Effortless open-air performance is guaranteed thanks to a Ferrari-built 4.7-liter V8 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, both tuned to suit Maserati’s grand touring pedigree

 
  The interior, hand-crafted in Poltrona Frau leather and select woods, comfortably fits four adults thanks to its segmentleading rear seat room.
 
  Italian leather luggage designed to integrate into the world-class Pininfarina designs of each Maserati

Maseratis have been handcrafted since 1939 in Modena, Italy—also the birthplace of Pavarotti, balsamic vinegar and Ferrari. It was the car of choice for both Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco. And just as one knows a fine Italian shoe by its design and leather, one can spot a Maserati by its exquisite tailoring and expertly honed drive, a machine so balanced that one can “dive into corners” and accelerate into high ranges without feeling a twinge. All of which is to say, the GranTurismo comes from a long, distinguished line of grand touring cars.

The GranTurismo convertible (pricing starts at $136,300) is driven by the most powerful of Maserati’s V8 engines. A blaring 433hp converts zero to 60 in 5.3 seconds and tops out at 176 mph. Push the sport button, and you plunge into Maserati’s racing heritage—the responses stiffen, the gear changes quicken, and the exhaust notes become deeper and sexier.

Interior Motives
Inside the four-seat convertible coupe, the rear separate buckets are tilted slightly backward for more comfort. The triple-insulated canvas soft-top, which comes in six colors (including chocolate and burgundy), takes 24 seconds to unfold gracefully into the rear quarters. In case of inclement weather, it can be raised at speeds of up to 20 mph.

As with all Maseratis, the soft seats of Poltrona Frau leather (a prominent Italian furniture maker) are hand-stitched so that no two cars are alike. The leather, meant to age gracefully like a vintage wine, is available in 10 colors that range from Avorio (a luscious cream) to Rosso Corallo (a rich red). Further embellishments include chrome burled buttons that feel satisfying to the touch and hand-smoothed, seamless woods like a deep Carbalho from Brazil or Moonwood, a
light-colored trim with pinkish grain. On the dash, a
seven-inch screen provides all of the latest technology.

The final touch: Maserati’s line of men’s and women’s luggage that fits perfectly in the boot of the convertible, one last inspired enhancement of this high-powered ride. Maserati of Manhattan, 1 York St., NYC, 888-499-7939; maserati.com