German Car Zone

Will Maserati's new Spyder use a folding hard-top? Our latest spy photos suggest it will – this close-up appears to show a metal coupe-convertible style roof, but we've also heard rumblings from senior executives that Maserati grand tourers need the boot space that comes with a cloth roof. In which case, this roof could be an elaborate disguise or a targa-style winter top...

Our money would go on the folding hard-top, but these pictures confirm that the Spyder will have a pair of rear seats. The engineers of this prototype are using the rear buckets to store all their data logging equipment and lashings of wirework. Who said Maseratis weren't practical load luggers?

When can I buy a Maserati Spyder?

We won't see the new convertible Maser until a motor show late in 2009 – think Frankfurt – with sales kicking off a few months later. That means a 2010 debut in UK showrooms. It's a bit early to talk prices yet, but around £75,000 looks a fair bet.

The new Spyder is designed by Pininfarina and will use the family architecture of the Granturismo and Quattroporte; they roll off the same two lines at the Modenese factory and all three will share the same 4.2- and 4.7-litre V8 engines, driving the rear wheels.

How are Maserati faring in the credit crunch?

Tough times, indeed. Yet in the UK, the company is on target to be ahead of last year's sales, thanks to an influx of new product.


Maserati Spyder (2009): the spy photos | Secret New Cars | Car Magazine Online


Also, can we get this thread renamed GranTurismo Spyder since that is obviously what this car will be? Should be a sticky too I think since is coming in a few months.


M

Done!

I'll prefer it to be a soft top. I think the GT works well with a cloth roof.

Maserati GranTurismo Spyder coming early next year with $130,000 price tag



Maserati officials have confirmed the convertible version of the GranTurismo will arrive in showrooms by March of next year and now we have a few new details about the car, which is expected to go by the name GranTurismo Spyder.

Maserati is yet to reveal if the car will sport a traditional canvas roof or a new hard-top, but according to Car and Driver it will come with a conventional cloth top and a price tag of $130,000. This puts it in perfect competition with cars like the Mercedes Benz SL, Aston Martin Vantage Roadster, BMW M6 Cabrio, and Jaguar XKR Convertible.

In keeping with its premium status the Spyder will likely come standard with the new 434hp 4.7L V8 engine from the more recent GranTurismo S. This means it will likely get Maserati’s new automatic gearbox (as opposed to the previous automated manual) and a Brembo brake package as standard.

Performance will likely be down on its hard-top sibling, however, as the Spyder will require extra reinforcements due to its missing roof. Remember, the regular GranTurismo already weighs in excess of 1,800kg so the extra weight of this reinforcement plus the automated folding roof system could easily push the drop-top past the two ton barrier.


Source: Maserati GranTurismo Spyder coming early next year with $130,000 price tag - [2011 Maserati GranTurismo Spyder] - MotorAuthority - Car news, reviews, spy shots

Here it is:

http://www.germancarzone.com/maserat...rancabrio.html (Official: Maserati GranCabrio)