Maserati’s current best-seller, the GranCabrio, is evolving. It has benefited from the recent launch of the MC Stradale to take on some of its aesthetic and mechanical features. The philosophy of this four-seater cabriolet is unprecedented in the history of the trident and sounds the death knell of the Spyder tradition. Not without regrets, though, as the 2012 version gains 10bhp to reach 460bhp.

In practical terms, this new restyled version is of little interest, other than to strike a compromise between the more eccentric MC Stradale and the restrained S variant. Aesthetically, the Maserati GranTurismo gets refined headlamps with a few LEDs, but above all a new bumper, very much inspired by the MC Stradale, with a spoiler rising above the trident air intake. A new steering wheel will also be fitted to the cabin. The power of the 4.7-litre V8 engine has also been revised upwards, in order to keep up with the ever-increasing number of rivals (Porsche, Aston Martin, etc). It’s not a revolution; the firm has only added 10 more horsepower than the MC Stradale, which is still 55bhp more than the base model, making it the most powerful car in the range. However, the MC has not been lightened (200 kg less), leaving the 0-100 kph time at 4.9 seconds, identical to that of the S.$$$    

The Maserati GranCabrio Fendi took shape at Maserati’s historic headquarters in Modena. This version features exclusive materials and colours, such as the three-layer body colour, Grigio Fiamma Fendi. This is a special dark grey with an iridescent gold finish on the surface. According to Maserati, the GranCabrio Fendi “embodies the alliance between the art of ‘Fatto a Mano’, technology and the perfection of its 4.7-litre V8 engine, which produces that unique roar that resounds like a symphony in the ears of connoisseurs”. The logo specially created by Silvia Venturini Fendi seals this collaboration. It consists of an oval silver plate engraved with the Maserati trident, the Fendi logo and the five-digit serial number, 5 being the emblematic Fendi number, placed on the passenger side of the dashboard and on the side of the black soft top.

After the GranSport, after the GranTurismo, came the GranCabrio. This first true four-seat cabriolet in Maserati history takes the place of the Spyder, which disappeared from the assembly line several years ago. It’s hard to get used to the idea that no Spyders will ever be produced again, given the iconic nature of these models, which were admittedly modestly distributed. But we’re going to have to get used to the fact that, from now on, Ferrari’s management will be thinking in terms of global policy. With no large convertible in the Fiat group, Maserati was entrusted with this mission. The 2012 version gains 10 hp to reach 450 hp.

An undeniable aesthetic and commercial success, the Maserati Granturismo had the misfortune of forgetting to consult the weighing scales before entering a GT category that had been in full emulation for several years. It was gentrified and played the role of luxurious all-rounder, as opposed to the extreme sportiness of the Maranello saloon cars, which now own their own destiny. But the Granturismo has its fans: in 2007, the brand’s sales rose by 33% to 7,353 units, and the United States became the firm’s biggest market, far ahead of Italy. It could therefore have continued its career peacefully without any immediate major changes. But that was without taking into account the Italian pride that is part and parcel of Ferrari’s corporate culture. Blamed in Europe for a lack of Latin character, the Granturismo received a multitude of attentions aimed at giving it back some of its warm blood. And, as is customary in Italy, that means increasing the cavalry!

While Giorgetto Giugiaro presided over the design of many a Maserati road car in the 60s, the GranTurismo is now the work of Pininfarina. After the initial surprise, especially after the saga of the 3200 GT, Coupé and GranSport, it’s easy to appreciate the Italian master’s work. Based on a longer platform, Pininfarina has succeeded in creating a sporty look while providing a 2+2 cabin. A long bonnet with a central boss in the style of the Jaguar XK8 mk1, the cabin then stretches out with elegantly stretched windows. The rear quarter panel features a design already seen on the latest Maseratis, with the Trident affixed to it. It then comes to rest on a small rear trunk. The wings are curved to perfection, both front and rear, to suggest a certain power. The stern features a new design of lights for a Maserati.

The two-seater convertible inherited improvements to the powertrain and suspension. Aerodynamic improvements had also been made, with new bumpers and door sills, and the addition of a rear spoiler (carbon fibre finish on request). Compared to the Spyder GT, the GranSport Spyder shifted even faster, and the six-speed electro-hydraulic Cambiocorsa transmission was designed to automatically simulate heel-toe downshifting. In Sport mode, the set-up was harder to allow the driver to ‘live’ the road to the full. The suspension was stiffer, as in the GranSport, and the ground clearance was 10 mm lower than in the Spyder GT.

All its features were designed to make it more closely resemble the Maserati MC12. On the outside, the GranSport ‘Mc Victory’ was immediately distinguishable by its carbon blue aerodynamic components. Carbon blue was the perfect complement to the Blu Victory livery, a new shade inspired by the MC12 racing model previewed at the 2004 Geneva Motor Show. The front spoiler was redesigned to increase negative lift, improve steering precision and optimise stability at high speeds. Inside the cabin, blue carbon-fibre accessories echoed the exterior profile. The car’s upholstery consisted of Alcantara leathers and fabrics, as well as carbon-fibre bucket seats.

The GranSport was presented at the Geneva Motor Show to great acclaim. Its design was based on a new version of the coupé’s V8 engine, tuned to develop 400 bhp. The engine’s maximum power was increased by special developments to reduce internal friction, improvements to the intake manifolds and valve seats, and electronically controlled pneumatic valves. A new sports exhaust system (immediately recognisable by its chrome twin pipes) was designed to give the engine a deep, intense purr.

It’s not every day you celebrate your 90th birthday. Maserati couldn’t miss the opportunity, given the many ups and downs in its history that almost cost it its life on several occasions. Based on a ‘standard’ Maserati Spyder Cambiocorsa, the 90th Anniversary version naturally has a special presentation. The Maserati Spyder 90th Anniversary is decked out in its blue Anniversary livery, which contrasts judiciously with the optical blocks, wheels and a few grey details, and features the Maserati badge on the front wings. But the big difference with the Maserati Spyder is the double boss in carbonkevlar on the tonneau cover. Magnificent! It gives the car an undeniably racy look, which is enhanced by the chrome accents here and there (grilles, rear spoiler, etc.). The trident is proudly displayed in various places on the bodywork, as well as in the centre of the beautiful 19-inch polished aluminium wheels.