserati’s exclusive take on the need to live exciting experiences in company as opposed to the mania of owning things just for the sake of it.
GranCabrio is designed for those who take pleasure from good taste and who appreciate Italian power and elegance. However, they do not want to be limited by using the car just as a couple or not being able to at all because there is a new addition to the family. In the GranCabrio the joy of sharing experiences reaches previously unattainable heights.
Click PLAY to watch the GranCabrio road-test video
EXTERIOR DESIGN
Created by master coachbuilder Pininfarina, the
GranCabrio is characterised by its soft-top roof. This styling bonds the
GranCabrio closely with the company’s refined traditions.
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When closed, the rear pillar – one that does not, in fact, exist – is mimicked in the hood’s smart, forward-slanting design, giving the GranCabrio the dashing looks of a coupé.
Once open, the Maserati GranCabrio transforms into an astounding cabriolet, free to show off all its sinuous, feline beauty. The vibrant side-on view is accentuated by the reduced ground clearance and long bonnet. A stylish ‘V’ points towards the grille, in the middle of which is a large chrome Trident.
The flanks also feature chrome elements that give the GranCabrio some added gloss. One particularly goodlooking feature is the continuous chrome trim that encircles the cabin and integrates with the third rear stop light.
Towards the back of the car, the triangular light cluster is formed by 96 LEDs with a wide diffuser that further underlines the car’s athletic poise. This sporty feel is also seen in the generous 20” wheel rims that reflect the Trident design.
The shape of the GranCabrio is the result of extensive aerodynamic testing aimed at limiting the drag typical of droptop cars. The GranCabrio boasts a Cx coefficient that is one of the best in its class: 0.35 with the hood up and 0.39 with it down. The spoiler and rear diffuser both contribute to obtaining top draw roadholding.
INTERIOR
The Maserati GranCabrio is the only real droptop in its class
to offer enough space for four adults, seated in an elegant and luxurious
cabin.
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The interior is divided by a central tunnel that distributes the space between the occupants along the car’s length. The dashboard extends horizontally and its upper section features a characteristic ‘V’, a distinctive Maserati symbol.
The GranCabrio’s cabin is easy on the eye and invites you to touch it. Only the finest materials were employed in its build: the leather was handcrafted by Poltrona Frau® and a selection of prestigious woods was used for the dashboard, door panel and rear flank features. The level of craftsmanship and attention to detail can also be seen in the chrome rings that enhance the dashboard switches and steering wheel as well as the Alcantara finish on the back of the steering wheel paddles.
Adding to the on-board comfort is the canvas hood, one made up of three layers to censure excellent acoustic isolation. With the top down and with just two on board, it is possible to minimise interior air flow thanks to the windstop developed specially for the GranCabrio (available as an option).
On the Maserati GranCabrio, the air conditioning has been tweaked to offer the maximum comfort levels both with the top up or down. The system recognises how the car is being used by automatically reprogramming the emissions mixed with air to maintain the set temperature.
Click PLAY to watch the introduction of the GranCabrio at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show
