2025 Maserati GranCabrio: What’s in a Name?

Michael La Fave September 12, 2024

Until very recently, the best thing Maserati had going for it was, perhaps, its name. Lately, the Italian brand’s situation has been changing for the better, with the brand launching several new models. First was a truly modern and capable mid-size SUV, the Grecale (EV or combustion engines), and then a stunning, beautiful, and stirringly potent supercar, the MC20. More recently an all-new GranCoupe joined the line, the GranCabrio being its sister car.  But most people, outside perhaps of true driving and automotive enthusiasts, don’t know about all that; the news flew largely under-the-radar. Most people do, however, know the name Maserati.

Case in point: this publication’s young, urban, mostly non-driving, achingly stylish staff. To simply utter that one was attending a driving and boating experience with Maserati was to illicit a gasp of admiration and a flurry of excitement. Tall order then for the GranCabrio, it had to match the expectation of the reputation that preceded it. It had to live up to that name: Maserati.

The Maserati GranCabrio

Take a clean sheet of paper, albeit one that must show some reverence to 110 years of history and imagine a drop-top Maserati grand tourer. What would you come up with? 

Go back to the ‘60s, and you’d have drawn a relatively small two-seat classic roadster; but, it’d be one with certain features that carry on to this day, according to Klaus Busse, Maserati’s head of design. More on that later.

Fast forward to the 1970s and you’d have the Ghibli, a long, swaggering expression of excess and indulgence. The 80s and 90s? Again relatively compact, boxy interpretation but without any reverence to designs of the past.

The new Millenium onward? Something larger again, four seats, sensual with a fiery heart derived from a Ferrari V8 but still with a luxurious demeanour, a grand tourer. Not a lot, then, to tie them all together. Or is there?

As Busse explained, Italian design is about the best of the moment. It’s about being on taste for the times. It’s about not being dogmatic, not catering to fads; Italian design is about being at the forefront of trends. So, the big question remains: how does one interpret Maserati and the zeitgeist of luxury motoring in 2024? Evolution, homage and innovation. Evolution in that the intent of the GranCabrio remains that of a luxury touring car with a commodious interior, now with two (rather than one) fiery hearts and subtle styling that is at once beautifully graceful and stirringly provocative. 

Getting Behind the Wheel

Once comfortably ensconced in the form-fitting driver’s seat, the front fenders rise into view like a Porsche 911 or 1970s Corvette. They recall the elegant fenders of the 1960s Maserati 3500 GT, which was on display, and of which we were given a guided tour by none other than Busse himself.

It’s a commodious car, with seating for four and a reasonable trunk. It casts a long, languid profile that suggests the owner isn’t in any great rush; rather, they are enjoying La Dolce Vita. It resembles, perhaps, a laying-but-alert jungle cat: relaxed, but with haunches that convey stored energy, lurking power. Should you wish to add pace to grace, both powertrain options more than deliver — in ways as different as humanly possible.

You have the choice. First is a 542 horsepower, 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged “Nettuno” V6 that is also found in the Grecale Trofeo and the MC20. This engine is the vibrant, yet smooth heart of the AWD GranCabrio Trofeo. Alternatively, you can choose the 750 horsepower (that is not a misprint), AWD, electric powertrain of the GranCabrio Folgore. Both utilize a proprietary air suspension that delivers a consistently smooth and relaxing ride — on a variety of road surfaces — as well as predictable and composed handling, on even the most tangled, serpentine of roads. 

Tough Choice

I know what you’re thinking: Which one? I started my drive in the Trofeo, and I was immediately impressed by the engine, gearbox and ride. This is exactly what a grand touring convertible should be: fast, smooth, and comfortable. At dinner the night before, I’d even have gone so far as to suggest — after some wine — that, obviously, the gas engine would be the choice for a weekend toy, but the EV would be my preference as a daily driver. The Nettuno is an excellent engine. The transmission performs flawlessly. It’s a really, really well executed package, and easily ranks with the best convertibles the world has to offer — like a Bentley Continental GT or Mercedes-Benz SL63.

But the Folgore EV is my preference. I’m at once shocked (no pun intended) and saddened that such an exceptional ICE powertrain, one that charmed me for hours, was instantly displaced by the absolutely mind-bending acceleration and fluid, silent and effortless acceleration of the electric alternative.

While driving enthusiasts often bemoan the potency of many EVs as a party trick, and a one-trick pony, it’s indisputably the more exhilarating and luxurious car. (If, however, you want a long-distance grand tourer and you live somewhere where the charging infrastructure is not as luxurious as this car, then, by all means, enjoy one of the best ICE drivetrains available — while you can.)

Sum of Its Parts

With the new GranCoupe, and now the elegant, al fresco GranCabrio, Maserati establishes a product portfolio that can live up to its storied name. With two exceptional powertrains and timelessly elegant, unquestionably-Italian styling, the GranCabrio is at home as both a touring car and an indulgent daily driver. With the Folgore, Maserati has also presented the world’s only four-seat convertible EV; if leading with innovation isn’t the best way to re-establish a storied brand, we don’t know what is.