Maserati Debuts 542-hp GranCabrio Drop-Top

Maserati is (finally!) launching a new convertible version of the GranTurismo coupe. Called the GranCabrio, a name last used in 2019, it’s based on the GranTurismo platform, in Trofeo trim. The base Modena and electric Folgore trim may come later, as they are both offered on the GranTurismo. The company has been building convertibles since 1931, so they know something about drop-tops.

The GranCabrio Trofeo is powered by Maserati’s 3.0-liter, twin-turbo Nettuno V-6 engine. Pumping out 542 horsepower at 6500 rpm, Maserati claims it’ll reach 100 kilometers (62 mph) in 3.6 seconds. Top speed, the company claims, is 196 mph.

The engine is a detuned version of the MC20 Cielo’s 621-horsepower V-6—for one thing, the GranCabrio has a wet-sump system, while the MC20 uses a dry sump. EPA ratings are 17 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 20 mpg overall. The only transmission offered is an eight-speed automatic.

There are four driving modes: Comfort, GT, Sport, and Corsa, with Corsa being the hang-onto-your-hat mode. There is also the ESC-OFF option to turn off all electronic controls. It also has launch control, for all those Maserati convertibles that will be invading your local drag strip.

The soft top, available in five colors, can be raised or lowered at speeds up to 31 mph. It opens in 14 seconds and closes in 16. With the convertible top down, trunk space is moderately trimmed.

The car itself is available in six colors: Bianco Astro, Nero Assoluto, Blu Modena, Green Metallic, Grigio Incognito, and Grigio Maratea Matte. We know what “Green Metallic” probably looks like; for the rest, we’ll refer to our Italian-to-English dictionary.

The tires measure 265/30 ZR20 up front and 295/30 ZR21 out back. The brake calipers come in five different colors: Black, yellow, blue, red, and red anodized. Wheels come in six different designs, in four finishes.

Weight is 4316 pounds, not exactly a featherweight, even with all-wheel-drive. The body makes extensive use of lightweight materials, Maserati says, including aluminum and magnesium, together with high-performance steel for the most critical functions. Over 65 percent of the car is made of aluminum.

The GranCabrio “provides four real seats,” the company says. For top-down driving, a neck warmer comes standard, to heat the driver and passenger’s necks at three different levels of warmth. Optional ($1280) is a “wind stopper,” which can only be used with front-seat passengers, reducing turbulence inside the passenger compartment.

So how much? A lot. “Prices starting from $203,000,” Maserati says. We clicked off a few options—$6800 for adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor, a 360-degree camera, and active driving assist, and we wanted the head-up display for $2000—on Maserati’s “build your own” page and got to $211,800.

Is it a double six-figure car? We’ll wait until we drive one to offer an opinion. Keep in mind, though, that Stellantis-owned Maserati says it will go all-electric by 2030, so this could be one of its last, if not the last, ICE convertibles.

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