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Maserati GranCabrio to drop its top in Frankfurt

The Maserati GranCabrio, the first four-seater convertible in the automaker's history, will make its world wide debut on September 15 at the upcoming International Motor Show.

Headshot of Antuan Goodwin
Headshot of Antuan Goodwin
Antuan Goodwin Senior Writer, Electrified Cars
Antuan started out in the automotive industry the old-fashioned way, by turning wrenches in a driveway and picking up speeding tickets. He now has nearly 20 years of expertise and experience behind the wheel of hundreds of cars, including electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen, and traditional combustion vehicles. For each car he tests, Antuan covers more than 200 miles behind the wheel and evaluates driving dynamics; acceleration and braking performance; range; and efficiency. Antuan's goal is to use his extensive car knowledge to educate CNET readers and help with their next car-related buying decision. Whether you're EV-curious, an EV-enthusiast or a combustion-car loyalist, Antuan will bring you the unbiased advice, reviews, best lists and news you need. You can reach Antuan at antuan.goodwin@cnet.com
Expertise Nearly two decades of testing, driving, reporting on, writing about, reviewing, and editing content about electric and ICE cars. Category focus is on electrified cars, EVs, HEVs, PHEVs, ICE cars, EV infrastructure, EV chargers, EV adapters, EV news, auton Credentials
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Antuan Goodwin

The GranCabrio will make its world wide debut on September 15 at the upcoming International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany.
The GranCabrio will make its world wide debut on September 15 at the upcoming International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany. Maserati/Fiat Group

When we had our look at the 2008 Maserati GranTurismo, we concluded that the Italian tourer was very much like a supermodel. What could be better than a supermodel? Well, a topless supermodel...and that is what we'll get in the Maserati GranCabrio, a canvas convertible topped GT set to debut at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show.

Although it's not the first Maserati to drop its top, the Maserati GranCabrio will be the first four-seater convertible in Maserati history and joins the Quattroporte and GranTurismo as the third vehicle in Maserati's current product line-up.

The GranCabrio will have the distinction of having the longest wheelbase on a convertible on the market.
Upon its debut, the GranCabrio will have the distinction of having the longest wheelbase on a convertible on the market. Maserati/Fiat Group

The GranCabrio is powered by a 4.7-liter V8 producing 433 horsepower, so it's has more displacement and power than the 4.2-liter, 403 horsepower GranTurismo tested last year. The GranCabrio seems to combine the GranTurismo's coupe profile and the Quattroporte's four-seater proportions, with a canvas power-retractable soft top. Its extended proportions also gives the GranCabrio the longest wheelbase of any convertible on the market. If it truly is longer than the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, this will be a huge vehicle.

Following its debut in Frankfurt, Maserati will begin to market the GranCabrio starting next winter. The luxury cabriolet should hit dealerships as early as spring 2010.