Maserati's high-performance Grancabrio
* Has a more powerful V8 and sportier suspension
* Will go on sale this summer
Maserati will unveil a new high-performance version of its open-top Grancabrio at the Geneva motor show next month.
Compared with the existing model, the Grancabrio Sport has a more powerful version of the 4.7-litre V8 engine. It also has a sportier suspension set-up, while the fast-shifting software controlling the six-speed automatic gearbox is developed from that in the hot Quattroporte GT S.
After the revisions, the engine is more responsive and produces 444bhp and 376lb ft up from the standard cars 433bhp and 361lb ft. That lifts the cars top speed by 2mph to 177mph, yet at the same time, its also 6% more fuel-efficient.
To handle the extra power, the cars Skyhook active-suspension system has a sportier set-up, while the brakes use grooved and drilled discs.
The Grancabrio Sport gets a dynamic look, with a black grille, black-look headlights and remodelled body-coloured sideskirts.
The new car will go on sale in the summer, and although the price will only be confirmed nearer the time, we expect it to be well over 100,000.
