MotorMouths

The most compelling arguments for the Maserati GranTurismo Convertible are its female-athlete awesomeness—"fierce," as Tyra Banks would say—and its relative rarity. Outside of the Hamptons and Greenwich, Conn., these things are going to be as unusual as unicorns.

The 2011 Maserati GranTurismo convertible is both alluring and idiosyncratically flawed, a combination as old as Italy itself.

If I had to choose a convertible to travel across the country, the Maserati GranTurismo would top my list. It’s best suited for a talented Mr. Ripley wearing a natty fedora while prowling the Amalfi coast.

The Maserati GranCabrio is an unusually accommodating large, fast convertible. Not extreme in any way, but a blend of elegant comfort and high performance. Easy to drive, fast enough to be engaging and at times, exhilarating. At its best in warm, sunny climates.

The top-up experience with the Maserati GranTurismo convertible reminded us why  we like the coupe so much. Both cars are lively and fluid—big, comfy GTs that mask their size with direct controls and tons of power.

What does the Granturismo have besides bloodlines, history, and exclusivity? Drop dead styling, for one. From its open-mouthed grille topped by the Maserati trident to the suavely proportioned rear fascia, the Pininfarina-styled convertible is one of the most eye-catching cars on the road.

The best thing about the Maserati Grantuismo? The noise it makes. As the Maser enters high in the rev counter, its sound is expanded as if plugged into an amplifier set to 11 — a deep and sinister concoction of exotica and Motown permeating all.

We guarantee that the 2011 Maserati Gran Turismo Convertible won’t be the fastest big-dollar convertible you can buy. On the other hand, it’s no slouch on a hard court, and it may be the sexiest.

The 2011 Maserati GranTurismo is easily one of the most beautiful cars being built today, with high levels of performance and comfort that further its appeal.

The 2012 Maserati GranTurismo MC feels every one of its 4,200 pounds. And she ain’t cheap. But that’s missing the point. The MC is about the driver. It’s a GranTurismo with bite.

If elegance, exclusiveness, and a touch of sportiness are your priorities, the Maserati Gran Turismo convertible is an excellent choice.

The MC is a beautiful GranTurismo, whose capabilities are spot on for sensory gratification, but not so much for lap times. And that’s fine, even welcome in this era of constant numbers-watching.