It was at the Frankfurt Motor Show held in the late 2009 that Maserati had introduced its GranTurismo coupe model which had a drop top feature. The Italian car makers are getting set to expand their GranCabrio range at the Geneva Auto show where they would display a sportier version of the car.
The new variant would have the improved chassis as its predecessor – the Turismo variant. The engine fit would also be an improved one as well the gearshift system would be one that gives better response. For engine the car would have an all alloy 4.7 litre naturally aspirated V8 unit that delivers 450 HP and 510 Nm or 376.2 lb-ft of peak torque. This means a 10 HP and 20 Nm increase over the standard GranCabrio. Top speeds of the car would be 285 kmph or 177 mph.
The company has also announced that the car would be incorporated with a “Maserati’s Friction Reduction Program,” the details of which are not yet known though the firm states that this would result in 6 percent reduction in fuel consumption.
For transmission the faster response is achieved with a ZF six-speed automatic gearbox equipped with the MC Auto Shift software from the Quattroporte Sport GT S. The skyhook active suspension system of the car has also been modified by Maserati engineers who have also added grooved and drilled dual-cast brake discs.
For exterior modification effected on the car there is the black grille, smoked headlamps with white sidemarks, new front corner splitters and redesigned side skirts. The paint scheme is called Rosso Trionfale which is a new shade of red. Inspiration for this shade has been drawn form the national color of Italy also used on the 1950s racing Maseratis.
Sales of the car is expected to commence from the summer of this year.
Source: carscoop
