We already knew that Maserati->ke51 is preparing to replace the current GranTurismo and GranCabrio with a new generation of models. Along with these next-gen models there will also be a smaller GranSport version.

Now, in an interview with Motor Trend, Maserati CEO Harald Wester revealed more details on what the three new models will bring new on the market.

He started by saying that the current GranCabrio is too big and that the next model will shrink, slightly. In fact it looks like the next generation will be about the same size as the future Gran Sport, making it a competitor for the recently launched Jaguar F-Type and other like it.

He also pointed out that while the design for the new cars is still not finished, the next three models will be more "sporting and lighter than anything Maserati makes now.” A source told Motor Trend that the next-gen cars will be about 177 inches, which is a good bit shorter than the 192.2-inch-long GranCabrio and GranTurismo.

To achieve this downsizing, the new models will move to a considerably shortened version of the new Quattroporte and Ghibli->ke4598 platform. Powering these smaller sports cars will be a 404-horsepower, twin-turbo V-6 engine.

The new lineup is still more than three years away, so there is time for Maserati to change its mind.

Click past the jump to read more about the future Maserati GranCabrio.

2015 Maserati GranCabrio

Maserati is preparing to increase its sales number up from the current 6,159 units to a total of 50,000 units by 2015. For this, the company is preparing an updated lineup and a series of new models.

The GranCabrio is one of the models to enter a new generation sometime in 2015 or 2016. It will be smaller than the current model and, of course, will feature updated design language and a new engine lineup. Previous rumors suggest it will get the new V-8 engine developed by Ferrari at Maranello, but now rumors suggest it will get a high-output V-6 engine instead.

No matter what engine is under the hood, Maserati will work on making the model smaller and lighter and more fuel efficient.