Maserati's next four-seat convertible is taking shape

Europe’s Arctic north in the middle of winter isn’t exactly ideal convertible weather, unless you’re out testing and developing the Maserati GranCabrio.

In October 2022, not long after the closely related GranTurismo was unveiled, Maserati issued several official “spy photos” of the GranCabrio. That car was not only covered in disguise tape, but also moodily lit, serving to further obscure its styling details.

This latest prototype still has an eye-bending wrap, but, thanks to copious quantities of snow, its surroundings are much brighter.

Aside from the folding fabric roof, the GranCabrio has a flatter rear boot lid, and different window shapes.

In order to maintain structural rigidity, the GranCabrio should be a little heavier than its closed-roof sibling, but performance will likely be pretty much the same.

Under the skin we expect the GranCabrio to have the same drivetrains as the GranTurismo coupe.

The base GranTurismo Modena has a wet sump version of the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 first seen in the MC20 supercar.

In the Modena it’s rated at 365kW and 600Nm of torque, is mated to an eight-speed automatic, and has all-wheel drive. The Modena coupe has a claimed zero to 100km/h time of 3.9 seconds, and a top speed of 302km/h.

Step up to the GranTurismo Trofeo, and there’s 410kW and 650Nm to play with. This cuts the 0-100km/h time to 3.5 seconds, and increases the top speed to 320km/h.

At the top of the pile is the GranTurismo Folgore EV, which has three electric motors making a total of 560kW — or 610kW on overboost — and 1350Nm. With its torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system, the Folgore coupe is capable of hitting the century in 2.7 seconds, and topping out at 320km/h.

As this prototype has four large exhaust tips, it probably features one of the ‘Nettuno’ V6 drivetrains.

The new GranCabrio should make its global debut some time this year.

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