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SUPERMODEL

This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!

Published on Sun, Dec 6, 2009

By: The LACar Editorial Staff

PREVIEW

SUPERMODEL by John Grafman

The population of the world is closing in on seven billion in the not too distant future. Half of that number can be attributed to females. Of all the women on this planet, past and present, only a sliver of a percent are fortunate enough to be called a supermodel. These are the ones that we declare as beautiful from top to bottom. Men lust after them, and yes, they aren't alone. The Maserati Gran Turismo Convertible is no different. This Pininfarina-designed Italian has the look, and it has skills too. On first blush this does catch the eye. Arguably, the Maserati Gran Turismo Coupe is one of the sweetest looking cars on the road. The convertible is even hotter. The flowing shape is no less friendly to the air, with a drag co-efficient equal to the coupe at 0.35, and an impressive 0.39 with the top open. The multi-layered, soft top is only 143 pounds, keeping the center of gravity low, As a result of a lightweight top and a stiff chassis, the convertible should be able to retain precise handling. The power retracting soft top doesn't encroach upon the trunk space even when in the roof is open and the top is stored. The trunk space with the cabriolet is just 6.1 square feet. The soft top comes in six colors and three headliner colors.

Unlike so many convertibles, this is able to seat four real size people in comfort, or just a couple of people with additional luggage. The rear seat occupants will enjoy best in class roominess and a seatback angle of 22 degrees. What this really means is that cabriolet owners won't have to disappoint their friends when it comes time to going out on the town. It looks like the Bentley GTC now has some competition. This supermodel is truly sexy with a curvy body, but it tips the scale at a plump 4,368 pounds. The top does fully retract in 28 seconds beneath and attractive panel. Perhaps, this could move a little faster, but this Italian moves at its own pace. The car does have the ability to move, with a 4.7 liter V8, pumping out 433 horsepower, and 361 pound-feet of torque. The Gran Turismo Convertible manages a top speed of 176 mph, and a 0-60 mph elapsed time of 5.3 seconds. Again, this might be able to move a little faster with a few less pounds. But, really, who's going to argue with a supermodel? For more information, go to www.maserati.us

SPECIFICATIONS Name of vehicle: Maserati Gran Turismo Convertible Availability: Sometime in 2010 Price: TBD EPA gas mileage rating (city/highway 11/18 miles per gallon Engine: 4.7 liter V8 Horsepower: 433 at 7600 rpm Torque: 361 pound-feet at 4750 rpm Dimensions Length: 192.2 in (4881 mm) Width (excluding mirrors): 72.7 in (1847 mm) Width (including mirrors): 80.9 in (2056 mm) Height: 53.3 in (1353 mm) Wheelbase: 115.8 in (2942 mm) Curb weight: 4,365 lbs Performance (manufacturer's estimates) Top speed: 176 mph 0-60 mph acceleration: 5.3 seconds One-quarter mile acceleration: 13.2 seconds

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