As temperatures climb and days get longer, a motoring enthusiast’s fancy turns to convertibles, and I can’t think of a better way to enjoy summertime than in a gorgeous, melodious, Italian sports car like the Maserati GranTurismo convertible.
More of a grand tourer than a thoroughbred sports car, the GranTurismo is an elegant conveyance for drivers looking for something a little different, with lots of beautiful Italian style, the best sounding exhaust note on the planet, and performance that will knock your socks off.
Power from the Ferrari-derived V-8 engine is plentiful throughout the rev band, and gives you lots of pedal to reach beyond legal speeds very quickly. As a bonus, each time you step on the go pedal, the engine emits a glorious symphony of exhaust music that sounds exactly like what you’d expect from an exotic Italian sports car. Tight, responsive steering and a taut suspension make this a true driver’s car that responds instantly and powerfully to every input. Sport mode makes the GranTurismo even more aggressive and tightens the suspension and shift points to make it super sporty. Grippy brakes complete the performance package.
Beautiful interior appointments such as an analog clock, rich leather and real wood trim confirm that you are in a special luxury car. Front seats are very well bolstered to help hold you in place during spirited driving. Vehicle, radio and navigation functions are controlled via a small screen with hard buttons.
The soft top raises and lowers at the press of a button, and the folding and unfolding of the top is a beautiful mechanical ballet. A glass rear window with defogger, rain-sensing wipers, dual automatic climate control, plenty of top insulation and heated front seats mean you can comfortably drive this car in inclement weather. Front and rear parking sensors greatly improve parking ease, but there’s no back-up camera. With the top up, visibility is hampered a bit by its wide side panels and a relatively small rear window, but the cabin is very quiet and secure.
Top down, there is a minimum of wind buffeting, thanks in part to a windshield that reaches back almost to the driver’s head. And trunk room is at a premium. You probably couldn’t fit a full week’s worth of groceries in there. With the top up, it’s a little better, but you’re probably better off just using the rear seat for storage since it’s not very functional.
According to Matthew Kalina, brand specialist at Jim Butler Italia (which recently opened a beautiful new showroom on Hanley Road just south of Manchester), “What makes the GranTurismo convertible so special is its liveability. It’s an easy car to use every day. It’s comfortable, with lots of room, including a back seat and much-improved quality, not to mention its fantastic performance.”
Robert Paster (robertpaster.com) is also an attorney in private practice, concentrating in estate planning and probate.
technicals 〉〉Model GranCabrio
Price:
* Base, $147,500, including delivery
* As driven with options, $154,000
Gas mileage:
* 13 city
* 20 highway
Drivetrain:
* Front engine; rear-wheel drive
* 4.7-litre V-8 engine
* 444 horsepower
* 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters