Maserati Gran Turismo Convertible news - GranTurismo convertible out in the open? - 2008

It's a day for drop-tops. Following the embargo-bustin' appearance of the BMW M3 convertible, Maserati has announced that it will build a convertible version of its stunning GranTurismo coupe. 

And, erm, that's about all we know. There's no word on which motor show will feature the convertible's debut, but Maserati says it should be on sale in early 2009. 

Will it be a hard-top or a soft-top? Good question. Maserati is believed to be keen to develop a hard-top cabrio, but sources close to the company say that the GranTurismo is more likely to get a folding fabric roof. All the better to hear that lovely 4.2-litre V8, Grandmama.

Maserati has also announced that it expects to record its first profitable year in, well, ages. The Modena marquee sold over 7000 cars in 2007 - a production record - and reckons it will return a 6 million Euro profit: a intriguingly symmetrical turnaround from 2006, when it recorded a 6 million Euro loss.

We can't imagine the GranTurismo convertible harming those sales figures, either. We'll bring you more details on what might just be the most stylish way to cruise the Italian lakes as soon as we get them.