1/25/11

Maserati GranCabrio

Cars Mania Blog
Auto Car | Maserati GranCabrio | The open-top GranCabrio is pure Maserati. It is a Maserati in the truest sense, with an unmistakable Pininfarina design, spacious interior, handcrafted details, driving pleasure and high performances. The Maserati GranCabrio touches all five senses in an open-air experience that retains all the typical comfort and performance brio. Like all Maserati”s open-top models, the GranCabrio is a special car intended for true connoisseurs.

The GranCabrio continues in the footsteps of the Maserati tradition in open-top models, and adds to a line-up of models that has made the history of the Modena manufacturer, such as the 1950 A6G Frua Spyder, the 3500GT Vignale Spyder (1960), the Mistral Spyder (1964), the Ghibli Spyder (1968) and the 2001 Spyder, the car Maserati chose for his comeback to the United States.

True to its tradition, the Maserati GranCabrio yet opens a new chapter, because never before have four-seater top-down models been produced at the Viale Ciro Menotti Maserati factory in Modena. There are four proper seats are provided, so that the rear passengers are not merely supporting actors, but co-stars of the journey.
The Maserati GranCabrio is powered by a 4.7 liter V8 engine paired with the fluid 6-speed automatic transmission. In Sport mode, the V8 gives the driver and passengers the full power of its 323kW, with a thrilling roar that becomes even more exciting with the top down, as it becomes one with its surroundings.

The body of the Maserati GranCabrio has been thoroughly overhauled. Despite the lack of an overhead frame and a wheelbase at the top of its class (2.942mm: longer than its direct competitors) it guarantees the best possible performance in terms of structural rigidity. This enhances the smooth handling, safety and comfort of the car, and fully exploits the powerful, efficient mechanics.
The newly-designed bearing monocoque has been made using materials and technologies designed especially to optimize weight: the bonnet and cross beams are made from aluminum, while the boot is made from SMC (Sheet Molding Compound).

The excellent weight distribution (with higher load at the rear) also facilitates excellent on-the-road dynamics and improved safety, in combination with the vehicle”s control systems. These include, for the first time ever, the Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), which optimizes brake performance both in frequent use and in emergency situations.
The new body took thousands of hours of calculations, testing and development. The result of all this work is a static rigidity at the top of its class (75000 DaN/m/rad) and dynamic torsional frequency of 27.2 Hz.
Particular attention has been paid to developing the aerodynamics, with the creation of a flat aluminum base that not only adds to the overall body”s rigidity but also reduces Cx by 6 points. In this way, for the first time, the convertible version of a car is able to maintain the same aerodynamic performance of the coupé, with a Cx of 0.35.

Source : www.egmcartech.com

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