Rumor: Upcoming Maserati GranTurismo Spyder will feature a soft-top

The latest Maserati GranTurismo Spyder will not come with a retractable hard top which is the common trend among convertibles like the Ferrari California and others as initially thought.

There are confirmed reports saying that it has chosen with the more typical soft top. The move toward the soft top was caused by the poor sales performance of the California. Furthermore, Maserati would like to aim more fully at the soft-top convertible Bentley Continental GTC. There are studies done that show more customers would opt for a soft-top rather than a retractable hardtop. Further details include the top down Grand Turismo will be sharing powertrains and transmissions with the coupe variant. The implication is that the 405hp 4.2-liter V8 together with the 433hp 4.7-liter unit will be ultimately offered since the carmaker always desires to boost interest on its new models. Come September 2009, the Maserati Gran Turismo Spyder will be introduced to the world at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Although a premium is to be anticipated over the Coupe version, pricing details have not yet been released for the new model.
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Hantra - 6/3/2009 4:05:57 PM

+4 Boost

"There are studies done that show more customers would opt for a soft-top rather than a retractable hardtop."

I'd love to see those studies.

jeffy210 - 6/4/2009 9:19:22 AM

+1 Boost

For this car or in general? Part of the reason I went with my C70 is because it was a hard top and I didn't want a soft top.

JCH335i - 6/3/2009 4:07:11 PM

+4 Boost

Poor sales performance of the california????

Hantra - 6/3/2009 4:08:34 PM

+4 Boost

That is interesting. Had no idea sales were poor. If they indeed are, I guess I can understand why. It should start at $50k less than it does. It's too close to the price of the 430.

LACMAN - 6/3/2009 4:34:46 PM

+1 Boost

I doubt its because hard-top sales are poor. Its more than likely to keep the weight of the vehicle down.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 6/3/2009 6:12:15 PM

+1 Boost

They just know the Retractable Hard Top would spoil the beautiful Lines of the GT.

ThierryHenry14 - 6/3/2009 10:38:09 PM

+1 Boost

Whatever the case, it would look good regardless...