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Maserati has unveiled the 2024 GranCabrio sports car, albeit six months later than scheduled due to a series of new-model delays. Set to arrive in European showrooms later this year, the GranCabrio is the convertible counterpart to the GranTurismo coupe introduced 18 months ago, marking Maserati’s first all-new model in 14 years.

Unlike its predecessor, which featured non-turbo Ferrari V8 power and ceased production in late 2019, the new GranCabrio debuts with a twin-turbo V6 petrol engine. Initially, it will be offered with this powertrain, with an electric version likely to follow.

Distinguishing itself from the coupe variant, the GranCabrio boasts a soft-top roof available in five colours – black, blue, grey, ‘greige,’ and garnet red. The roof operates swiftly, opening in 14 seconds and closing in 16 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h. Controlled via a touchscreen menu, the roof also includes a neck warmer and a folding ‘wind stopper’ for added comfort.

Externally, the GranCabrio mirrors its coupe counterpart, featuring an evolutionary design inherited from its predecessor dating back to 2007.

Under the hood, the GranCabrio is powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol ‘Nettuno’ V6 engine developed by Maserati, delivering 535hp and 650Nm of torque in Trofeo trim. Power is channelled to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, enabling a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.6 seconds, 0-200km/h in 12.2 seconds, and a top speed of 316km/h.

Equipped with adaptive air suspension, sizable brakes, large wheels, and advanced driver aids, the GranCabrio promises dynamic performance and precise handling. It offers four drive modes – Comfort, GT, Sport, and Corsa – along with a full ESC Off setting for enthusiasts.

Inside, the GranCabrio boasts luxurious appointments, including a head-up display, a digital interpretation of Maserati’s traditional clock, premium leather, aluminum finishes, and a high-end sound system.

Advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, autonomous emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera enhance safety and convenience for occupants.

Despite sharing design elements with the GranTurismo, Maserati claims a 100kg weight increase for the GranCabrio. Nevertheless, it promises an exhilarating driving experience coupled with unparalleled luxury and comfort.

Ital Auto Malaysia Sdn Bhd, the official importer and distributor of Ferrari cars in Malaysia, unveiled the Ferrari Roma Spider at their recently revealed showroom in Kuala Lumpur. As the latest addition to the iconic line of Prancing Horse Spiders, the Roma Spider pays homage to the carefree lifestyle of the 1950s and 60s, offering customers the option of a soft top—a first for a front-engined Ferrari in 54 years since the 1969 365 GTS4.

The soft-top design of the Roma Spider reflects a novel and modern approach, emphasising the car’s exuberant character. It comes with extensive personalisation options, featuring sophisticated, bespoke fabrics and contrasting stitching. The soft top can be deployed in just 13.5 seconds, operable at speeds of up to 60 km/h. Its compact design not only allows for a larger boot but also enhances the car’s overall versatility. A patented wind deflector integrated into the rear bench backrest contributes to in-car comfort without occupying additional space.

Retaining the excellent dynamic characteristics of the Ferrari Roma, the Spider boasts a best-in-class weight/power ratio, thanks to its soft top and all-aluminium chassis, housing a potent 620PS, 760Nm of torque twin-turbo V8 engine. The engine, part of the award-winning V8 turbo family, is coupled with Ferrari’s renowned 8-speed DCT, known for rapid shift times, comfort, and mechanical efficiency.

The Ferrari Roma Spider offers not only ease of driving but also exceptional dynamism and responsiveness, making it an ideal companion for both out-of-town weekends and extended journeys. It maintains the exhilarating Ferrari V8 soundtrack, coupled with features enhancing versatility, including a category-topping boot size, wireless connectivity via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Wi-Fi.

Designed under the leadership of Flavio Manzoni, the Ferrari Roma Spider aims to extend the concept of “La Nuova Dolce Vita” for elegant, carefree driving ‘en plein air.’ The sophisticated fabric soft top preserves the coupé’s proportions seamlessly, and the exterior design focuses on clean lines and absolute symbiosis between elements. The proportions and volumes align with Ferrari’s front-engined GT tradition, complemented by modern touches for contemporary style.

The cabin of the Ferrari Roma Spider follows the dual cockpit concept, providing separate spaces for the driver and passenger. The symmetrical layout creates an organic distribution of spaces and functional elements, ensuring an immersive driving experience. High-tech features include a digital instrument cluster, optional passenger display, and a central 8.4” display for infotainment and climate control functions. The steering wheel’s Human-Machine Interface (HMI) incorporates touch controls for a refined driving experience.

Aerodynamics played a crucial role in the Ferrari Roma Spider’s development, considering the impact of the fabric soft top on bodywork geometries. The active spoiler, concealed in the rear lid, adjusts to three different positions, optimising downforce based on speed and driving conditions. Attention to aerodynamic comfort with the top-down minimises turbulence and wind noise in the cabin.

The car’s dynamics benefit from the Side Slip Control System (SSC) and Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer, providing precise handling and traction performance. The Manettino offers five positions, including the new ‘Race’ position, enhancing driving fun. The chassis, derived from the Ferrari Roma, incorporates new components, ensuring exceptional torsional rigidity and beam stiffness.

With a focus on client service, Ferrari offers an extended seven-year maintenance program for the Roma Spider, covering regular maintenance for the first seven years of the car’s life. This exclusive service ensures peak performance and safety over the years and is also available for pre-owned Ferraris. The Ferrari Roma Spider is available in Malaysia, starting from RM3,200,000.00, inclusive of duties and taxes.

With the new Spider variant of the Roma, Ferrari adds another convertible to its range which also replaces the Portofino M that was launched in 2020. The Roma Spider has much of its platform similar to the coupe (which was introduced in Malaysia in September 2021) but with a folding fabric soft-top in place of the solid metal roof.

Recalling the Italian lifestyle of the 1950s and 1960s, the Roma Spider marks a return of a soft-top to the sportscar maker’s range on a front-engined model 54 years after the 1969 365 GTS4. It’s also the first soft-top convertible from Ferrari since the F430 18 years ago.

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