2012 Maserati GranCabrio Sport to debut at Geneva

Designed to sit alongside the GranTurismo S and the Quattroporte Sport GTS, the GranCabrio Sport uses a slightly higher-performance version of Maserati’s naturally aspirated all-alloy 4.7-litre V8 engine.

Power is up 8kW and 20Nm for a total output of 331kW and 510Nm of torque. A new top speed of 285km/h can be reached, yet combined cycle fuel consumption has been cut by six percent – down from 15.4 to 14.5 litres/100km.

The MC Auto Shift ZF six-speed automatic transmission is transplanted from the Quattroporte Sport GTS.

The Skyhook active suspension system has been upgraded to improve handling, and the brake discs are now ventilated and cross-drilled for more powerful braking during sustained high-sped use.

Visually, the GranCabrio Sport looks darker and meaner. The grille is painted black and the Trident features red accents. The headlights have a smoky black tint with white edges, while the front corner splitters and the redesigned side skirts are both body-coloured.

Maserati says the all-new paint option, Rosso Trionfale, was inspired by the red Italian national racing colours of the 1950s.

Maserati Australia has confirmed the Maserati GranCabrio Sport will join the local line-up in early-2012, with local prices and specifications to be announced closer to its launch.