Maserati 5000 Reviews

Due to a new rotation system between Sydney and Melbourne, the Australian International Motor Show returns to the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre for the first time in more than two years – and it is back with a serious bang. The huge positive of that is one motor show per year has seen renewed commitment from manufacturers.Plus, the single yearly event sees the show take a more prominent place in the international motor show landscape – especially in the Asia-Pacific region. The July date means it avoids clashes with other international shows, and allows manufacturers to bring their best show cars.The result is that the 2011 Australian International Motor Show will be the biggest for a long time, with concept cars, future technology and new models aplenty. With 29 manufacturers attending, the show will reflect a broad range of the Australian marketplace; from Land Rovers to Lamborghinis, Peugeots to Porsches, supercars to super-minis.As the premier event of the Australian automotive industry each year, it is the responsibility of the Australian International Motor Show to inform, educate and excite the public about everything motoring.You want a star of the show? Take your pick out of: the BMW Concept Vision EfficientDynamics, the Mazda Shinari concept, the Hyundai Blue2 concept, the Lexus LF-Gh concept, the Toyota FT-86 II concept, the Toyota Prius C concept, the Subaru XV Concept, the Mazda Miyagi concept, the new Lamborghini Aventador, the new Bentley Continental GT, the Lexus LF-A, the new Maserati MC Stradale...Family day returns too, and this time there will be two of them. On both Saturdays there will be activities for the kids – including the opportunity to see Po, from the new movie Kung Fu Panda 2. The 2011 show gives me cause for great excitement – I hope it does for you too.Enjoy!Russ Tyrie Event Director, Australian International Motor Show

The specialist Italian car maker recently reported its 2010 profit, together with the year's 5777 unit sales, which was up about 18 per cent on 2009. Maserati spokesman Luca Dal Monte admits 2009 was a depressed year - because of the global financial crisis - but on that still reported a $15 million profit for the company on sales of under 5000. It is a far cry from the record sales year of 2008 when Maserati made 8586 cars and one that may not be repeated soon. Dal Monte predicts 2011 will have "about the same'' sales as 2010. Asked if product development will be stifled by modest sales increases, he says it was incidental. "Profit doesn't affect future development,'' he says. "We are part of the Fiat Group.'' With Fiat behind it, Dal Monte indicates that new projects - the mid-size prestige saloon, a new Quattroporte and an SUV - are assured. Fiat bought Maserati in 1993 but it wasn't until 2007 that it made its first profit for some decades. In 2008, thanks to a resurgence of the marque, profit tripled over 2007 to about $110 million. The 2010 year saw 47 per cent increase in sales in the US; 54 per cent in China (off a low base as 402 cars sold that year); and 46 per cent in the UK. One week ago, Maserati opened a dealership in India. Maserati, like Ferrari, build to customer orders under the philosophy of making "one car less than is ordered''. That ensures it carries no stock and has minimal downside when global car sales slump.

Fresh from hinting at a new SUV to take on Porsche's Cayenne, Maserati quietly let it slip this week that it is finalising details of its 5-Series/A6/E-Class rival.  The saloon, effectively a downsized Quattroporte, may be ready for sale in Europe by late 2013. It will be joined on the showroom by the new Quattroporte which, it has been suggested to Carsguide in Modena this week, will be slightly bigger to emphasis more cabin room. The mid-size car will use a tweaked version of the 4.2-litre V8 and the option of the 4.7-litre V8. It will have conventional drivetrain with a six-speed ZF automatic and double wishbone suspension at all corners. The new Quattroporte will have only the 4.7-litre engine but in two power derivatives.  No further information is coming on the two cars. But it is understood the new SUV - a tall coupe-styled car with all-wheel drive - will use drivetrain components and probably the platform of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The SUV will use Maserati engines and will not be available with a V12 from Ferrari as has been suggested. Even a diesel engine hasn't been discussed. The SUV is regarded as - finally - the production version of the Kubang concept car of 2003, designed by Giugiaro.  A Maserati spokesman says the new mid-size and the bigger saloon were still being formulated for final design and engine choices.

THE character-warping skills of Jekyll and Hyde take on metal form as Maserati launches a special edition coupe that takes the race car to the road.  Limited in volume, but not exhilaration, the MC Stradale is Maserati's third coupe and runs an even more potent version of the company's 4.7-litre V8.Only 15 units are allocated to Australia and New Zealand and most of the $364,400 race-bred coupes are spoken for ahead of deliveries next month.  The exclusivity and price seriously limit the potential of Maserati's limited edition that is designed particularly for drivers who want a squirt on the rack on weekends.Sadly, though that's the desire of Maserati, the car is more likely to be garaged by people with money who simply want the latest Maserati model.VALUEExclusivity has its price. The MC Stradale (it means street, so implies its civil) is $45,900 more expensive than the GranTurismo S and though gains 7kW (to 331kW) and 20Nm to 510Nm and is more fuel efficient, there are subtractions.Unlike the GT S, the Stradale has only two seats. It has less sound proofing - though remarkably it actually benefits the car - and misses out on electric seat adjustment.In Europe it comes standard with four-point seat harnesses - illegal in Australia - and an optional half cage for roll protection. Australia gets standard three-point seat belts and the option remains for the roll cage.In its favour, the Stradale gets 20-inch wheels with new Pirelli PZero Corsa tyres; body kit with front splitter and rear lip spoiler; new exhaust system with centralised twin exhaust tips; carbon-fibre seats (it's also used for the mirror housing, spoiler, cabin trim and door handles); and enormous carbon-ceramic disc brakes with Brembo calipers. Serious stuff.DESIGNBasically, it's a Maserati GranTurismo S with a subtle body kit. Looks great and comes in lots of colours including a few matte paint schemes.SAFETYTop of the wozza five-star crash, with full complement airbags and stability control, and so on.TECHNOLOGYThe engine gets tweaked for more power and has 80 per cent of its 510Nm torque on tap from 2500rpm.  Cleaning the efficiency of the engine has lowered fuel consumption in comparison with the GT S by 13 per cent to 14.4 L/100km and the same CO2 emission which is now 337g/km.The three-mode robotised manual box is in the back, integrated with the diff, and offers full auto; Sport (manual); and Race (full manual with reduced traction aids).  The suspension is 8 per cent stiffer and the car rides lower by 10mm at the front and 12mm at the back.But the biggie is the 110kg weight loss thanks to carbon fibre, negating some weighty bits (electric seats saving 26kg) with other fat busters being the carbon brakes (saving 18kg); removing most of the sound insulation (25kg); and the fact it has no back seat (16kg).DRIVINGNoise... so much glorious noise. The full auto option in the box is relatively smooth and requires no input from the driver. Sport ups it to manual - clicking up and down the cogs via big carbon-fibre steering wheel paddles - and adds an open exhaust from 4000rpm.The Race mode reduces traction aids while keeping the exhaust bypass valve open. It makes the exhaust sound like a mournful wail and is both threatening and addictive. Pedestrians on Maranello's narrow streets didn't object.The Stradale hints at being a raw, race-developed car. In fact, it is very comfortable with no suspension jarring. The noise levels - despite the extraction of 25kg of insulation - is fine. You could definitely live and commute in this car.The secret is that it goes like stink when prodded. The steering is as close to perfect as any car I've driven. Perhaps Porsche's Cayman R comes close, but not close enough.Calculate the curve of the corner ahead and feed in the steering and the nose follows through with a perfect translation of thought to action.  Immensely confident handling and that engine that wants to roar and spit and bark forever make this a very emotive ride.The cabin works. The switchgear can be a bit awkward - but not as bad as the Quattroporte's slap-dash placement - and the A-pillars are huge, but the rest of the car simply works.VERDICTSurprise package that takes the GT S one step higher but is so driveable that it won't sit in the garage waiting for race day.Maserati MC StradalePrice: $364,400Warranty: 3-years/100,000kmResale: 68% (est.)Service Warranty: 15,000km/12 monthsSafety: 5-star Euro NCAPEngine: 4.7-litre, V8 petrol, 331kW/510NmBody: 2-door coupeWeight: 1670kgTransmission: 6-speed semi-manual, rear driveThirst: 14.4L/100km, 98 RON, CO2 337g/km ``Track car that's so flexible it'll do the shopping during the week''

Then we head north in a Holden Cruze and Mitsubishi ASX, looking to see how far this pair can go on a single take of fuel.  Ed Ordynski is in the ASX and I have the Cruze, holding  the trip computer just over 6 litres/100km as Ordynski - expert driver - is below 5 litres/100km.The first stop is just outside Port Pirie after 250 kilometres and the figures are 5.3 and 4.2, as we battle wind and rain.  A lunch stop in Waikerie - about 530km into the journey - and then a turn south to follow the Murray both cars maintain sub-6 readings - the ASX in the region of 4.5 and the Cruze 5.5 litres per 100km as we pass the 700km mark near Murray Bridge.The weather worsens as we follow the river south through 730km at Wellington."The ASX was more adversely affected by that, it was 0.3 litres/100km worse off - we did what you need to do into a headwind and that was reduce the speed a little," Ordynski says.Running down through the southern foothills to complete our 1000km journey we return the tanks to full. There are still 15 litres in the Mitsubishi's 60-litre tank, but my Cruze is almost on fumes.  But after thirteen hours of "real-world" driving we have hit our 1000-kilometre target."I would drive like that with people on board and not be embarrassed," Ordynski says.  "You win on fuel use and emissions as well, with 2kg of CO2 for every litre of fuel, you win on maintenance and longevity of the vehicle by driving it kindly as well, it's hard to see a downside."Ed Ordynski’s Fuel TipsLevel 1. Overall factors1. Plan when you need to use your car to avoid unnecessary journeys.2. Plan your journey to avoid peak hour and congested roads.3. Measure your fuel consumption and take pride in reducing it.4. Choose an energy efficient vehicle.Level 2. Anyone can try1. Concentrate on driving smoothly and anticipate traffic flow to conserve momentum.2. Keep tyre pressures at maximum recommended.3. Avoid any excess weight in the vehicle and remove accessories which affect the aerodynamics (e.g. roof racks).4. Choose a manual transmission and learn to drive it properly for optimum fuel efficiency.Level 3. Hard-core methods1. Avoid use of airconditioning and keep windows closed.2. Do not use cruise control but do focus on keeping a constant speed and conserving momentum.3. Drive at low speed - most cars are at their most efficient at around 75km/h in top gear.4. Drive off as soon as the engine is started, especially from a cold start.GREEN STARSMake-model weight price combined fuel con1. Mitsubishi -MiEV 980kg $leased 02. Toyota Prius 1370kg $39,990 3.93. Smart Fortwo 750kg $19,9904.44. Honda Insight 1205kg $29,9904.65. Suzuki Alto 880kg $11,790 4.8GREEN DUDS1. Ferrari 599 1690kg $677,250 21.32. Ferrari 612 1849kg $698,000 20.73. Nissan Patrol 4.8 2440kg $75,690 17.24. Maserati GT S Coupe 1880kg $345,900 16.65. Mercedes ML 500 2148kg $132,400 16.5

The trident marque has sold 110 of its ultra luxury grand tourers in Australia this year and used AIMS to emphasise it recent feats on European tracks.While the name wants for something of the car's streamlined elegance, the Quattroporte Sport GT S MC Sportline recognises the 40 race victories of the MC12. Sinisterly turnedout  with the same t in gleaming black metallic paint and black 20-inch alloys, and caron fibre trim within, the limited edition of 30 costs "only" $298,800 - that's $30K under the standard GTS with the same tuneful 4.7-litre 323kW V8.Making an altogether different, and literally more open statement, is the GranCabrio, which has it first showing to the local general public. Arguably the beauty queen of AIMS 2010, Maserati's first fully four seat convertible is current range topper at $338,000.Maserati Australia boss Glen Sealey affirmed that an entirely new model is being developed.

... in Sydney when Jaguar displays its new XJ Supersport and Maserati spotlights its Quattroporte GT S at the Australian International Motor Show (AIMS).The XJ Supersport, the quickest model in Jaguar’s XJ range, adds new competition to the luxury performance saloon category.  Jaguar’s all-new XJ Supersport combines luxury appointment with substantial power and critically acclaimed handling.The Supersport is powered by a 5.0-litre supercharged engine, producing 375kW of power, 625Nm of torque and a 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds.  Interior luxury comes by way of leather seats that are both heated and cooled, and a 1200W Bowers and Wilkins surround sound system."The all-new Jaguar XJ reinforces the strength of the new Jaguar in the Australian market,” said Jaguar Australia general manager Kevin Goult.  “With its spectacular looks and performance, this XJ competes with a much wider range of challengers than any previous XJ."The all-new XJ challenges the notion that large cars should be conservative or constrained, with a blistering 0-100km/h performance time of 4.9 seconds.  “The XJ is far from a compromise in performance and maintains very high levels of expected luxury,” Mr Goult said.Maserati’s Quattroporte GT S, the company’s flagship saloon, will be making its Sydney motor show debut. The Quattroporte GT S is powered by a 4.7-litre V8 engine which produces 323kW of power and 490Nm of Torque.“The Maserati Quattroporte established this much sought-after market sector and remains the benchmark,” Maserati Australia and New Zealand general manager Glen Sealey said.  “Key measures that set it apart from its rivals are exclusivity and heritage.“Maserati offers a unique heritage and, with its products limited to the Quattroporte, GranTurismo and GranCabrio, a name and badge that will only be found in this rarefied area of the car market.“The drivetrain and chassis ensure that the Quattroporte is more than capable of withstanding performance comparisons with sports cars, let alone other saloons.“The driving pleasure is accompanied by the rich baritone roar of its engine, while enveloping its occupants in the highest levels of comfort and luxury,” Mr Sealey said.The Australian International Motor Show will be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre in Darling Harbour. The show opens at 5pm on Friday, 15 October and runs until 6pm on Sunday, 24 October.

This should have been a review of the Hyundai i20. The Korean baby boomer is up next for a Carsguide test but, when it failed to front this week, we have to switch to Plan B. In this case, B is more like Z, since that's about the distance from a $14,990 price fighter to a $318,500 Maserati GranTurismo.But GT time is fine while we wait for the i20, and it's good to sample a little of what's happening at the top end of the car business. There are lots of new supercoupes and the choice in four-seater grand tourers has exploded with the Porsche Panamera and Aston Martin Rapide.The latest Maserati is a tweak on familiar shape and recipe, combining the latest 4.7-litre Ferrari-built V8 with an MC supershift gearbox, essentially the robotised manual previously fitted to the Ferrari F599.The Maserati GT is one of the best looking cars on the road today and, even if it only has two doors, there is space in the cabin for four real adults and you can get golf clubs in the boot. The cabin is also wrapped in the finest Italian leather, it has satnav and Bluetooth, and giant wheels to make an impact.But the Italian GT is about driving, which is why there are 323 kiloWatts and 429 Newton-metres on tap, with driver-adjustable fully-independent suspension, giant disc brakes and a six-speed gearbox that promises full auto ease with full manual control on demand.The GranTurismo is surprisingly big and fairly hefty too, at nearly 1900 kilograms, but that's par for this course.And remember that, since Ferrari and Maserati sit under the same ownership, the GT is planned to sit alongside and below the sports car brand with a little more comfort and family focus. Not that the Maserati is the sort of car for long-distance family trips.Next week, definitely, will be i20 time. And, seriously, I cannot wait.DRIVINGThe Maserati is a hoot. And relatively friends and family-friendly at the same time. It's never going to match a Kia Carnival for space with lots of kids, but it's a supercoupe you can actually use.We've tried the GranTurismo coupe in the past but this is the first time with the 4.7 V8 and supershift, a robotised manual change. So computers and gizmos can make it fully auto or you can take manual control.The Maserati comes with driver adjustable settings for the suspension, gearbox and even the exhaust note. The car always gives a raspy rev on start-up but gets seriously loud at full throttle, unless you touch the Sport button for loud all the time. It's not a nasty loud, either, but the sort of melodious V8 rumble most people love.The performance of the GT is solid and on tap all the time. The V8 is tuned for bottom-end thrust and it delivers at all speeds, especially for overtaking. The brakes are great and the suspension is surprisingly compliant. It's firm but not thumpy. The steering is heavy in Sport mode but fine on the basic setting.But... and here we go. The self-shift side of the gearbox is too slow and baulky unless you switch to Sport, and then it's still not as smooth as rival brands. Including Ferrari, with the double-clutch system in the latest California. It's fun as a full manual but I find it is still flawed and not as commuter friendly as a full auto.The seats don't fit me at all, with far too much lumbar push and not enough side support; it's hard to fit a child seat in the back, and the electronics don't want to help with mirror adjustments or setting the seats but still leaving enough space to get people in and out of the back.Still, there's a sense of occasion when you drive the Maserati and that's what makes it so special. It's not my favourite but it's a serious class contender and better than any Maserati I've driven in the past.SHE SAYS Alison WardIf only this car wasn't so expensive... I think it is fabulous. It may not be a Ferrari with its sports car handling and showmanship, but what it lacks there - by only by a little when I'm driving - it makes up for in practicality. I am a lover of cars that you can share with your mates. Solo driving in shopping carts is all very well, but you can't strike up much chatter with your groceries.So the Maserati not only accommodates you and three passengers, but it does it comfortably and with superb style and sophisticated technology.I love the sounds of this car. It can be the exhaust bark while burning down my street, the awesome audio system or the leather trim moving under your rear. It just fits a small pram in the boot, which is surprisingly big for the type of vehicle. I find getting the toddler in and out a breeze thanks to the automatic seats, too.But I feel duped that a rear camera isn't installed as its almost a given in most models of this price tag. This car is the family car we all dream about but with the class only a few can afford. It's a pity really...THE BOTTOM LINE: A very special drive with that special Italian flair.MASERATI GRANTURISMO - AutomaticPrice: $318,500Engine: 4.7-litre v8Power: 323kw at 7000 revsTorque: 490nm at 4750 revsTransmission: robotised six-speed manual, rear-wheel driveBody: two-door coupeSeats: fourDimensions: length 4881mm, width 1915mm, height 1353mmWheelbase: 2942mm, tracks front/rear 1586mm/1590mmSteering: rack-and-pinion power steeringSuspension: fully independent with front and rear wishbones and coil springsFuel tank and type: 86 litres, premium unleadedFuel consumption: 16.6l/100km combinedWeight: 1880kgSpare tyre: space-saverBrakes: anti-skid all-round discsWheels and tyres: 20-inch alloys, 245x35 front, 285x35 rearSafety: dual front/side/curtain airbags, electronic stability & traction control, anti-skid brakes, brake assistCo2 emissions: 168g/km.

HOW do luxury brands survive a downturn as severe as the GFC? For some, the global appetite for their models was cut in half and that's the sort of diet that could imperil any manufacturing operation, let alone one with biblically long lead times, the overheads of a small nation and customers it knows by name.So far, though, the casualties have all been bread-and-butter brands. They include Pontiac, which was GM's blue singlet badge, and Saturn, which was its attempt to repel the Japanese small car invasion.All told, the clean-out at GM cut its portfolio from eight badges to four, but the sweepers have been much less vigorous in Europe. The closest thing to a fatality has been GM cast-off Saab, whose heart stopped beating long enough for it to sustain permanent damage. It remains to be seen if tiny, independent Dutch sportscar maker Spyker can supply enough voltage to keep Saab on life support.Most luxury brands enjoy more shelter than that, under the aegis of global car groups with the resources to ride out a storm. Volkswagen has a handful of trumps with Bugatti, Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche and Audi. It's unlikely to let any of these perish just because of a recession or two.The Fiat group, meanwhile, has the same number of brands as pre-bankruptcy GM, including three among the premium ranks. For Fiat, relinquishing either Ferrari or Maserati would be like losing an arm, and it's going into overdrive to keep a pulse going at Alfa Romeo.But there's more to it than that. The further up the luxury scale you go, the more the GFC was a case of “let me eat cake''. At the super-rich end of the market, Rolls-Royce and Ferrari sales suffered comparatively slightly -- down 17 per cent and 6 per cent respectively.Even allowing for the long waiting lists at this level, which provide a cushion against economic swings, the difference between Ferrari and brands just one rung below on the price ladder is marked. Aston Martin, Bentley and Maserati all slipped 40 per cent or more last year -- 49 per cent in the case of Maserati.Within the Fiat group, Maserati comes a distinct second to Ferrari in the brand hierarchy although it benefits from the association by, for example, running Prancing Horse engines in its cars. No small part of the appeal of Maseratis is that they dance to an eight-cylinder Ferrari tune.But there's a price to be paid. Since becoming part of Fiat, Maserati has also had to learn not to tread on Ferrari's feet. It must make models that complement what Ferrari is doing, rather than compete. To achieve this, the Trident badge has had to abandon some of its historic sporting aspirations and target buyers who want their luxury wheels to have as much elegance and practicality as pace. If Ferrari is a bullet-train, Maserati has to be the Orient Express.With the launch of the Maserati GranCabrio last week, this two-brand jigsaw puzzle is finished -- for the time being, at least. This convertible completes a three-model line-up for Maserati that includes the Quattroporte sedan and GranTurismo coupe, and nearly a decade of brand realignment. Its next model will be a mid-size sedan due in three years, and Ferrari definitely won't be making one of those.Maserati believes the GranCabrio will attract new customers and it will need to, because it has never made anything like this before. It built smaller and racier two-seat convertibles in the past -- the last was the Gransport Spyder, discontinued four years ago -- but not any more. That's Ferrari territory.Like its siblings, the GranCabrio is a large car -- longer than any rival, apparently -- with the clear goal of providing four open-air seats that can all accommodate adults. Here it succeeds, although it's as well to remember that when a carmaker describes a convertible as a full four-seater, it's using a different system of measurement from the one it applies to sedans.If there's a practical downside to the GranCabrio it's the boot, which is tiny. Maserati says it can swallow a set of golf clubs but, just in case, offers a bespoke set of luggage that fits perfectly . . . on the rear seats.A key part of the appeal of any convertible is the way it presents with the roof down, and the GranCabrio cabin is suitably plush, if a little traditional. Maserati says the leather and trims on offer mean there are nine million possible combinations for the finished result, although I suspect that 8.9 million of these would be indictable crimes against good taste.One small drawback for Australian buyers are zipped panels in the rear seats necessitated by the child seat fittings mandated in this market. The front seats power-slide forward to allow access to the rear, although the glacial rate at which they move would test anybody's patience. The roof folds more quickly.The GranCabrio, like most convertibles, needed engineering changes from the GranTurismo coupe to prevent it driving like a shoebox without a lid. Extra-thick widescreen pillars are one result while, with the roof up, the high rear window offers an excellent view of traffic about half a kilometre behind.Drivers will find the same scattergun logic to button placement as other Maseratis while the control screen, with its foggy logic and even foggier graphics, was clearly inspired by late-70s Nintendos.In terms of its overall shape, the GranCabrio is almost identical to the lovely Coke-bottle-on-steriods design of the GranTurismo coupe and it avoids some of the pitfalls of convertibles, such as an overly tall tail. It's a glamorous beast that draws plenty of stares.The roof is almost as thick as a fold-out mattress and offers good insulation against noise by convertible standards, with engine sound dominating. That's as it should be in a car like this -- and it gets even better with the roof down, when the 4.7-litre Ferrari V8 can show off its full vocal range. It whumps on downchanges and crackles on overrun while pushing it through to the 7200rpm redline is a sonic -- as well as dynamic -- thrill.The six-speed automatic is the right sort of transmission for this sort of car, but it could do with a little more finesse in its programming. It doesn't always make the right moves and reverts too quickly to D when the paddles are being used by the driver. Maserati will replace this unit with an eight-speeder in its next Quattroporte, which means if you can wait long enough it will be offered in this car, too.On the twisting roads of northern NSW last week, I used those paddles a lot. Sometimes just for the fun of it. There's a world of difference between this two-tonne look-at-me-mobile and a Ferrari, but some solid work on the chassis means it's possible to get plenty of enjoyment from the engine.It's certainly no slouch, stopping the clock at 5.3 seconds to 100km/h, and the car feels balanced with unwanted body movements kept well in check. So much so that through corners, some of the mass evaporates and it only betrays its true heft under brakes.The controls lack the precision of a dedicated sportscar but they get better as speed rises, when the lazy feel to the steering disappears. Keeping this much open-top metal on a tight rein requires fairly stiff suspension, which means chassis nuances are a bit remote, but not absent. Worse, the ride can feel too detailed and brittle on rough country roads, with shudders travelling right through the cabin to the rear-view mirror.That's a flaw that will be familiar to most convertible owners and Maserati's claims that the GranCabrio is as rigid as the best sound plausible, at least. The convertible owners who currently drive a BMW 6 Series, Mercedes-Benz SL or Porsche 911 are precisely the ones Maserati believes it can lure to the brand.It's hard to argue with the endless delights of a Ferrari engine at Maserati prices while it's impossible to argue with the brand's assertions of exclusivity. Last year, with 4489 buyers, it was about 2000 units more exclusive than Ferrari itself -- and 49 per cent more exclusive than it was the year before. Fiat is unlikely to let a brand with those sort of credentials expire.MASERATI GRANCABRIO - $338,000 plus on-road costsVehicle Four-seat convertibleEngine: 4.7-litre V8Outputs: 323kW at 7000rpm and 490Nm at 4750rpmTransmission: Six-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive

Maserati's GranCabrio is the first roof-down four-seater from the Italian maker. And, as to be expected, a fine piece of automotive art.It has a long, head-turning profile, best appreciated with the cloth top down. It is packed with leather and luxury, down to a stereo system that self-adjusts tones depending on roof position. It has 323kW of sporting V8 up front, mated to a clever six-speed transmission. All in all, it’s a most impressive, albeit expensive, package of poise and performance.Maserati has a fair heritage of open top sports cars, back to the beautiful Frua Spyder of 1950. But this is their first four-seater convertible. And the GranCabrio more than lives up to the heritage. It is a practical, elegant convertible with comfort and performance. It is capable of being caught in peak hour traffic without a grumble, capable of offering a spirited run through the mountains and happy to loaf down long motorway stretches in quiet comfort.Perhaps the boot is a bit small (but will take a set of golf clubs) and perhaps the back seat is no place for the tall with the roof up (though these seats reportedly accommodate 62.5 per cent of people).Here the GranCabrio, at $338,000, joins the GranTurismo and the Quattroporte to give Maserati a trio of prestige machines covering some high-flying territory. (The four-door Quattroporte is the best-selling Maserati of all times and the marque's brand awareness has risen 10 per cent in the past decade plus there's a new 'medium' sedan is somewhere around the corner to keep the flag flying.)The time was right for a little more Italian fashion, a little more look-at-me in the style of an open-top tourer. And 27 Australians and Kiwis have already signed up for this year's allocation of 45 of these machines.The payback is spirited performance, chassis balance and ride comfort (though there is sometimes a little chattering feedback from the front wheels). Plus the exclusive charm of a four-seat Italian convertible; said to be longest, roomiest in this class of exotic convertible.The 65kg roof can drop, when the weather's clear, in 28 seconds at up to 30 km/h.  Without the roof, top speed drops from 293km/h to 274km/h and the weight distribution changes from 49 per cent front and 51 per cent rear to 48 per cent front, 52 per cent rear.Top up or down the Maserati is a well-balanced car. There is nice weight to the steering and, for a fairly big car weighing in at 1980kg, the GranCabrio is easy to place on a tight mountain road. Handy here is the rear grip and the eagerness of the 4.7 litre V8 to work up to its 323kW and 490Nm of torque at 4750rpm through the six-speed auto transmission.There are steering-wheel column mounted paddles for shifting through sports ratios, handy for down changing, whether out for a harder run or just impressing city pedestrians. The Italian's aurals are as sweet as anything out there and a Sport buton rempas gearbox, engine and suspension details for even harder growl and go.The cabin is, naturally, packed with convenience, comfort, luxury and safety... right down to integrated pop-up roll bars (with sharp pin to break the rear glass) in the event of a major accident.There is all the best in navigation systems, information and entertainment systems. There are choices galore in leather trim colours and highlights, there is an airconditioning system which quietly adjusts a pre-set temperatures to a closed or open cabin.For maximum effect the Maserati's top will be down, listening to that V8... and watching the watchers.Check out Keith Didham's review of the Maserati GranCabrio.