Engine

The engine of the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible is an eight cylinder, 4,691cc 90° V-8, capable of developing 433 bhp at 7,000 rpm with a peak torque of 361 ft-lb at 4,750 rpm. The power unit uses advanced technology typical of all Maserati engines allowing the high power figures to be reached, while ensuring smooth gear changes and a refined engine exhaust note.

The engine valvetrain is actuated by two overhead camshafts per cylinder bank with four valves per cylinder controlled by hydraulic tappets. The overhead camshafts on the intake side are controlled by a low oil-pressure activated continual phase variator, a technical solution that, together with the optimization of the cylinder combustion chambers, allows 82% of the maximum torque to be available from 2,500 rpm for superb acceleration, even in high gears.

Transmission

The Maserati GranTurismo Convertible features a six-speed, ZF automatic transmission with a hydraulic torque converter yielding extremely quick and fluid gear shifts while maintaining the characteristics of the sporty V-8 engine.

The transmission has four modes and is also equipped with a self-adapting control system that adjusts gear changes to both the driving style and road conditions.
In Manual mode, gear changes are made sequentially by the driver via the standard steering column-mounted paddles or the gear shift lever.

Exhaust

The engine sound is enhanced by the sport exhaust system including a special by-pass valve. Pushing the Sport button opens the pneumatic valves if the car is on the move and the engine is above 3,000 rpm. The engine and driveline are fully ready to deliver a rewarding engine roar which becomes even more intense with the roof open, bringing the GranTurismo Convertible at one with the environment.

Chassis

The weight distribution of the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible is slightly biased towards the rear with 49% of the vehicle’s weight located over the front axle and 51% over the back with the roof closed. With the roof retracted, the front-rear distribution changes to 48-52%.

This design result was achieved by locating the engine behind the front axle and results in true and predictable handling that makes driving easier and increases car stability and control.

The new loadbearing body structure is constructed from a blend of materials with the overriding goal to maintain low weight. The vehicle framework is made from toughened steel apart from the hood and front bumper support, which consist of aluminum, and the trunk lid in heat treated plastic that uses Sheet Moulding Compound technology.

The chassis was developed to provide maximum stiffness even as a cabriolet without a fixed roof. The result is that the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible is able to offer the same driving pleasure as a high performance coupe.

Suspension

The Maserati GranTurismo Convertible is fitted with an electronically-controlled Skyhook suspension as standard equipment. This system employs dampers with an aluminum body which continually adjust the damping. This solution means that the calibration adapts instantly to the driving style and the road conditions to offer the utmost in on-board comfort.

The Skyhook system acts by using acceleration sensors that detect movement on all four wheels and the body. A control unit processes the data it receives from the sensors, analyzes the driving style and road surface and instantly adjusts the dampers accordingly via their proportional valves. The result is incredibly responsive handling and precise ride.

Electronics

The car’s superb dynamic handling is constantly monitored and optimized by the Maserati Stability Program (MSP). The MSP works to correct even the onset of a skid by reducing engine torque. Working further with the ABS antilock brakes, the system prevents the wheels from locking under hard braking, and distributes the braking force between the front and rear axles. It also prevents wheel-spin on low grip surfaces when accelerating or climbing (using ASR and MSR) to maximize available traction.

Cabriolet Soft top

The Maserati GranTurismo Convertible's canvas roof was chosen for both its technological as well as aesthetic advantages. The resulting soft top solution yields a lower center of gravity since the material and design is lightweight adding only 143 lb to the overall GranTurismo Convertible weight. This design enhances the car’s dynamic handling by keeping the weight bias as low as possible.

The lightweight roof materials, from its exterior to the heated back glass window, to its mechanism, operation time and stowage are all top quality. The GranTurismo Convertible transforms from an amazing coupé into a cabriolet in just 24 seconds if the car is travelling up to 20 mph.