2011 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible - Mare e Monti

Since some of the patchwork surfaces looked so worn that they could almost date back to the days of Augustus, this was a good place to put the Maserati's dynamic stiffness to the real test. Thanks to the long 115.8-inch wheelbase - that's almost eight inches more than a Bentley Continental GTC - and the extra 220 pounds of structural scaffolding, the GranTurismo convertible mastered the irregular tarmac with the magic-carpet ease of a V-8-powered hovercraft. Although the twenty-inch wheels and the road-hugging sport suspension are tuned for grip and not for compliance, Maserati's GTC still possesses a desirable blend of total sure-footedness with upper-class ride comfort. On this washboard surface, the body-versus-chassis interplay actually helped because it softened responses without blurring feedback. It was only on the really rough stuff - which should have been marked by big "For SUVs Only" warning signs - that an occasional steering-wheel tremble and the odd side-window clatter threatened the physical composure of this born boulevardier. Leaving herons, egrets, and divers behind, we eventually returned to civilization near Ferrara. On the wide two-lane superstrada heading north, there were plenty of opportunities to check out the different dynamic settings. In Normal mode, the Skyhook control-arm suspension permitted more emphatic body movements and more relaxed wheel travel. Sport mode tightened the reins, but not to an extent that would make the occupants suffer. Instead, it introduced a welcome dash of immediacy that extended to the throttle action and the response of the six-speed automatic transmission. Most important, however, Sport upped the tempo of the concerto grosso for sixteen intake valves and two exhaust manifolds from relatively restrained to positively passionate. At 3000 rpm sharp, the rhythm changed again, this time from fists in the pockets to so overtly aggressive that even the three seemingly deaf old women walking to evening church service swirled around in sync like hooded ballet dancers. As it was storming to the 7200-rpm redline, the 4.7-liter V-8 went through such a rich spectrum of beautiful noises that it took a hot bath in the evening to make the goose bumps go away. Delivering 433 hp at 7000 rpm and 361 lb-ft of torque at 4750 rpm, the melodious engine takes only 5.2 seconds (factory measured) to accelerate the Maserati from 0 to 60 mph. Top speed is 176 mph with the top up and 170 mph in case you are brave (or foolish) enough to go all out with the roof down. The weight distribution, too, will change as you raise or lower the roof, but it always remains rear-biased (49/51 or 48/52, respectively), which is uncommon for a front-engine car. This equilibrium is mainly due to the transaxle layout. The key benefits of this configuration are fine handling balance, enhanced grip and traction, and almost stubborn directional stability.