While there’s plenty to like in the showroom, Maserati will hit the headlines in 2012 with its appearances on the international motor show circuit. Geneva will host the world premiere of the production-ready Maserati SUV in March (and no, it won’t be called the Kubang). The Jeep Grand Cherokee-based Italian SUV will hit Australian showrooms in 2013. It will be joined later that year by the all-new Quattroporte sedan, which is scheduled to makes it international debut at the 2012 Frankfurt motor show in September.

MASERATI GRANCABRIO SPORT

Vehicle type: Sports car. Timing: January

Maserati’s meanest convertible will get the New Year off to a hot start for the Italian sports car manufacturer in Australia. Sitting at the pinnacle of Maserati’s line-up alongside the GranTurismo S and the Quattroporte Sport GTS, the GranCabrio Sport gets a slightly more powerful tune of the standard convertible’s 4.7-litre V8 engine – 331kW of power and 510Nm of torque – leading to a higher top speed of 285km/h. The uprated mechanical package includes the MC Auto Shift ZF six-speed automatic transmission, Skyhook active suspension, and ventilated and cross-drilled brakes, while the exterior sports a unique black grille, smoky light lenses, redesigned bumpers and red highlights on the trident badge. Prices will be announced in January. Expect the Maserati GranCabrio Sport to start above $350,000.