2024 Maserati GranCabrio: Experience Power and Elegance Combined

Mar 01, 2024 03:59 AM EST

MASERATI NATURE BACKGROUND — (Photo : PIXABAY/One_Second_Photo)

The GranCabrio sets the stage for an exhilarating summer experience. Featuring a dynamic Nettuno V6 engine, luxurious neck warmers, and a selection of five soft top colors, it promises unrivaled open-air driving pleasure. Anticipated for a summer debut in the U.S., this convertible boasts a top speed near 200 miles per hour and embodies Maserati's legacy of performance and luxury.

A step up in quality from the Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo sedan, the GranCabrio is the ultimate example of automotive design. Notably, Maserati intends to switch completely to electric cars by 2028, so this model might be the last of the company's gas-powered convertibles.

GranCabrio Makes Debut

Thursday saw the grand debut of Maserati's latest masterpiece, the GranCabrio. This convertible iteration mirrors the cutting-edge design and innovation of the recently launched GranTurismo coupe, which hit the market just last year.

According to Motor Authority, the 2024 convertible model is aligned with its coupe counterpart, with the initial launch exclusively offering the performance-focused Trofeo trim. A more opulent Modena variant is slated for a later release, alongside an electric Folgore model.

The new GranTurismo coupe inherits design elements from its predecessor, which enjoyed over a decade of production, while the convertible maintains a strikingly similar soft-top roof design to its earlier iteration, known as the GranTurismo convertible.

Maserati has revealed that the GranCabrio carries only an additional 220 pounds compared to its coupe counterpart, primarily stemming from the intricate folding roof system. The gas-powered version boasts a curb weight of 4,316 pounds, while the electric Folgore is expected to tip the scales even further.

The soft-top roof offers a swift operation, requiring just 14 seconds for raising or lowering, and can be activated at speeds of up to 31 mph. Standard features include a neck-warming function with three intensity levels, and customers have the option to augment aerodynamics with a rear-seat wind deflector, albeit at the expense of rear passenger comfort.

Spacious Two- Door Vehicle

According to Autoweek, Maserati aims to dominate the realm of spacious two-door, four-seat coupes with both hardtop and convertible options, building upon the foundation laid by the 2024 Maserati GranTurismo. The GranCabrio closely mirrors the GranTurismo's chassis, differing primarily in the absence of a roof.

Comprising 65% aluminum, alongside steel and magnesium, the convertible experiences a minor weight increase of 220 pounds in its gas-powered iterations. While an electric GranCabrio has yet to receive official confirmation from the Stellantis-owned Italian brand, they have acknowledged the technical feasibility of such a venture.

It's fascinating to note that in its convertible iteration, Maserati is enhancing the Nettuno engine to deliver 542 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, aligning with the performance of its hardtop GranTurismo Trofeo counterpart. Complementing this powerplant is a traditional ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, enabling all GranCabrio variants to distribute power to all four wheels via a mechanical front differential and a self-locking e-differential at the rear.

When configured as a convertible, Maserati is elevating the Nettuno engine to deliver 542 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, mirroring the capabilities of its hardtop GranTurismo Trofeo counterpart. Coupled with the enduring ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, all GranCabrio models will seamlessly transfer power to each of the four wheels through a mechanical front differential and a self-locking e-differential in the rear.

Anticipating an approximate curb weight of 4300 pounds, the GranCabrio is set to benefit from electronic driver's aids that, as per our prior assessments, offer a pleasantly balanced performance. Equally vital is the fundamental suspension configuration, with the GranCabrio featuring a double-wishbone front and multilink rear setup.