Novitec Tridente Supercharges the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible

a1c_scg says:

08:20 AM, 04/25/2011

Jesus, go back and read my posts and try really hard to comprehend them. Come on, try. You can do it.

You don't have to lecture me on the drawbacks of a convertible versus a coupe. That is common sense. But the different layouts have nothing to do w/ straightline performance other than weight. If you can't understand that simple law of physics, just stop now. And lol, at the 'torque give you 0-60' statement. If you believe it's as simple as that, you've attended one too many redneck test-and-tune nights. The overall powerband, as far as the engine is concerned, is what dictates acceleration.

But disregarding that jewel of misinfo, the 'enthusiasts care about more than just numbers' comment is exactly my point. Your typical buyer of this ISN'T an enthusiast. He's some douche w/ more money than taste and/or car knowledge. And a lot of THOSE guys care about stupid bragging rights like horsepower, acceleration, top speed, and other things they don't understand, or will never make full use of. And in that regards, this car falls short.

Now, on the other hand, a true enthusiast will see this car as what it is- a gussied up, overpriced GT for posers, that's just waiting to throw a rod though the block. Yeah, it looks good. Yeah, it's got big power. But just buy a stock one. It's damn near as quick, is as good-looking, and hasn't been tinkered w/ by some company who doesn't give a shit if their products are reliable.

And if you think everyone who has a big net worth is the same, then you're ignorant. There's new money- hit it big in the stock market, made a wise investment, became an overnight celebrity. And there's old money- several-generation old farmers, royalty, etc. The former buy cars like these. The latter don't. Sure, there's exception here and there, but all rich people didn't get there the same way. And that's due to their difference in mentality. Not everyone w/ money spends it w/out taking into account value.

cz_75 says:

01:59 PM, 04/24/2011

Maserati is now a poseur car for those who want an Italian sports car with less of the good points and all of the bad ones, but for less money.  Quattroporte is the only Maser of any interest and the Germans still make sedans with better performance (but definitely not looks).  

rcflem says:

01:58 PM, 04/24/2011

And, again, "wise guy," it's a convertible.

Read what I said again and try to comprehend, because your first response doesn't make a modicum of sense.

You're trying to put 600 HP+ into a **convertible.** You can't compare the relative stability and performance of a drop-top to a hard-top version. The car is built differently. You put this same performance package in the normal coupe and I guarantee you see better numbers... if you want the same "numbers" in a convertible, be prepared to pay more than $30,000 and/or weigh more than 4k lbs.

But, beyond that, you're really going to complain that a mid-four second dash is poor performance? It's torque that gives you 0-60, dude, not horsepower. And those numbers are about right for "only" 425 ft-lbs in a 4300-lb car.

In the mortgage world, your value derives from good comparables. Just like you can't compare a home to a condo, you can't compare a Maserati GranCabrio to a Chevy Camaro.

vantageman says:

01:58 PM, 04/24/2011

You can tell the people here will never appreciate a luxury vehicle, im sorry newsflash thepoint of a "GT" is not to compete with a Camaro nor is it a "lightweight" vehicle as one ignorant poster said.  If 0-60 times is all your concerned about, if that truely defines a great a car is than you are no car enthusiast at all.....

a1c_scg says:

01:57 PM, 04/24/2011

My point exactly. The power numbers aren't weak, the performance ones are. A near 600hp car that weighs under 4,000 pounds w/ mid 4 sec 0-60 and a sub-190 top speed?? The people this car is marketed to thrive on that compensation-fueled bullshit. $30K in mods for a car that will end up getting out run by a bolt-on Corvette, M5, 911, etc is a joke.

And besides, you know that engine isn't going to last. Hell these things catch on fire when they're stock, imagine 10lb's of boost running through them. This car is a fancy, expensive grenade, nothing more.

andrei_knight says:

03:35 PM, 04/23/2011

It looks the business. Maseratis have come up as far as build quality is concerned over the last decade or so. I remember the 3200 was appalling. While playing at this level, $28k seems about right for an upgrade such as this.

As far as the apparent performance claim is concerned, don't be dismayed. Motor Trend has already tested a 2009 GranTurismo S to 60 in 4.5 seconds. That car hits a claimed 183mph. Not that Maseratis are about out and out numbers, but that's about as fast as you want to go anywhere outside of a drag strip.

Rest assurred that the upgrades will more than compensate for the convertible's additional mass. These claims are conservative. We won't know until we see one tested, though.

plasmaship says:

09:14 AM, 04/23/2011

I have a 08 Maserati GT. It already has 30,000 miles and no major problems just yearly oil changes.  This car is fast enough and the sound is intoxicating.  The built quality is excellent.  My wife has a o7 DB9 convertible which looks great but is always in the shop, poor fit and finish and the seats fall apart because they are mostly velcroed together.  The Bluetooth is a real joke.  My Maserati is my daily driver and I prefer it over my 05 Lamborghini Gallardo.

bengal3200 says:

02:13 PM, 04/22/2011

Look at this...

Chrysler has kicked up the horsepower on the 2012 300C SRT8, courtesy of a larger-displacement 6.4-liter Hemi V8 rated at 465 horsepower. A five-speed automatic transmission drives the rear wheels. The company says 0-60-mph acceleration will land in the "high 4-second range," and the big sedan will have a top speed of 175 mph. Chrysler said fuel economy numbers will be introduced closer to vehicle introduction.  And pricing is expected to be around $40,000.

Now, seriously.  If 465 horses can push at fat car like the 300 to 60 in 4.X seconds, how can 580 not do much better on a light weight GT?

bengal3200 says:

01:50 PM, 04/22/2011

I have to agree with a1c_scg.  I'm not trying to sound spoiled, but it does seem kinda weak.  I mean, there are quite a few other cars in that $100K price range that will smoke this car.  And many cheaper cars will match it.  The M5 for example, is probably cheaper, will match the performance (except for the limited 155 top speed) and it SEATS FIVE!  And if this were 2003, I would say that 187 mph is impressive, but when my SRT will do 155 and a Z06 will hit in the 190s, 187 isn't that impressive - at least not for a $100,000 Supercharged Maserati GranTurismo.

I'm not saying is isn't a quick/fast car.  And it's probably sweet as hell to drive and all that.  For sure this is the mother of all MaseratisI just see what a1c_scg is saying.  If I were spending that kind of money, I'd get something else, like maybe a DB9/S.