NEW YORK CITY — Maserati's sleek new GranTurismo Convertible was given a premiere befitting its luxurious presence, at the company's Park Avenue showroom after spending a week on display at Grand Central Station. It's the first four-seater convertible to come out of Maserati's Viale Ciro Menotti factory in Italy. In other markets it will be known as the GranCabrio, but the U.S. gets the longer moniker.
The GranTurismo Convertible has Maserati's hand-built 4.7-liter V8 engine that makes 433 horsepower and 361 pound-feet of torque. It takes the car from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 176 mph. The engine is mated to a six-speed ZF automatic transmission.
Maserati makes much of the car's spaciousness, noting it has the longest wheelbase in its segment (115.8 inches), the same trunk space whether the soft top is up or down, and a 22-degree rear seatback angle permitting "true comfort for two real adults in back."
The canvas roof opens automatically, taking only 28 seconds while the car is traveling at speeds up to 20 mph. Among the safety features are an extendable roll bar system, new braking circuit design and dual-stage front airbags.
Like all Maseratis, the GranTurismo Convertible can be customized in color and interior trim to a remarkable degree. Poltrana Frau leather seats and surfaces are available in 10 colors, with choices of contrast stitching, carpet colors and trims. "Naturally," Maserati adds, there's a matching set of luggage.
Maserati dealers in the U.S. are taking orders now. Pricing has not yet been announced.
Inside Line says: For those who prefer to be ready when spring fever hits several months from now. — Laura Sky Brown, Correspondent
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martinrleon says:
08:12 PM, 10/30/2009
I'll take two!