Weekend roadtest: Maserati GranCabrio


On the tail of rising residual values, the arrival of the Maserati GranCabrio four seater convertible is the third prong in the trident trademarked car company. At the same time as the new open topped car arrives, Maserati has updated its saloon Quattroporte which was introduced in 2004 and three-year old GranTurismo coupe, which have up to how been the staples in the sports car brand. Peter Denton, head of sales Maserati GB, said the prestige performance car brand had not been immune from the recession but had weathered it better than some expected by careful management of stock and through dealer and customer support. This has meant the current shortage of used models has seen a 15 to 20 per cent improvement in residual values, which is excellent news for the 13 UK dealers and their current car owners. “From September to December last year our sales surge was Vat driven by the new 15 per cent rating. January to March this year was a similarly encouraging picture but whether it is the change in Government, lower share prices or the ash cloud there now seems to be more caution around by customers - although it is still healthy,” he said. Maserati’s UK sales peaked at 715 units in 2008 before the recession and in common with all other manufacturers sales fell but it has a worldwide sales target of 5,900 vehicles this year - up from 4,900 in 2009. Their sales have steadily grown from 3,100 units in 2003 up to 8,600 units in 2008 before the recession hit market of 2009. Key to this growth will be the new GranCabrio.
The two door, full four seater GranCabrio with its power operated fabric roof begins at £96,175 but there are like all Maserati models, a huge range of options including bespoke luggage so discerning owners can tailor the car to their specific choice. The new 175mph GranCabrio is powered by a V8 petrol engine and specifically for this model a 4.7-litre 440hp unit matched with a ZF six speed automatic transmission which take it from 0-62mph in 5.3secs.
Sophisticated electronics allow the driver to use normal or sport modes which at the touch of a button alter the engine and transmission mapping as well as the GranCabrio’s suspension and ride responses. The folding multi-layered hood has a heated rear glass window and requires no manual locking or unlocking by the driver. With the hood stowed under the tonneau cover there is excellent visibility and a three-part wind baffle can be used to protect occupants in the front when it’s open, but it means no-one can then sit behind in the occasional twin seats. Visibility with the hood erect is considerably reduced but it’s a very snug arrangement and wind noise is extremely low when it’s closed or open.
The powertrain is particularly smooth, the engine sounds throaty when extended and it responds immediately to throttle inputs and the brakes are very powerful if a little lacking in feel when applied. Maserati make much of their grand tourer philosophy but altering the powertrain responses means you have to accept a stiffer ride at the same time when some drivers would prefer the comfier setting while enjoying the snappier gearchanges and acceleration. The seats are excellent, well padded and supporting but legroom behind is suitable only for children.
The Maserati GranCabrio felt very well put together with no scuttle or chassis shake and it coped well with some bad bumps which tested the suspension but never put it off line through a bend. On a brief test it showed a petrol consumption of 18.3mpg. The Maserati GranCabrio is a very sophisticated soft-top which is very much a grand tourer exuding exclusivity and which feels extremely well built and now is holding its value to a remarkable degree.

Trident attack: The Maserati range now comprises coupe GranTurismo, GranCabrio and Quattroporte saloon, with bespoke equipment options.
The GranCabrio is derived from the coupe Gran Turismo which is available in standard, Turismo S Automatic and Turismo S versions. All have a six-speed ZF sequential automatic with paddles on the column, automatic electronic parking brake and new exhaust system, traction and stability control, leather and aluminium trim, powered seats and sophisticated sound sytems. The Turismo has a 4.2 V8 developing 405hp and gives 177mph maximum with 0-62mph in 5.2sec while the S and Automatic versions have the 440hp 4.7 V8 which lifts maximum speed to 183mph and cuts the 0-62mph time to 4.9 and 5.0sec respectively. Turismo prices rise from £80,450, the S Automatic is £86.765 and S is £90,455. The saloon, four-door Quattroporte, S and Sport GTS models cost from £79,555, £85,550 and £92,355. They all have the same six-speed ZF automatic gearbox with a 400hp 4.2 V8 in the Quattroporte which is replaced with a 430hp 4.7 V8 in the S and a tuned 440hp 4.7 in the GTS that also gets revised gearbox software and suspension modifications and more sporting tyres. Top speed of the Quattroporte is 167mph, 0-62mph takes 5.6sec, the S reaches 174mph with 5.4sec to 62mph and the GTS tops 177mph and takes 5.1sec to 62mph. They also have leather and aluminium trim, traction control, high performance lights, advanced sound system and climate control. Top models come with rear seat comfort and climate packs, wood detailing, and chrome highlights to the exterior. GTS versions hark to Maserati’s racing heritage and have red callipers and badge highlights while modified transmission and suspension give a more sporting response.