Maserati adds a new GranCabrio drop-top to its lineup

Maserati adds a new GranCabrio drop-top to its lineup

A Maserati offers style and Italian flair that few other cars can match. The brand might be taking a turn towards SUVs and hybrids with the arrival of the Grecale, but the carmaker's popular and utterly stunning GranTurismo has been to the barbers and asked for the top to be chopped off.

Faffing around with smaller hybrid motors would be a waste for this Italian brand's latest offering. So to ensure this elegant cruiser gets the attention it deserves at the time of its launch, the GranCabrio will sport everybody's favourite Maserati trim level, the Trofeo. Maserati has placed their twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder under the bonnet, which produces a healthy 399kW and a roar that is sure to snap necks on the streets.

Although the engine is not new, the new drop-top is the highlight of the show. It would be a shame to hide the boldly-styled Italian interior. The soft top tucks away near-instantaneously into the boot in a scant 14 seconds and can be dropped at speeds less than 50km/h. It will be great to flex at high speeds, and it will be convenient to soak up the sun while on the road without needing to stop at the local petrol station.

It’s the first time since 2019 that the brand has offered a convertible, and it is great for those who live on the coast. With that being said, Jozi owners might want to opt for the hard top, primarily due to the increase in smash-and-grabs. Based on past experiences, soft tops also remove an element of rigidity from the car's skeleton and might hinder performance slightly.

As of right now, the GranCabrio is something to look forward to, even though it has only recently been revealed internationally and may not arrive in South Africa for another year.

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