2010 Maserati GranCabrio 4.7 V8 6AT (440 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Maserati introduced the GranCabrio at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, with production starting in the following year, based on the same platform as its coupe sibling, the GranTurismo.

In 2010, the world financial crisis was still ongoing, and automakers had a difficult time finding customers for their products. But Maserati knew that deep-pocket buyers still had enough to purchase exclusive, beautiful cabriolets. In addition, the Italian automaker didn’t try to sell tens of thousands of the GranCabrio, just a couple of thousands per year. That target was not impossible, so their only problem was to find the right design and engineering solutions to make the car as desirable as possible. With this model, it hit the spot since it was a true four-seat convertible. One in which the rear seats were not just for small-sized dogs and purses. In addition, the open-top version of the GranTurismo was powered by the same Ferrari-developed engine, which provided enough power and a pleasant sound. Deliveries started in early January 2010, and the car manufacturer proved to anyone that it was right. The sales exceeded 11,000 units until the model’s replacement in 2022.

The Italian car manufacturer had a long history of making breathtaking-looking convertibles, and for the 2010 GranCabrio, it employed Pininfarina to design it. At the front, the car sported a broad grille with rounded edges adorned by vertical slats where the Tridento badge took center stage. It shared the headlights with its coupe sibling, featuring a swept-back look. Underneath them, the automaker placed round fog lamps, while below the bumper, it placed a lip spoiler.

From its profile, the GranCabrio revealed its long hood and curved fenders, where Maserati placed a set of three vents and the Pininfarina badges. The car’s slanted windshield was supported by thick A-pillars, which served as safety arches as well. With a curved waistline that ascended towards the rear deck, the convertible had an elegant and dynamic line. The power retractable canvas roof could be lowered and closed in about 28 seconds at speeds of up to 32 kph (20 mph). At the back, Maserati installed a pair of broad, triangular taillights that emerged from the quarter panels onto the trunk’s lid. At the same time, below the bumper, the automaker added a large diffuser flanked by four oval exhausts.

The leather-wrapped interior of the GranCabrio greeted its customers with comfortable bucket seats at the front separated by a tall center console. Fronting the driver was an analog instrument panel filled with two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer that flanked a TFT display and the smaller-sized fuel level and the coolant temperature gauges. On the center stack, the automaker installed the infotainment system that featured navigation, a CD player and supported Bluetooth connectivity for calls and media. In the back, legroom was more than enough for most customers.

Under the hood stood a handbuilt 4.7-liter engine provided by Ferrari, Maserati’s owner group. The automaker provided the GranCabrio with either a six-speed automatic that sent the torque to the rear wheels only.