Maserati GranCabrio Sport 2018 Driving Experience
Today, I present to you a review of what I believe to be one of the most beautiful convertible cars for four people in the world. In fact, it might be one of the most stunning cars you can see on the road in general, the Maserati GranCabrio Sport 2018. Let me introduce you to this car and uncover the secret behind its allure for many enthusiasts, despite it not changing much since its launch in 2007. And don't forget to subscribe to the YallaMotor YouTube channel and activate notifications to see our tests of such cars.
Main Specifications
- Engine: 4.7 liters / 8 cylinders
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Power: 460 hp / 520 Nm of torque
- Top Speed: 288 km/h
- Price: 575,000 AED
Exterior Design
The Maserati GranCabrio hasn't changed much in its exterior design, maintaining the elegant look that the Italian company has offered since 2007. Honestly, I'm very pleased that Maserati has kept this wonderful design intact, as it combines sporty aesthetics with the elegance and luxury we have come to expect from Maserati cars.
It's worth noting that this car is currently one of the last models produced with the design by the Italian firm Pininfarina, known for creating some of the most beautiful cars for Ferrari, Maserati, and Alfa Romeo over the years.
The 2018 model of the GranCabrio has received clear modifications, particularly at the front with a lower and wider grille, which prominently displays the Maserati emblem. The sides feature the three distinctive chrome vents known in Maserati vehicles, along with the Pininfarina logo beneath them. At the rear, the car retains its original shape, complete with two large exhaust outlets and the Maserati name centered on the back.
Interior Design
One of the first things I want to discuss is the exceptional quality of materials used throughout the cabin. The interior is primarily covered in leather, complemented by carbon fiber accents on the dashboard and doors, as well as the gear shifter, which also bears the Maserati logo at the top.
The car comes with a sporty leather steering wheel, behind which are large metal paddle shifters. On the dashboard, the name "GranCabrio Sport" is displayed in front of the passenger, and it features sports seats made of the same high-quality leather, adorned with metal trim above the headrests that also displays the Maserati logo.
What particularly caught my attention regarding the materials used in the cabin is the quality of the metal used for the brake and accelerator pedals. All of this makes the GranCabrio a luxurious car with a cohesive sporty character. Notably, the quality of these materials does not diminish in the back, offering sufficient space for two adults to sit comfortably in a vehicle of this nature.
Technological Features
New for the 2018 GranCabrio is the inclusion of a large 8.4-inch touchscreen for controlling the entertainment system, which has helped reduce the number of buttons on the dashboard. Additionally, a dial has been added to the center console to enhance control over the vehicle's systems.
One feature I wish Maserati had changed, as they did with their newer models like the Quattroporte, is the design of the climate control buttons, which give the car a somewhat outdated appearance. The GranCabrio Sport is also equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, a rearview camera, and front and rear sensors to assist with parking.
In front of the gear shifter, there are buttons to control the driving mode and to open and close the roof. However, believe me, none of this affects my view of the car. In other words, I can say that if they handed me this car without any of these features, or even with manually operated windows, it wouldn't change my opinion about it. The sensation and joy you experience from driving this car are simply indescribable.
Driving Experience
When driving the car in its normal mode, the GranCabrio provides a calm and easy driving experience, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery and atmosphere around you with the top down, while savoring your favorite music through ten speakers from the Harman Kardon audio system.
But who would want to listen to anything other than the music produced by the 4.7-liter V8 engine, crafted by Maserati in collaboration with Ferrari, which powers the rear wheels? The moment you press the Sport button, the symphony of the engine begins, blending the passion for driving that Italians are known for. This is the sound of 460 hp and 520 Nm of torque, tamed to convert all fuel energy into the unique sound characteristic of Maserati, propelling you from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds.
Final Verdict
Some things are impossible to quantify with numbers, and this car is a living testament that creating a vehicle is not merely about modern engineering and technology. The GranCabrio is a work of art that brings a smile to your face and provides a feeling akin to gazing at a beautiful painting.
From the very first moment your eyes fall upon this car, to the feeling you experience while driving it, this artistic piece is priced in our markets at 575,000 AED for the version we have today. I consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to experience the GranCabrio before modern changes potentially alter its Italian authenticity.
