Malcolm Gage, sales manager; Robert Allan, Maserati North America; Heath Strayhan, general manager

Murmurs of appreciation spread across the showroom as the cover was pulled back, revealing the sleek new GranTurismo Convertible at an exclusive event at Park Place Maserati in November.

Guests had been anxiously awaiting a peek at the first four-seat convertible in Maserati's history. But when Park Place Maserati Sales Manager Malcolm Gage turned the key to bring the Italian beauty to life with a deep-throated rumble, everyone’s pulse quickened and the crowd moved in for a closer look.

Powered by a 4.7 liter V8 producing 440-horsepower with a 6-speed automatic transmission that can be shifted manually via paddles, this sleek into 0-to-60 mph in just 5.3 seconds with a top speed of 176 mph. The GranTurismo Convertible’s soft top retracts fully in 28 seconds, and its multi-layered design helps keep the cabin quiet when the roof is closed.

Of course, “quiet” is a personal choice with a 12-speaker Bose surround sound audio system. Dallas was one of only 18 stops in the U.S. for the one-of-a-kind working prototype. With an expected starting price of $130,000, orders are being taken now for delivery in Spring 2010.

During the evening, guests enjoyed Mediterranean tapas from Wendy Krispin catering, decadent cupcakes by Citizen Sweet, and Mionetto Classic Brut Prosecco and a selection of Conti Zecca Italian wines.

Park Place also used the opportunity to honor supporters of the 14th annual Treasure Street, which was held recently at Highland Park Village to benefit Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.

Park Place Maserati is located at 5300 Lemmon Avenue, near Love Field, in Dallas.

Founded in 1987, Park Place Dealerships represents luxury brands in Texas and California including Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Lexus, smart, Volvo, Maserati, Bentley and Rolls-Royce.

More info available at www.parkplacetexas.com.

Malcolm Gage, Sales Manager; Stephanie Brigger, VP Development, Scottish Rite; Heath Strayhan, General Manager