GranTurismo Convertible

The Maserati GranTurismo Convertible is a dynamic and elegant cabriolet for four.

The Maserati GranTurismo Convertible succeeds in being both dynamic and elegant. The car draws its inspiration from the GranTurismo performance Coupe, an example of the perfect synthesis of modernity, sensuality and passion.

Created by master coachbuilder Pininfarina, the GranTurismo Convertible is characterised by its soft-top roof. This styling bonds the GranTurismo Convertible closely with the company’s history of refined design.

When closed, the roof follows the original contours of the GranTurismo Convertible, with a hood that has the same smart, forward-slanting design, giving the GranTurismo Convertible the dashing looks of the stunning Maserati coupé.

Once open, the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible transforms into a striking cabriolet, free to demonstrate its sinuous design and beauty. The vibrant profile is accentuated by the low ground clearance and long hood design. A stylish ‘V’ points towards the grille, in the middle of which stands the legendary chrome Trident.

The vehicle sides also feature chrome elements that give the GranTurismo Convertible some added distinction. One particular design feature is the continuous chrome trim segment that surrounds the cabin and integrates with the third rear stop light.

Towards the rear of the car, the triangular light units are formed by 96 LEDs and contain a wide diffuser that further underlines the car’s athletic poise. This sporty feel is also seen in the large, 20” alloy wheels that reflect the Trident design.

The shape of the GranTurismo Convertible is the result of extensive aerodynamic testing aimed at limiting the drag typical of drop-top cars. The GranTurismo Convertible boasts a Cd (Coefficient of drag) 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 levels of roadholding.

The GranTurismo Convertible's cabin offers the maximum in comfort for front and rear occupants.

The Maserati GranTurismo Convertible is the only real drop-top in its class to offer abundant space for four adults, seated in an elegant and luxurious cabin. The interior space is significantky larger than other vehicls in this exclusive categoryand ensures the maximum comfort even for rear passengers.

The interior is divided by a central tunnel distributing space between the occupants along the car’s length. The dashboard extends horizontally and its upper section features a characteristic ‘V’, a distinctive Maserati design symbol.

The GranTurismo Convertible's cabin design is both easy on the eye and invites you to touch it. Only the finest materials were employed in its construction: the leather was handcrafted by Poltrona Frau® and a selection of prestigious wood trim was used for the dashboard, door panel and rear areas. 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 sections meeting the fingertips on the back of the steering wheel shift paddles.

Adding to the on-board comfort is the insulated canvas roof, one made up of three layers to ensure excellent acoustic isolation. With the top down and with just two on board, it is possible to further minimize interior air flow thanks to a windstop developed specifically for the GranTurismo Convertible.

The Maserati GranTurismo Convertible air conditioning system has been further refined to offer the maximum comfort levels with the top up or down. The system recognises how the car is being driven, and automatically resets ventilation and climate control to help maintain the set temperature.

Maserati GranTurismo Convertible: Engine, transmission, chassis, suspension and electronics

Engine

The engine of the Maserati GranCabrio is an eight cylinder, 4,691cc 90° V-8, capable of developing 433 bhp at 7,000 rpm with a peak torque of 361 ft-lb at 4,750 rpm. The power unit uses advanced technology typical of all Maserati engines allowing the high power figures to be reached, while ensuring smooth gear changes and a refined engine exhaust note.

The engine valvetrain is actuated by two overhead camshafts per cylinder bank with four valves per cylinder controlled by hydraulic tappets. The overhead camshafts on the intake side are controlled by a low oil-pressure activated continual phase variator, a technical solution that, together with the optimization of the combustion chamber, allows 82% of the maximum torque to be available from 2,500 rpm for superb acceleration, even in high gears.

Transmission

The Maserati GranTurismo Convertible features a six-speed, ZF automatic transmission with a hydraulic torque converter yielding extremely quick and fluid gear shifts while maintaining the characteristics of the sporty V-8 engine.

The transmission has four modes and is also equipped with a self-adapting control system that adjusts gear changes to both the driving style and road conditions.
In Manual mode, gear changes are made sequentially by the driver via the steering column mounted paddles or the gear shift lever.

Exhaust

The engine sound is enhanced by the sport exhaust system including a special by-pass valve. Pushing the Sport button opens the pneumatic valves if the car is on the move and the engine is above 3,000 rpm. The engine and driveline are fully ready to deliver a rewarding engine roar whi ch becomes even more intense with the roof open, bringing the GranTurismo Convertible at one with the environment.

Chassis

The weight distribution of the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible is slightly biased towards the rear with 49% of the veicle’s weight located over the frontaxle and 51% over the back with the roof closed. With the roof retracted, the front-rear istribution changes to 48-52%.

This design result was achieved by locating the engine behind the front axle and results in true and predictable handling that makes driving easier and increases car stability.

The new loadbearing body structure is constructed from a blend of materials with the overriding goal to maintain low weight. The vehicle framework is made from toughened steel apart from the hood and front bumper support, which consist of aluminium, and the trunk lid in heat treated plastic that uses Sheet Moulding Compound technology.

The chassis was developed to provide maximum stiffness even as a cabriolet without a fixed roof. The result is that the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible is able to offer the same driving pleasure as a high performance coupe.

Suspension

The Maserati GranTurismo Convertible is fitted with an electronically-controlled Skyhook suspension as standard. This system employs dampers with an aluminium body which continually adjust the damping. This solution means that the calibration adapts instantly to the driving style and the road conditions to offer the utmost in on-board comfort.

The Skyhook system acts by using acceleration sensors that detect movement on all four wheels and the body. A control unit processes the data it receives from the sensors, analyzes the driving style and road surface and instantly adjusts the dampers accordingly via their proportional valves.

Electronics

The car’s superb dynamic handling is constantly monitored and optimized by the Maserati Stability Program (MSP). The MSP works to correct even the onset of a skid by reducing engine torque. Working further with the ABS antilock brakes , the system prevents the wheels from locking under hard braking, and distributes the braking force between the front and rear axles. It also prevents wheel-spin on low grip surfaces when accelerating or climbing (using ASR and MSR) to maintain available traction.

Cabriolet Soft top

The Maserati GranTurismo Convertible's canvas roof was chosen for both its technological as well as aesthetic advantages. The resulting soft top solution yields a lower center of gravity since the bottom of the car is heavier. This enhances the car’s dynamic handling.

The roof weighs only 143 ponds nd the roof’s materials, mechanism, its operation time and stowage are all top quality. The GranTurismo Convertible transforms from an amazing coupé into a cabriolet in just 28 seconds if the car is travelling up to 20 mph.