The great debate has finally been resolved. Whether to go hard or soft, the Italian sports carmaker Maserati’s future Spyder will have a canvas roof. Taking a look at what they have learned from the Ferrari California, a model that is apparently not meeting its sales target. The trident wearing sports carmaker has decided to go the same route as their competition, the Bentley Continental GTC.

The rag top Maserati Spyder will be powered by the same 4.2 Liter V8 pumping out 405 HP and 440 HP in the 4.7 Liter S-trim, as in the coupes. As usual, the finished product will be penned by Pininfarina. This is always a good idea for FIAT.

The question is, will the diversification strategy put in place by FIAT pay off? This is a good opportunity to test a strategy and avoid head to head competition. In an economic climate that has reached the luxury segment, will consumers opt for a less expensive option? We will all have to wait and see when the next generation Maserati Spyder makes its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

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