Maserati GranCabrio test drive: make sure to check these features out

The Maserati GranCabrio has already established itself as a future classic as it truly signals the end of an era for the Italian marque. There is only one new GranCabrio left for sale locally, however, if you are looking at a pre-owned example here are some of the features that you should check out.

Sean Nurse

18 Jun 2021 · 12:39Buying a Car

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Introduced back in 2010 and produced until 2019, the Maserati GranCabrio is the drop-top version of the stunning GranTurismo, meaning that it is the brand’s first-ever four-seat convertible. There were seven pre-owned GranCabrios on AutoTrader at the time of writing. We have compiled this list of features that you should pay close attention to when test driving this potent Italian machine.

1. Potent powertrain

Powering the GranCabrio range is a Ferrari-built 4.7-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with a ZF-sourced 6-speed automatic gearbox. The engine came in three states of tune during the GranCabrio’s production run, with 324kW and 490Nm of torque in ‘normal’ guise, 331kW and 510Nm of torque in the Sport model and 338kW and 520Nm in the MC version. The engine produces one of the best automotive soundtracks in the business, an increasingly rare thing in 2021.

2.Fabric folding roof

The beautiful fabric folding roof was developed in conjunction with Edscha, which are used by many automotive manufacturers for their convertible roof expertise. Maserati claims that the roof can be stowed in 28 seconds, allowing for infinite headroom and more aural delight from the V8 engine.

3.Just look at it!

The GranCabrio is one of the best-looking convertibles of the modern era, which is not surprising considering the fact that it was designed by the famous Pininfarina firm.

4.Basic infotainment

Later GranCabrio models feature an 8.4-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation and Bluetooth functionality, making it just about acceptable in 2021 where an emphasis on increased smartphone connectivity is key.

Written by Sean Nurse

With a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.Read more