2018 Maserati GranCabrio Photos, engines & full specs

Maserati restyled the GranTurismo and the GranCabrio vehicles for the 2018 model year, bringing a well-deserved update to both cars.

The Italian automaker had to update the engine for the GranCabrio when the Euro6 emission standards came into force in Europe, but it did that quietly, without any other updates for the rest of the car. One of the most challenging parts to enhance was the Pininfarina-designed bodywork. Maserati’s styling team had to add new lines without ruining the work of art created by Jason Castriota from the famous Italian design institute. The automaker offered both siblings, the GranTurismo and the GranCabrio, in no less than 16 exterior colors and a staggering choice of 14 alloy wheels in six designs. In addition, the automaker updated the technological package for the interior.

At the front, the redesigned headlights had the same profile, but their interior parts were enhanced and restyled. The carmaker’s design team even added the Maserati name written above the Bi-Xenon lamps. Another significant change was noticed in the main grille, which kept its octagonal shape but with more angular lines instead of the shaved corners as on the non-facelifted version of the GranCabrio. At the same time, the lower bumper boasted new, larger side scoops.

The GranCabrio’s curved lines were mainly left untouched by the Maserati Design Center, albeit there were some subtle modifications in a few details. On the front fenders, the three vents were kept but sported a chromed finish. Another change was noticed on the side sills, which were redesigned for improved aerodynamics. The GranCabrio had one of the best drag coefficients on the market, boasting a Cx of 0.35 with the roof up, which increased a little to 0.39 with the top down. At the back, the automaker redesigned the diffuser under the bumper and exchanged the four quad exhausts with a pair of oval-shaped ones, neatly peaking out through designated scoops.

One of the areas that was dramatically improved was the interior. Maserati dared more and offered a few trim levels for the cabin, including a sports-oriented one fitted with high-bolstered bucket seats at the front. That version also featured carbon fiber trims on the dashboard, center console, and door cars. One significant upgrade was noticed on the center stack, where the car manufacturer included a fresh 8.4-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system that supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The HVAC controls were integrated into it, so there were fewer buttons to clutter the center console. All versions delighted their occupants with a Harman Kardon sound system that was fitted as standard. The automaker offered the GranCabrio in a choice of eight interior colors and five trim options.

Under the hood, the automaker installed an updated version of the Ferrari F136 engine, which was hand-built in Maranello. The new powerplant delivered 20 more ponies than the 2010 GranCabrio, reaching a total of 460 PS (454 hp) from its 4.7-liter displacement. It was paired with a standard six-speed automatic gearbox enhanced for smoother gear changes.