Sunday, January 23, 2011

8/10 Maserati GrandTurismo Convertible


Concept 

The new Maserati GranTurismo Convertible is the latest interpretation on the driving pleasure, exclusivity and versatility that has always characterized Maserati vehicles. The first ever soft-top convertible to be developed and built at the company’s Modena, Italy headquarters, the GranTurismo Convertible is the only drop-top in its class to seat four adults in full comfort in a uniquely designed cabin that delivers leading style and luxury.

The GranTurismo Convertible transforms easily from a high-performance coupé into a breathtaking cabriolet. When travelling up to 20 mph the fully-insulated soft-top - designed in true Maserati tradition - tucks away at the touch of a button in just 24 seconds. With the roof down, the GranTurismo Convertible shows off its stunning profile, the result of artful design from the master coachbuilder Pininfarina. The sensation of power and driving dynamics on the road is achieved through the standard light alloy 20” Maserati birdcage design wheels.

The GranTurismo Convertible’s chassis was developed by Maserati engineers to deliver top performance and maximum driving pleasure. The V-8 engine is capable of 433 HP and is combined with a six-speed ZF automatic transmission that ensures smooth and precise gear shifts without limiting shifting performance at top engine speeds up to 7,600 rpm.

The Skyhook electronic suspension system is another feature that enhances the GranTurismo Convertible’s handling performance. It comes as standard and can instantly adapt to the driver’s style and the road conditions via automatic variable damping system.

All this, and the hallmark sound of Maserati makes the GranTurismo Convertible the most exciting and versatile cabriolet on the market; a unique car that offers an infinite range of personalized choices thanks to a practically limitless range of leather, bodywork and roof color combinations. The GranTurismo Convertible is the art of open-air performance.

Design 


The Maserati GranTurismo Convertible succeeds in being both dynamic and elegant. The car draws its inspiration from the GranTurismo performance Coupe, an example of the perfect synthesis of modernity, sensuality and passion of Maserati SpA in Modena, Italy.


Created by master coachbuilder Pininfarina, the GranTurismo Convertible is characterized by its soft-top roof. This styling closely connects the GranTurismo Convertible with the company’s history of refined design of over 90 years



 When closed, the roof follows the original contours of the GranTurismo Convertible, with a hood that has the same V-shaped, forward-slanting design, giving the GranTurismo Convertible the dashing looks of the stunning Maserati coupé.


Once open, the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible transforms into a striking cabriolet, free to demonstrate its seamlessly balanced design and beauty. The vibrant profile is accentuated by the low ground clearance and long hood design. A stylish ‘V’ points towards the grille, in the middle of which stands the legendary chrome Maserati Trident.



The vehicle sides also feature chrome elements that give the GranTurismo Convertible added distinction. One particular design feature is the continuous chrome trim segment that surrounds the cabin and integrates with the third rear stop light. This design element signifies the Maserati passion for excellence – even in the details. 





Towards the rear of the car, the triangular light units are formed by 96 LEDs which contain a wide diffuser that further underlines the car’s athletic poise. This sporty feel is also seen in the large, 20” alloy wheels that reflect the legendary Birdcage racing design of the 1950’s which was the first lightweight spaceframe chassis ever produced. .


The shape of the GranTurismo Convertible is the result of extensive aerodynamic testing aimed at limiting the drag typical of drop-top cars. The GranTurismo Convertible boasts a Cd (Coefficient of drag) that is one of the best in its class: 0.35 with the hood up and 0.39 with it down. The spoiler and rear diffuser both contribute to obtaining top levels of roadholding up to a top speed of 173 mph.

Interior Design 


The Maserati GranTurismo Convertible is the only drop-top in its class to offer properspace for four adults, seated in an elegant and luxurious cabin. The interior space is significantly larger than other vehicles in this exclusive category and ensures the maximum comfort even for rear passengers.

The interior is divided by a central tunnel distributing space between the occupants along the car’s length. The dashboard extends horizontally and its upper section features a characteristic ‘V’, a distinctive Maserati design symbol.

Only the finest materials were employed in the GranTurismo Convertible's aesthetically-designed cabin: the leather was handcrafted by Poltrona Frau® and a selection of prestigious wood trim was used for the dashboard, door panel and rear areas. The level of craftsmanship and attention to detail can also be seen in the chrome rings that enhance the dashboard switches and steering wheel. Alcantara sections meeting the fingertips on the back of the steering wheel shift paddles are a tactile confirmation of this vehicle’s quality.

Adding to the on-board comfort is the insulated canvas roof, one made up of three layers to ensure quietness through excellent acoustic isolation. With the top down and with just two on board, it is possible to further minimize interior air flow thanks to an optional windstop developed specifically for the GranTurismo Convertible.

The Maserati GranTurismo Convertible air conditioning system has been further refined to offer the maximum comfort levels with the top up or down. The system recognizes how the car is being driven, and automatically resets ventilation and climate control to help maintain the set temperature. 

Technical Feature 

Engine 

The engine of the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible is an eight cylinder, 4,691cc 90° V-8, capable of developing 433 bhp at 7,000 rpm with a peak torque of 361 ft-lb at 4,750 rpm. The power unit uses advanced technology typical of all Maserati engines allowing the high power figures to be reached, while ensuring smooth gear changes and a refined engine exhaust note.
The engine valvetrain is actuated by two overhead camshafts per cylinder bank with four valves per cylinder controlled by hydraulic tappets. The overhead camshafts on the intake side are controlled by a low oil-pressure activated continual phase variator, a technical solution that, together with the optimization of the cylinder combustion chambers, allows 82% of the maximum torque to be available from 2,500 rpm for superb acceleration, even in high gears. 
Displacement :                                              4.7 L
Bore :                                                           3.7 in
Stroke :                                                        3.33 in
Compression ratio :                                       11.25 : 1
Maximum power output :                               433 bhp
RPM at maximum power :                             7,600 rpm
Maximum torque :                                         361 lb-ft
RPM at maximum torque :                             4,750 rpm
Max engine speed :                                       7,600 rpm

Size and Weight 
Length :                                                         192.2 in
Width (exclude mirrors) :                                72.7 in
Width (include mirrors) :                                 80.9 in
Height :                                                           53.3 in
Wheel base :                                                   115.8 in
Curb weight :                                                  4,365 lbs
Full load wight :                                               5,026 lbs
Trunk capacity :                                               6.1 cubic feet
Fuel tank capacity :                                          19.8 gal
Weight distribution :                                         49% front; 51% rear (closed)
Turning circle :                                                 12,3 m 
seating capacity :                                              4

Fuel consumption 
EPA city/high way MPG :                                 11/18

Performance 
Top Speed :                                                      176mph
0-60mph acceleration :                                      5.15 s
1/4 Mile acceleration :                                       13.2 s

Transmission 

The Maserati GranTurismo Convertible features a six-speed, ZF automatic transmission with a hydraulic torque converter yielding extremely quick and fluid gear shifts while maintaining the characteristics of the sporty V-8 engine.

The transmission has four modes and is also equipped with a self-adapting control system that adjusts gear changes to both the driving style and road conditions.
In Manual mode, gear changes are made sequentially by the driver via the standard steering column-mounted paddles or the gear shift lever. 

Exhaust 

The engine sound is enhanced by the sport exhaust system including a special by-pass valve. Pushing the Sport button opens the pneumatic valves if the car is on the move and the engine is above 3,000 rpm. The engine and driveline are fully ready to deliver a rewarding engine roar which becomes even more intense with the roof open, bringing the GranTurismo Convertible at one with the environment. 

Chassis 

The weight distribution of the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible is slightly biased towards the rear with 49% of the vehicle’s weight located over the front axle and 51% over the back with the roof closed. With the roof retracted, the front-rear distribution changes to 48-52%.

This design result was achieved by locating the engine behind the front axle and results in true and predictable handling that makes driving easier and increases car stability and control.

The new loadbearing body structure is constructed from a blend of materials with the overriding goal to maintain low weight. The vehicle framework is made from toughened steel apart from the hood and front bumper support, which consist of aluminum, and the trunk lid in heat treated plastic that uses Sheet Moulding Compound technology.

The chassis was developed to provide maximum stiffness even as a cabriolet without a fixed roof. The result is that the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible is able to offer the same driving pleasure as a high performance coupe.

Suspension 

The Maserati GranTurismo Convertible is fitted with an electronically-controlled Skyhook suspension as standard equipment. This system employs dampers with an aluminum body which continually adjust the damping. This solution means that the calibration adapts instantly to the driving style and the road conditions to offer the utmost in on-board comfort.

The Skyhook system acts by using acceleration sensors that detect movement on all four wheels and the body. A control unit processes the data it receives from the sensors, analyzes the driving style and road surface and instantly adjusts the dampers accordingly via their proportional valves. The result is incredibly responsive handling and precise ride.


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