Gran Cabrio Presentation at Wynn

Just went with bdelp and saw the new Gran Cabrio in person at the Wynn dealership. Wow! It looks fantastic in person. It was the same combo as the preview images - a dark titanium over sabbia and terracotta interior, with a white wooden wheel.

Back seats really are useable - even with a large guy in the front there's still some leg room in the back. Meaning it's a real 4 seater and not just a 2+2 with a seat-shaped luggage area. Front seat was cozy and the glass went up over my head (some convertibles' wind lines are right on my forehead - long torso), the only place that was a little cramped was on the left armrest area.

The manager was guessing a price around $155k. That would give the SL and Bentley GTC a good run for the money.

 

I'm assuming that was the same car that has been going around to all the launches....saw it last weekend in STL. absolutely gorgeous car (except not so sure about the white wood steering wheel). I'd definitely take one of those over a California (and save $75-100k in the process)

 

I'm torn because I loved the panache of the white wheel but it would be very, very distracting to have in front of you driving. Esp at night.

I think the hardest performance GT 4-seat choices in that price range though are this GC or a used 612, which are now in that range. Of course, if you add *convertible* 4 seater then the choices get very limited.

There's no doubt that this Gran Cabrio is the most beautiful FIAT car though. I said I'd love to see one in bianco Fuji pearl with navy and sabbia interior, with blue dash and wheel.

I can think of only a few newer production cars where upon seeing them I immediately thought, "wooooooow... that's beautiful." And knew right away I'd really like one someday. That 'love at first sight' type of feeling. Some in the last 10 years - Aston DB9, DB AR1, Bentley Brooklands, Audi S5, Challenge Stradale.

 

pics?

 

I didn't take any; I should have tried with the phone I suppose. Like I mentioned though I was pleasantly surprised about the cabin room: I put the seat all the way back before getting in, anticipating what usually happens in sporty cars that I need the room, but I ended up having to put the seat back forward a few inches to get properly seated. It had about the same if not a little more room than the E-class convertibles.

 

Were they prohibiting picture taking like they usually do?

 

No, actually most other people were taking iPhone pics with the car. Mostly guys taking pics of their wives/GF. I asked bdelp to pose for some calendar shots with his palms on the hood looking over his shoulder, but he was a little shy.

 

sure it's pretty but not pretty like the ferrari california is it?

 

The California is NOT a pretty car! It clearly shows that it was transferred from the Maserati looks it was originally designed to look more "Ferrari". One of the major Maserati chaps told me in Frankfurt Show last year that all in Modena are very happy that the California doesn`t came as a Maserati.

IMO the last good looking Ferrari-Spyder was the 355 - Clean, straight lines, cool looks!

Ciao!
Walter

 

+1 regarding the 355 spyder and 355 in general. It is absolutely a timeless Ferrari design which takes a lot from the past but combined good modern ideas.

Something about the California does not sit well with me. It looks more like a Audi than a Ferrari. The Maserati is pure 100% Maserati.

 

The Maserati Grantursimo Convertible is to me is the modern version of the Mondial Cab.

Compared to the California, it's bigger, has a real back seat (albeit still small), is more luxurious, has very comfortable seats, and is easier to get in and out of. But it also lacks the security of the California's hard top while being obviously much heavier, less powerful and not as fast or sporty. It's a GT -- and a darn nice one.

To me, it's the nicest looking convertible that will be on the road for some time. It's going to be difficult for someone to beat its design.