“Ciao, bella!” It’s what I say to myself each time I sprint past a reflection that captures my façade. But please don’t mistake this dash of confidence for boastful Italian pride. I am not another pretty, one-trick pony, purchased to combat a receding hairline or failing nuptial. I am the newest Maserati GranTurismo MC convertible and I’m all you yearn for in an exotic counterpart, configured with two plus two seating.

Like you, my style is a touch more forward than my brethren; and it’s more than skin deep. The ample ducts on my hood and svelte, eye-catching fender slits are not another case of unnecessary accessorizing. These function-over-form design elements aid in keeping my 4.7-liter V8 cool under pressure, mi amore. For others, such cues are a fast-track to a fast look. In my case, they’re racy in every interpretation of the word. Connoisseurs will note that I bear my make’s coveted MC (Maserati Corse) badging, denoting the more than healthy dose of track DNA infused in my design—as if this fine posterior didn’t make it clear. My angular lower diffuser and integrated exhaust pipes are a one-stop exporter of heat dispersion, aimed at propelling us down Sunrise faster than you can pour an espresso. Like any self-respecting Italian, shoes matter. I’m clad in 20-inch diameter tires at all four corners to grip the black right off the asphalt. The 444 horses under my hood meet the tarmac with little hesitation; it’s like I’ve put a fleet of Roman chariots under the ball of your right foot.

And dare I say, I sound even more thunderous.

Before we jaunt off to the East End, allow me to acquaint you with my inner confidence—my appeal is more than simply aesthetic. You’ll find the tri-layer fabric up top keeps the cabin remarkably hushed while buttoned-up, such is the mastery of fine Italian tailoring. The true nature of my character comes to light in the 24 seconds it takes for it to neatly fold away, allowing you to live in the beautiful mural of autumn’s ceiling. The high-backed, cradling nature of my front seats—trimmed in alcantara or other quality textiles—peek above the profile plane just enough to be noticed. Meanwhile their low mounting delivers an optimal feel of connectivity with the road. Melt into their bolsters while gripping on the Spartan, race-inspired controls and you’ll feel like an honorary Andretti.

But peek around your shoulder, amico. You’ll see something quite atypical for my segment: A full cabin that actually fits more than a weekend racer. A few of your most important colleagues will enjoy a European-style, two-hour lunch break with an hour-long drive back to the office. I know a great spot on the North Fork…

Do I sound a bit too sensible? Squeeze my throttle and hold on to your Persols. At 4,200 lbs I’m not petite, though my torque is that of a tuned roadster; propelling us from 0-60mph in a mere 4.6 seconds. I’m also not quite as nimble as some of the smaller girls, but I do compensate in confidence—consider me the Sophia Loren type. Approach the turns at a steady rate and you’ll find no signs of understeering or instability. But like my visage, my suspension tuning is also a bit more hardline than my siblings; its minimal dampening won’t be appreciated by all.

Checking in at approximately $142,800 positions me uniquely between the overtly practical and absurdly fanatical. Perhaps it’s time you bid arrivederci to the notions you can’t enjoy the fast life with good company.

ENGINE: 32-VALVE ALUMINUM-BLOCK V8
0-60: 4.6 SECONDS
MAX SPEED: 179MPH (GOVERNED)
MAX POWER: 444HP @ 7,000 RPM
MAX TORQUE: 383 LB-FT @ 4,750 RPM
BASE PRICE: $142,800