The voice of the Maserati GranCabrio, the musical notes of its V8 are powerful but subdued when travelling at a modest pace, but they can reach the strength of a tenor’s high tones when the driver demands the maximum. The secret of such flexibility lies with the pneumatic control valves that manage the exhaust: normally they remain closed, to ensure that the car travels within the bounds of discretion, but if the Sport mode is selected, they open above 3000 rpm and the sound becomes a powerful roar, especially with the roof down.

The eight-cylinder orchestra is a chorus that sings about the pleasure of driving, harmoniously conducted by the 6-speed automatic gearbox. This transmission is the result of a close working relationship between Maserati and ZF, which has successfully interpreted the exciting combination between the 323 kW (440 HP) of the V8 engine and the fluidity of the automatic gearbox. And if the driver wants to feel even more like an orchestra conductor, all he has to do is select the Manual mode, and modulate the sound of the engine to the rhythm of the manual shifts, better still when using the steering wheel paddles.

The Maserati GranCabrio demands to be heard, also through the voice of its hi-fi system, developed by Maserati and Bose. Keeping even the most demanding audiophiles satisfied was not an easy task: without the roof to act as a resonating chamber the layout of the speakers had to be completely redesigned. In the end 12 were fitted: one speaker in the middle of the dashboard, two tweeters and two woofers set into each door, one front bass box under the front passenger seat, two tweeters and two woofers on both rear panels and a rear-mounted bass box containing two woofers. It is the woofers, speakers which reproduce the lowest tones and give the right depth to an orchestral crescendo or the rhythmic base of a jazz trio, the keystones behind the perfection of the “GranCabrio concert hall”. The rear bass box, for example, has an unusual shape, extending behind the backrest and under the rear armrest so that it can perform at its best.

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To avoid endless manual adjustments which could turn into potentially dangerous driving distractions, the system automatically tweaks the volume and sound equalisation depending on whether the car is travelling with the soft top up or down: but the listener doesn’t notice any difference and perceives the same audio quality in both configurations.

All this is completed by the AudioPilot® system which, through a small microphone mounted on the dashboard, monitors the noise level inside the cabin and adjusts the equalisation accordingly. This is useful particularly at high speeds, when aerodynamic swishes intensify and ensures sound quality that is always excellent.

All the driver has to do is to choose the most suitable music CD for the journey he’s about to make and the Maserati GranCabrio can turn into the most dynamic of auditoriums.

The Maserati GranCabrio’s Dynamics A must-have feature for a car that is as much fun to drive as the GranCabrio is a great sense of balance, achieved with a well thought out weight distribution. The latest Trident creation is unrivalled on this level as well: with the soft top up 49% of the weight is over the front axle and 51% over the rear, whilst the rates with the soft top down become 48 and 52% respectively.

In everyday driving these figures turn into reliable and predictable behaviour in all situations, breathtaking acceleration even on irregular surfaces and exceptional stability even in emergency manoeuvres. This has been achieved by positioning the engine mounted in unit with the automatic transmission, behind the front axle. Drive is transmitted to the wheels by a 2-piece shaft assisted by a limited-slip differential (the locking ratios are 25% in traction and 45% in release).

It has taken thousands of hours of calculations and as many hours again to develop the chassis on the prototypes. This effort was essential to achieve maximum structural rigidity even in the absence of a roof.

The Skyhook suspension system features continuously adjustable gas dampers which adapt to the ever changing road conditions. In practical terms, this means that every irregularity is “concealed” to the driver, who can then enjoy an incredibly smooth driving experience in true comfort.

But Maserati is also acutely aware that no two drivers are alike: this is why the Maserati GranCabrio’s dynamic performance can be cut to size to match personal preference just as if it were an elegant tailor-made suit. By pressing the Sport button, in a split second, the car stiffens on the suspensions quickens the gearchange and its exhaust note becomes deeper and more aggressive. Then, just as suddenly, it can revert back to Normal mode at the touch of a button, offering those on board all the comforts of a top of the range granturismo.

Keeping a close eye on driving safety is the MSP (Maserati Stability Programme) system, which deploys an extensive range of sensors to detect any anomaly in the car’s behaviour, the slightest deviation from ideal driving trajectory and, if it thinks it necessary, acts on the brakes and engine to stabilise the Maserati GranCabrio and put it back on the right track.

Another acronym, HBA, which stands for Hydraulic Brake Assist, marks a brand-new concept for Maserati. This application recognises when the driver is in a panic situation, analysing a set of parameters such as pressure on the brake servo, wheel speed and activation of the third rear stop light. Once the state of emergency has been declared, the HBA effectively replaces the driver and activates the full power of the brakes to reduce the stopping distance to a minimum. Because an intelligent car knows how to go fast, very fast, but also knows when to bring the speed down, within the driver’s full control.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S “Awards Edition”, the latest jewel in the Maserati range, will make its official debut at the prestigious Geneva Auto Show next week. The car will be unveiled during the press conference, on Tuesday, March 2nd 2010 on the Maserati stand (n.1051) at 13:45.

Six years after its birth, the car that created the luxury sport saloon segment continues to receive accolades from the general public, automobile aficionados and the media. Maserati has decided to celebrate its success with a superlative version, which blends the elegance and sporty stylishness of the brand’s flagship, thanks to the combination of highly refined details, handcrafted finishes and features with a decidedly sporty flair.

During its six years of life, the Maserati Quattroporte has received no less than 56 awards from the most prestigious automotive and lifestyle publications in 14 countries over four continents. A global recognition for a car that has known how to renew itself over the years, still never failing to maintain the appeal of the lines and purity of the forms created by Pininfarina, which immediately made it an instant classic.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S “Awards Edition”, based on the Quattroporte Sport GT S, aims to combine in one car all the features that have made the Trident flagship a benchmark in its segment:

• the unique and elegant styling, mixed with a hint of sporting flair thanks to the eye-catching features adopted on both the exterior and interior fittings;
• driving enjoyment, because the “Awards Edition” is based on the Quattroporte Sport GT S, which boasts top-class performance and excellent handling;
• the craftsmanship of the hand-finished details which make each car unique.

The new Quarzo fuso exterior colour – a pearlescent metallic grey with a golden hue – exclusive to this model, makes the exterior instantly recognisable, and highlights the body’s elegant lines. The burnished treatment used on the exterior chrome parts, as well as on the side air vents and radiator surround, also matches the 20” Multi Trident dark grey rims with satin finish.

The braking system which uses dual-cast technology, is further enhanced by the hand-polished callipers both at the front and rear. With the Quattroporte Sport GT S “Awards Edition”, Maserati and Brembo are introducing on the market for the first time polished callipers, treated with high precision mechanical processes and featuring a hand finish which gives them their special mirror-like appearance and enhances their sporty credentials at the same time.

The interior also bears witness to the combination of sporting flair and craftsmanship that have always characterised the Maserati flagship saloon. The Poltrona Frau leather of the seats is combined with perforated Alcantara with a new undulated pattern, and the headlining is also in Alcantara. Completing the cabin finishes are the special brushed aluminium door sills and Piano Black satin-finish wood mouldings.

The boot is finished in black trim and features chrome details and a leather side pocket. The attention to detail has even been extended to the mats, which are made of an even richer and softer material.

A special exterior “Awards Edition” series plate completes the car’s look and makes an already unique car even more unmistakable.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S “Awards Edition” will be available in the UK as a special order in the second half of 2010, as model year 2011. Prices will be available upon application: for further information clients can contact the Maserati Info Centre on 0800 0646468 or visit the Maserati website www.maserati.com to locate the nearest Maserati dealership.