Scintillating looks, a throaty, 433-horsepower 4.7-liter Ferrari-derived V-8 engine and a convertible roof--the 2010 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible is a car nut's dream cruiser. And it's available from a starting price of $135,800.

What you get for that price is impressive: a choice from 9 standard exterior colors and 5 optional; 10 interior Poltrona Frau leather shades; 6 soft top colors; and 3 wood trim options. Other standard features include 20-inch Birdcage wheels, Maserati's Skyhook active suspension system, rear parking sensors, dual-twin sport exhaust, Bose surround sound system and red-painted brake calipers.

Maserati is pitching the GranTurismo Convertible--known as the GranCabrio to the rest of the world--as a modern reinterpretation of the classic open-air Maseratis. It is the first four-seat convertible from the brand, and in addition to the potent V-8 engine, it features a six-speed adaptive automatic transmission with standard paddle shifters.

The soft top retracts in 24 seconds, and Maserati designed it so that it doesn't impinge of the rear seat or trunk space, leaving ample room for two adults and luggage. A unique, tailored luggage set from Ferragamo is also available.

Order books for the 2010 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible are open now, with the first deliveries to come in late spring.

[Maserati]