Priced: 2010 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, New Jersey — The 2010 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible will start at $140,200, including an estimated $2,600 gas-guzzler tax, a $1,500 destination charge and a $300 dealer prep charge, when it goes on sale in late spring, Maserati North America said on Tuesday.

Although the exotic marque is not formally announcing volume for the U.S., Maserati North America spokesman Jeffrey Ehoodin told Inside Line in a phone conversation on Tuesday that "we're looking at roughly 700 cars in the U.S. for the first year." Ehoodin also said the GranTurismo Convertible tops out at about $155,000 when fully loaded.

Maserati's formal statement on GranTurismo Convertible pricing also included the footnote, "Dealer prices may vary." When asked about that, Ehoodin said, "That was put in by our legal [department]." He could offer no further explanation, such as whether dealers are already commanding a higher price for the car. The 56 North American Maserati dealers are accepting "preliminary orders" for the car, the automaker said.

The most expensive option is a dual-color interior of the customer's choice, which adds $7,900 to the bottom line. Other options include $375 contrast stitching on the leather seats and $750 colored brake calipers. Red brake calipers are standard, but customers can select other optional colors, including black, silver and yellow.

Customers can also "go off the menu with [exterior] color," Ehoodin said. "We will prepare a one-of-a-kind color for you similar to Ferrari," he said. "That choice will be priced on a case-by-case basis."

Standard equipment includes 20-inch Birdcage design wheels, a Skyhook active suspension system, rear park sensors, dual-twin sport exhaust system with chrome outlets and a Bose Surround Sound system. The convertible has the 433-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 linked to a six-speed adaptive automatic transmission with standard paddle shifters.

Competitors to the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible include the 2010 BMW M6, which starts at $108,725, including a $825 destination charge, and the 2010 Jaguar XKR, which starts at $102,000, including a $850 destination charge.

Inside Line says: No recession special here, as the new Maserati convertible comes in well above several of its key competitors. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent