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Maserati GranCabrio to drop its top in Frankfurt

The Maserati GranCabrio, the first four-seater convertible in the automaker's history, will make its world wide debut on September 15 at the upcoming International Motor Show.

Antuan Goodwin Reviews Editor / Cars
Antuan Goodwin gained his automotive knowledge the old fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. From drivetrain tech and electrification to car audio installs and cabin tech, if it's on wheels, Antuan is knowledgeable.
Expertise Reviewing cars and car technology since 2008 focusing on electrification, driver assistance and infotainment Credentials
  • North American Car, Truck and SUV of the Year (NACTOY) Awards Juror
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Antuan Goodwin

The GranCabrio will make its world wide debut on September 15 at the upcoming International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany.
The GranCabrio will make its world wide debut on September 15 at the upcoming International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany. Maserati/Fiat Group

When we had our look at the 2008 Maserati GranTurismo, we concluded that the Italian tourer was very much like a supermodel. What could be better than a supermodel? Well, a topless supermodel...and that is what we'll get in the Maserati GranCabrio, a canvas convertible topped GT set to debut at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show.

Although it's not the first Maserati to drop its top, the Maserati GranCabrio will be the first four-seater convertible in Maserati history and joins the Quattroporte and GranTurismo as the third vehicle in Maserati's current product line-up.

The GranCabrio will have the distinction of having the longest wheelbase on a convertible on the market.
Upon its debut, the GranCabrio will have the distinction of having the longest wheelbase on a convertible on the market. Maserati/Fiat Group

The GranCabrio is powered by a 4.7-liter V8 producing 433 horsepower, so it's has more displacement and power than the 4.2-liter, 403 horsepower GranTurismo tested last year. The GranCabrio seems to combine the GranTurismo's coupe profile and the Quattroporte's four-seater proportions, with a canvas power-retractable soft top. Its extended proportions also gives the GranCabrio the longest wheelbase of any convertible on the market. If it truly is longer than the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, this will be a huge vehicle.

Following its debut in Frankfurt, Maserati will begin to market the GranCabrio starting next winter. The luxury cabriolet should hit dealerships as early as spring 2010.