Maserati GranCabrio Sport launches in UK from £102,615
Maserati sets UK price for the GranCabrio Sport at £102,615, with first right-hand drive deliveries scheduled for October 2011 and a 450hp V8 under the bonnet.
Maserati has officially announced the UK pricing for its GranCabrio Sport, which will cost £102,615 on the road. The model was first revealed to the public at the Geneva Motor Show earlier in 2011, and the first right-hand drive cars are expected to reach UK customers in October of the same year. This launch marks the arrival of the most powerful open-top Maserati available in the UK market at that time.
Maserati GranCabrio Sport UK Pricing and Launch
Performance and Engine Details
At the heart of the GranCabrio Sport is a revised 4.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine. This powerplant delivers 450hp (331kW) and 510Nm of torque at 4,750rpm. As a result, the four-seat convertible is capable of accelerating from 0 to 62mph in 5.2 seconds and can reach a top speed of 177mph. Maserati claims that the GranCabrio Sport also offers improved fuel efficiency compared to the standard GranCabrio, although an official combined consumption figure for the UK has not been released.
Mechanical and Chassis Upgrades
The GranCabrio Sport benefits from several mechanical and chassis enhancements designed to improve its driving dynamics and overall performance. A ZF six-speed automatic transmission is standard, equipped with Maserati’s MC Auto Shift software for quicker and more responsive gear changes. The suspension system has also been upgraded, with a revised Skyhook active damping system that is tuned for a firmer ride to enhance handling. Braking performance is improved thanks to grooved and drilled dual-cast discs, and the exhaust system has been modified so that its bypass valves open in Sport mode, amplifying the distinctive V8 sound.
Design and Equipment Highlights
Styled by renowned Italian design house Pininfarina, the GranCabrio Sport maintains the four-seat layout of the standard GranCabrio, making it a practical choice for those seeking both performance and usability. The exterior of the Sport variant features subtle visual enhancements to differentiate it from the standard model, though Maserati has not provided specific details on UK trim or option packages at launch. Inside, the cabin is finished with luxurious materials and a high level of standard equipment, reflecting the expectations of buyers in the premium convertible segment.
Market Position and Rivals
The GranCabrio Sport sits at the top of Maserati’s open-top range and is positioned as a rival to other high-performance luxury convertibles. In the UK, its main competitors include the Porsche 911 Cabriolet and the Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster. Both rivals offer similar levels of performance and prestige, but the Maserati distinguishes itself with its Italian design heritage, naturally aspirated V8 engine, and genuine four-seat configuration. This combination of attributes gives the GranCabrio Sport a unique appeal among luxury convertibles.
UK Launch Timeline and Customer Expectations
Deliveries of the first right-hand drive GranCabrio Sport models are scheduled to begin in October 2011. With its blend of performance, luxury, and practicality, Maserati aims to attract buyers who value both dynamic driving and everyday usability in an open-top car. The arrival of the GranCabrio Sport is expected to strengthen Maserati’s presence in the UK’s premium convertible market segment.
GranCabrio Sport in Context
The GranCabrio Sport builds on the foundation laid by the original GranCabrio, which made its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Maserati has continued to refine its open-top models, and the introduction of the Sport variant reflects the brand’s commitment to delivering enhanced performance and driving enjoyment without sacrificing luxury or practicality.
Summary Table: GranCabrio Sport Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price (UK, OTR) | £102,615 |
| Engine | 4.7-litre V8, naturally aspirated |
| Power | 450hp (331kW) |
| Torque | 510Nm @ 4,750rpm |
| 0-62mph | 5.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 177mph |
| Transmission | ZF 6-speed automatic with MC Auto Shift |
| Suspension | Revised Skyhook active system |
| Brakes | Grooved and drilled dual-cast discs |
| Seating | Four seats |
| Designer | Pininfarina |
