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
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