2016 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Review

The 2016 GranTurismo lineup is essentially unchanged.

As the 2016 Maserati GranTurismo nears the end of its life cycle, it continues to turn heads with its seductive styling, even if it has fallen behind the times.

We wouldn't think any less of you if you wanted a 2016 Maserati GranTurismo based on looks alone. It's drop-dead gorgeous, after all, with generous servings of sporty aggression and seductive curves. Eight years after its introduction, it still manages to turn heads and remains an object of desire.

Eight years is an eternity in autodom, however, and the GranTurismo has struggled to keep up with the times. Its infotainment and navigation systems are noticeably out of date, and the car lacks many of the advanced safety features that are available on even non-premium vehicles these days. Furthermore, it trails most of its newer rivals when it comes to objective performance numbers.

On the bright side, the GranTurismo is still plenty of fun to drive: It's got a high-revving Ferrari-sourced V8, after all. Thankfully, the adjustable Skyhook suspension ensures that the car's sharp handling doesn't come at the expense of comfort. Further enhancing comfort are well-shaped and padded front seats and rear quarters that can accommodate smaller adults in a pinch.

Deciding on the 2016 Maserati GranTurismo will require shoppers to weigh these pros and cons carefully. The striking Alfieri concept suggests that a next-generation model is around the corner, and there are excellent alternatives available today that include the Edmunds "A"-rated Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe and stalwart Porsche 911. We also recommend the BMW M6 as a strong, if less exuberant, competitor. The 2016 Maserati GranTurismo will always be a head-turner, with a proper Italian exhaust note to boot, but its advancing age is apparent in other areas.

All 2016 Maserati GranTurismo models feature a 4.7-liter V8 and a six-speed automatic transmission with manual control via paddle shifters that send power to the rear wheels. Most GranTurismos produce 454 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque; the exception is the base convertible, which drops to 444 hp and 376 lb-ft.

Maserati estimates the GranTurismo coupe will reach 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, with the base convertible needing 5.1 seconds and the other convertibles 4.9 seconds.

The EPA estimates fuel economy for the coupe at 16 mpg combined (13 city/21 highway), and 15 mpg combined (13/20) for the convertible, regardless of output.

Standard safety features for all 2016 Maserati GranTurismo models include antilock brakes, stability and traction control and front-seat side airbags. Front and rear parking sensors are standard on base trims, but MC and Centennial trims only come with rear sensors. Coupe models also come with front-seat side curtain airbags, while convertibles get auto-deployable roll bars.

The 2016 Maserati GranTurismo lives up to its name as a grand touring coupe that is equally adept at comfortable road-tripping and tearing up curving mountain passes. The Skyhook variable damping system does a decent job of smoothing over potholes and ruts, while in Sport mode, it keeps body roll at a minimum for more spirited driving. The single-mode suspension in the MC models is stiffer still and may be too harsh for most drivers; fortunately, the Skyhook system is optional.

The 4.7-liter V8 doesn't flatten your face from a standstill like the turbocharged engines that are so common today. Instead, it builds force rapidly as the engine climbs toward redline, which is how performance engines used to be. With the sport exhaust, the feeling is accompanied by an inspiring soundtrack when the baffles in the muffler open wide. Power is easily accessed while cruising, thanks to quick shifts from the automatic transmission, and Sport mode engages an even more aggressive shift program.

Like the curvaceous exterior, the Maserati GranTurismo's interior is stylish and sporty. Materials quality is excellent thanks to a liberal use of top-notch leather and tasteful wood or carbon-fiber trim. Shoppers can also pick from a dizzying array of colors and surface materials to have their one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

The honeymoon may be short-lived, however, once drivers begin to live with the GranTurismo. Climate, audio and navigation controls are out of date compared to the competition, as the Maserati makes do with a relatively basic infotainment screen surrounded by small knobs and buttons. Expected features like smartphone-app integration are noticeably absent.

The GranTurismo's front seats provide good lateral support when cornering and ample cushioning for long-distance comfort. Rear seats are cramped but can accommodate smaller adults if necessary. Size is a bigger issue when it comes to cargo, as the coupe can only hold up to 9.2 cubic feet, which is significantly smaller than average. The convertible is even more limiting at just 6.1 cubic feet.