Maserati GranCabrio 2018

Maserati GranCabrio
The Pininfarina-designed GranTurismo is a historically important, brand-defining model for Maserati.

The luxurious four-seater sports coupé was conceived as an ultra-modern interpretation of our very first production grand tourer, the elegant Maserati A6 1500 of 1947. And over the years, the GranTurismo has evolved into one of the most iconic Maserati cars ever built, thanks to its uncompromised GT character.

This character is perfectly expressed by a uniquely compelling combination - bold yet elegant design; the exhilarating, inspirational performance of a naturally aspirated, Maranello-built V8 engine; and hand-crafted comfort offered by four individual, Poltrona Frau® seats.

In essence, the GranTurismo is the ultimate expression of what grand touring means to Maserati.

The GranTurismo, together with its Maserati GranCabrio sibling, is assembled at the historic Maserati plant of Ciro Menotti in Modena, following the highest manufacturing and quality control standards in the world. More than 37,000 GranTurismo and GranCabrio models have been sold globally since 2007.

MY18 range, restyling and driver interface

The Maserati GranTurismo range has been streamlined for 2018 and two well-defined versions will be offered - Sport and MC. The 4.2-litre GranTurismo has been discontinued, while the Sport and MC share the same powertrain and interior personalization packages.

The MC - for Maserati Corse - takes on an important ambassadorial role for the entire Maserati range, representing the company's long and illustrious racing heritage. Replacing the previous MC Stradale, it offers a wide array of features already proven in other Maserati models. They include the five selectable operating modes.

The naturally aspirated V8 unit is hand-assembled by Ferrari in Maranello and weighs only 175kg. The 4.7-litre engine features a wet sump and - exclusive to Maserati - a cross-plane crankshaft. This provides unrivalled throttle response, free-revving characteristics and a thrilling Maserati signature sound.

When it came to the MY18 restyle, the timeless Pininfarina design was treated with the utmost respect by the Maserati Design Centre. The results, among others, are even better aerodynamic efficiency and compliance with the latest pedestrian safety regulations.

The new front and rear bumpers of the MY18 GranTurismo elegantly refine the visual impact of the striking original styling. The Sport and MC share the same basic features, although each has unique inserts to accentuate its distinctive character. Additionally, the headlights for each model are slightly restyled for 2018, while a new rear parking camera is now integrated.

The front bumper features a larger, hexagonal grille with a 'shark nose' profile and a chrome insert all around. The new nose is inspired by the sensational Alfieri Concept car and adds a three-dimensional effect to the front view. This design also helps optimize airflow distribution and reduce aerodynamic drag.

The bumper's lateral air ducts, introduced in the MC Stradale and adopted across the GranTurismo range in 2012, are redesigned for 2018. By visually pushing the car's weight towards the front wheels, they convey a heightened sense of dynamic stability, while also contributing to improved aerodynamic efficiency.

The central splitter is the element that most clearly distinguishes the two models and the GranTurismo MC boasts an even more pronounced design, giving greater emphasis to the motor racing pedigree. The new front bumper and redesigned air splitter, meanwhile, reduce dynamic drag from 0.33 to 0.32.

The track-focused Maserati GranTurismo MC is equipped with a carbon-fibre bonnet in the body colour as standard. The bonnet also features downforce-optimizing air-vents. Additionally, there are iconic vertical air vents in the front wings, deep functional side skirts, titanium brake calipers (black in Sport) and 20" Trofeo Silver forged wheels, now 10% stronger and lighter. A pronounced rear lip spoiler is another dynamic highlight.

The headlights for 2018 maintain the same profile and LED/Bi-Xenon functionality, but feature discreet, internal restyling. This includes reshaped LED Daytime Running Lights, grooved housing in the Xenon lamp areas and the Maserati inscription in low relief. Additionally, the MC version's headlights feature a darker finish.

While the sleek body of the GranTurismo remains untouched, the rear bumper has been redesigned with the sole aim of emphasizing the natural elegance of this iconic GT. With its neater, more cohesive design, the new bumper further accentuates the impression of stability, while adding a graceful finishing touch to the car's unmistakable silhouette.

The central diffuser is specific to each version. The emphasis is on elegance with the GranTurismo Sport, with the oval exhaust outlets appearing at the bumper's edges. The GranTurismo MC is decisively sportier, with round outlets coming through the central, transparent diffuser. The exhaust system of the MC version is lighter and has a totally different shape and function. When in Sport mode, a valve channels exhaust gases so they completely bypass the silencer. This reduces back pressure and creates a breathtakingly sporty sound.

The exterior of the MY18 GranTurismo is available in 16 colours. A brand new three-layer colour is introduced (Blu Assoluto), while four more three-layer colours are now available on the entire range. There is a range of 14 light alloy wheels in six designs, one of which is in forged aluminium, and an exterior carbon package is offered both for Sport and MC versions.

The MY18 Maserati GranTurismo is fitted with new, lightweight, fourth-generation Pirelli P Zero™ tyres. These contribute to a reduction in unsprung weight plus better suspension performance and tyre grip. The new P Zero™ is designed to improve braking distances in dry and wet conditions, respectively by 4% and 5%, while improving mileage by at least 30%.

The elegant interior of the GranTurismo offers unparalleled comfort thanks to its four individual Poltrona Frau® leather seats with integrated headrests. For 2018, the dashboard features a more sculptured design in the passenger area, complemented in high-fashion style by stitched leather finishes.

The centrepiece of the dashboard is now a high-resolution, 8.4" capacitive touchscreen from the state-of-the art infotainment system. The GranTurismo system is in line with those featured in the other Maserati models and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions.

Both Maserati GranTurismo models also now feature the high-end Harman Kardon Premium Sound system as standard.

The climate and seat heating control are not integrated into the touchscreen function, although the central console area is still significantly neater, with fewer buttons than before. The lower console is redesigned to accommodate a user-friendly, double rotary dial - a standard feature on all Maserati models. Positioned next to the gear lever, this a high-quality component in forged aluminium. The driving modes button cluster is now in front of the gear lever.

Another interior refinement is a new Maserati clock with a double dial in a slightly more prominent position at the centre of the dashboard.

For 2018, there are eight interior colours and five interior trim options - from Carbon Fibre to Black Piano and Walnut Briarwood. All are available on Sport and MC versions.

The athletic character of the Maserati GranTurismo MC is even more striking when equipped with the Poltrona Frau® leather/Alcantara upholstery (optional in the US market), gearshift paddles and drilled aluminium foot pedals. Front Sport seats with carbon fibre backs are available as an option.