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Maserati GranCabrio Trofeo: An Easter Weekend Indulgence in Italian Open-Top Luxury
For many, the Easter holiday provides an opportunity to unwind with loved ones – and perhaps indulge in tempting chocolate treats as Lent concludes. In the spirit of automotive indulgence, I embraced the early spring sunshine with a drive in Maserati’s new GranCabrio Trofeo, experiencing a glorious day of open-top motoring.
A Brand with Pedigree
I have always admired the Maserati brand, recognized by its iconic trident emblem and melodious name. It had been some time since I last experienced one of these luxury convertibles.
Exhilarating Performance
Equipped with a potent 550hp petrol engine and a seamless German eight-speed ZF gearbox, this latest Italian model certainly impressed. The GranCabrio Trofeo delivers exhilarating performance.
Spacious and Stylish Design
Measuring just under five meters in length, the spacious Maserati GranCabrio comfortably accommodates four adults with full-size seats in both the front and rear.
Driving Dynamics and Modes
Featuring assured all-wheel-drive, the vehicle accelerates from 0 to 62mph in a mere 3.6 seconds, reaching a top speed of 196mph where permitted. Drivers can select from four driving modes: Comfort, GT, Sport, and Track. During my experience, I primarily alternated between grand-touring GT mode and the more energetic Sport mode.
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Pricey: Maserati’s elegant new GranCabrio Trofeo starts at a hefty £156,015
Open-Air Experience
The car produced a delightful exhaust note, with burbles and blips accompanying gear changes. The fabric roof retracts in just 14 seconds at the touch of a button, even at speeds up to 31mph.
Practicality and Comfort
With the roof down, boot space is 172 litres, suitable for a soft bag. This expands to 1,311 litres when utilizing the rear seat area. A ‘neck warmer’ provides a stream of warm air for comfort in cooler conditions, and a wind-stopper behind the front seats minimizes cockpit turbulence for two occupants.
Braking and Fuel Economy
Riding on 20-inch front and 21-inch rear tires, powerful brakes ensure a stop from 62mph in under 37 meters. However, expect fuel consumption around 27mpg and CO2 emissions of approximately 238g/km.
Pricing and Options
The Maserati GranCabrio Trofeo commands a significant price, starting at £156,015. With optional extras, such as a £2,100 head-up display and safety packages, the as-tested price escalates to £187,435.
Optional Seating
Supportive and ventilated front sports seats are available as an £840 upgrade.
Alternative Powertrains
For those seeking petrol power at a slightly lower price point, Maserati offers a 490hp version, with a top speed of 186mph, starting from £131,015. Electric vehicle enthusiasts can opt for the fully-electric, 750hp GranCabrio Folgore, priced from £184,110. This zero-emissions variant achieves 0 to 62mph in a rapid 2.8 seconds, with a range of 274 miles on a full charge and a top speed of 180mph.
GranTurismo Coupe
Developed alongside the GranCabrio, coupe GranTurismo versions of both petrol Trofeo models are also available, starting at £125,265.
Timeless Appeal
Driving with the top down, the Maserati GranCabrio made a striking impression through the Warwickshire countryside, holding its own against the backdrop of HS2 rail construction. Despite technological advancements, the classical charm and presence of a car like this remain captivating.
With assured all-wheel drive traction, it accelerates with gusto from rest to 62mph in just 3.6 seconds
No-matter how much technology continues to advance, sometimes it’s the gorgeous, timeless, classical old-school charm and presence of a car like this that wins the day
Trofeo brake calipers come in five colours: black, yellow, blue, red and red anodised
A fraction short of five-metres-long, the roomy Maserati GranCabrio boasts four full-sized seats front and rear
The fabric roof takes 14 seconds to open at the touch of a button, at speeds of up to 31mph
Enthusiast’s Choice
During a detour around Warwick University, I encountered a team of engineers with an autonomous electric pod. One engineer admired the GranCabrio, remarking on its beauty. Despite its traditional petrol engine, the Maserati holds a unique appeal.
Petrol vs. Electric
While not the most eco-conscious or budget-friendly choice, the question remains: embrace the future of autonomous electric pods, or indulge in the thrill of an open-top, petrol-powered Maserati? The answer, for many automotive enthusiasts, is clear.
Customization and Colors
The standard Maserati GranCabrio Trofeo is offered in six colors, with 26 specialized shades and bespoke options available. Trofeo brake calipers come in five colors, while the electric Folgore version adds lime, white, and orange to the palette.
Brand Resilience
The GranCabrio’s handling is commendable, particularly during a period of change for Maserati, which recently celebrated its 110th anniversary.
Recent Challenges
Following a global sales downturn, Maserati has discontinued its Ghibli, Quattroporte, and Levante models and postponed the launch of the electric M20 Folgore supercar due to limited EV demand.
Commitment to the Future
Speculation arose regarding a potential sale of Maserati, but parent company Stellantis has affirmed its commitment to the brand and its Italian operations. For now, the focus remains on enjoying the open-top driving experience.
A Renault Postscript
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