(Wed 16 Sep 09)

It was first revealed more than three weeks ago, but Maserati has waited until the Frankfurt Show to give the GranCabrio its official debut.

The third model in the Maserati line-up, which also includes the Quattroporte saloon and GranTurismo coupé, the GranCabrio has a 433bhp 4.7-litre V8 engine driving the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox. It's also the company's first ever open-topped four-seater (in which, as Maserati rather floridly puts it, "the rear passengers are not merely supporting actors, but co-stars of the journey"), and since it has the longest wheelbase of any convertible in its class a good deal of work had to be put into keeping the structure as stiff as possible.

Maserati reckons it has achieved this, partly by using a flat aluminium panel at the base of the car. This also helps underbody aerodynamics, to the point where the GranCabrio, rather remarkably, has the same drag coefficient as the GranTurismo.

The roof is made from three layers of canvas (to keep the centre of gravity down) and can be raised or lowered in 28 seconds at speeds of up to 18mph. Standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, a Bose sound system and Skyhook suspension. The GranCabrio will go on sale next spring, at prices which have yet to be confirmed.

Other Maserati news at Frankfurt includes the introduction of an Executive GT package for the Quattroporte. This consists of 19" Executive Design alloy wheels, Argento brake calipers, Moonwood interior trim, Pearl Beige leather upholstery, alcantara roof lining, a steering wheel trimmed in both wood and leather, heated rear seats with ventilation and massage functions, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning and side window blinds.

20" Multi-Trident wheels, previously available only on the Quattroporte Sport GT S, are now on offer across the whole range, as are Bluetooth connectivity, a USB socket, an iPod interface and the TMC Premium service which updates drivers with traffic information.

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