‘On The Road With Alex Mascioli' ‘The Convertible As Art Form'; 2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible
The first thing you notice about the new 2011 Maserati GranTurismo convertible is its elegant body styling. Try pulling your eyes away from the curvaceous lines of the famed Pininfarina coachwork – if you can. Pininfarina is the company responsible for Ferrari's body designs and for the GranTurismo's sibling, the Quattroporte. This latest Maserati model is by far the sexiest released since the company's re-entry into the marketplace in 2002. The soft-top convertible looks beautiful when in the up position, carrying the roof lines all the way through to the trunk. If you decide to retract it for warm weather motoring, this can be done in a mere 28 seconds with the push of a button, including the retraction of all four windows. When you first open the door and slip in behind the controls, you realize not only is this car beautiful and elegant on the outside, but in the cockpit too. Maserati's attention to detail flows evenly from the exterior styling to the interior appointments, so there is little left to want in this luxurious Italian work of art.
The GranTurismo's engine provides a comely exhaust note upon start up. It is a 4.7 liter V8, the same block used in the Ferrari F430. It produces 440 horsepower at 7000 RPMs, and a 361 lb-ft of torque at 4750 RPM. The engine is mated with a six speed automatic ZF built transmission, which can be operated either by selecting the designated gear like a normal automatic or by utilizing the paddle shifts located on either side of the steering wheel. The transmission also has two operating modes in which to drive: regular mode or the more aggressive (and less gas conscious) sport mode. Regular mode operates just as it should by creating a comfortable ride for its occupants. The sport mode takes this car to a whole new level and unleashes the Italian racing heritage from beneath the hood. Sport mode is activated by the push of a button located in the center next to the radio. Upon depressing the button, the first change you immediately notice is the sound of the car. When sport mode is activated, the exhaust baffles open up, creating a sort of by-pass system to allow for free flow. The result is the most exquisite baritone sound I have ever heard come from a car. The latter mode was the one I preferred to drive, heads probably turning on the street at the sound of the humming motor miles before I was actually in sight. The steering of the GranTurismo is very matter of fact. The car points and shoots where you want it to go and, if anything, maybe a hint of over steer. One downfall traversing the curves in the road was that the A-pillars partially blocked some strategic views at an angle – but I was hard pressed finding any real flaws otherwise. The gears respond quickly and seamlessly as you shift through them, powering through the RPMs effortlessly as the speedometer needle quickly winds its way around the gauge.
The Maserati fulfills the need for speed, sensuality and even comfort in one automobile. The rear seats can easily accommodate two adults along for the ride - and are not merely there for insurance purposes. And for the days on the golf course the 6.1 cubic feet trunk will easily transport your bag- but alas not guarantee you a good score on the links. From the sound of the engine to the beauty of its exterior, if you're looking for something that truly stands apart from the Mercedes SL or BMW M6, then the Maserati Gran-Turismo Convertible, priced at a starting point of around $136,000 is for you.
- Alex Mascioli, Managing Partner of North Street Group
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