Maserati GranCabrio S
Revealed in the 2011 annual Geneva Motor Show, the Maserati
GranCabrio Sport is a sportier variant of the GranCabrio convertible which was
the convertible version for the GranTurismo. It offers better performance with
a slightly better engine and quicker gear shifts.
The chassis is a high strength steel reinforced with
aluminum under the floor. This adds only about a 100 kg to the original
GranTurismo chassis. The chassis has attached to it the aluminum wishbones,
dampers and springs. The GranCabrio Sport has an upgraded version of the
Skyhook suspension. It receives acceleration data and sends it to a CPU and it
adjusts the dampers to suite the conditions. The upgraded version has better
control over handling, grip and balance. The Maserati GranCabrio Sport has a
six speed fully automatic transmission upgraded to match the greater
performance. The transmission also has the MC auto shift mode. This allows for
faster gear shifts and has been developed for the GranCabrio Sport from the
Quattroporte GT S. The transmission also has an MC launch control mode that
helps accelerate the car in certain modes. There are five different operating
modes for the transmission: Auto-Normal, Manual-Normal, Auto-Sport,
Manual-Sport and Ice.
The main emphasis of the design team was the more aggressive
feel that should come from the GranCabrio Sport. The car has small front corner
splitters and a grille colored black all to hint at its sportier nature. The
corner splitters were developed in a wind tunnel therefore provides better
aerodynamic stability. The headlights have white reflectors on black insides
giving this convertible a much meaner look for its sportier style. The side
skirts are made longer for a sportier feel.
The Maserati GranCabrio Sport boasts a 4.7 all alloy engine,
the very same one as in the high performance GranTurismo MC Stradale. The
engine produces a total of 10 more bhp and 20 more Nm of torque than the one
used in the normal GranCabrio, giving it a bit of a better performance. In total
the engine produces 450 bhp (331kW) at 7,000 rpm with 510 Nm of torque achieved
at 4,750 rpm. The engine redlines at 7,200 rpm. It has a top speed of 285 km/h and
has a total displacement of 4691 cc. it goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 5 seconds
and from 100 to 0 km/h in 35 meters. Much of the improvements in performance
are a result of Maserati’s Friction Reduction Program. Now the engine reacts
quicker to driver inputs and boost engine’s power and torque output. The
program also helps reduce fuel consumption to 14.5 liters/Kilometer making it
more fuel economic.
Maserati kept the aggressive look on the inside as well with
a few tweaks to the original GranCabrio interior; new drilled pedals, a new
look for the seats and of course the open top cabin. The gears are shifted
using the steering mounted aluminum drilled pedals as this allows for easier
shifting when driving fast. The new Active Pedals come as standard on the
GranCabrio and are derived from the Trofeo racing cars. The dash is made of all
leather. The head rests are embossed with a trident design and the seats made
with an M design that reflects the grille design of the old Maserati’s.
The GranCabrio is a
true example of a sports exotic convertible: it has the stunning appearance
both inside and out with striking edges and beautiful curves and it has the power
and speed to back up the “Sport” in its name. But it is also very fuel
efficient. It uses up about an average of 15.4 l of fuel per kilometer and
emits about 350.8g per kilometer which is pretty reasonable for a sports
convertible.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- ENGINE
- Engine Type: 4.7-litre all-alloy V8
- Displacement: 4,691 cc
- Max. Power: 450 bhp @ 7,000 rpm
- Max Torque: 510 Nm @ 4,750 rpm
- Max. engine speed: 7,200 rpm
- Compression ratio: 11.25:1
- PERFORMANCE
- 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h): 5.0 s
- Max. speed: 177 mph (285 km/h)
- Braking distance: 35 m
- DIMENSIONS
- Overall length: 4,881 mm
- Overall width: 2,056 mm
- Overall height: 1,353 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,942 mm
- Fuel tank capacity: 75 l (16.5 imperial gallons)
- Turning Radius: 1203 m
- Boot capacity: 173 l
- WEIGHTS (kg)
- Curb weight: 1,980 kg
- Gross vehicle weight: 1,887 kg
- Maximum weight limit: 2,350 Kg
- Distribution with Roof down: 49% front/51% rear
- Distribution with Roof Up: 48% front/52% rear
- TRANSMISSION
- Gearbox type: Six-speed automatic ZF 6HP26 with MC Auto Shift
- BRAKES
- Front: 360 mm
- Rear: 330 mm
- TYRES AND WHEELS
- Front tyres: 245/35 ZR20
- Rear tyres: 285/35 ZR20
- CONSUMPTION AND EMISSIONS
- Urban: 23.9 l/100 km
- Extra urban: 10.4 l/100 km
- Combined: 15.4 l/100 km
- CO2 emissions (combined cycle): 358.0 g/km
