Until this point, the bigger, badder V8 only got an electronically actuated auto or a row-your-own transmission, leaving the auto to the weaker 4.2 liter V8. Now the trident throwers at Maserati are swapping in a ZF 6 speed auto for those too excited by involving transmissions.

In addition to the transmission news, Motor Trend is reporting the drop top version of the Gran Turismo will be popping up at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show so now you can get the drop dead gorgeous GT with a the open air driving of a drop top. We'll be looking forward to seeing that little gem when it hits the stands.

MASERATI GRANTURISMO S AUTOMATIC TO BE UNVEILED AT THE GENEVA AUTO SHOW

Modena, February 23rd, 2009 – True to Maserati's commitment to introduce a new model at each international car show, the GranTurismo S Automatic will première at the next Geneva Auto Show. The new Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic features a 4.7 V8 which develops 440hp (323kW) at 7000rpm. The maximum torque is 490Nm at 4,750rpm.

The major novelty is the combination of the automatic transmission with the most powerful wet sump Maserati V8 on the GranTurismo – until now offered as 4.2 l with automatic transmission and 4.7 l with an electro-actuated gearbox. Thanks to the combination of the 323kW produced by the powerful 4.7l V8 engine and the smoothness of the ZF 6-speed automatic gearbox, the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic remains consistent with the original granturismo concept while at the same time offering peak performance.

The gearshift strategy applied to the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic inherits some widely appreciated elements of the Quattroporte Sport GT S, such as the elimination of the kick-down in Manual mode.

The Skyhook suspension system featuring continuously adjustable dampers provides great driving comfort. Passive safety is further enhanced thanks to the introduction on the GranTurismo range of a new generation passenger air-bag with Low Risk Deployment functionality.

Consistent with the unmistakable design of all Maseratis, the Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic features some marked stylistic differences which make it immediately recognisable: the new under-door mini-skirts featuring a prominent shape, which enhances the dynamism of its profile and the new 20" wheel rims with "Trident" design, which recall the strength and elegance of the car.

A further enriched equipment increases the on board pleasure for the driver and the three passengers, thanks to the Bluetooth® Wireless Technology, offered as standard, and the iPod® interface, available upon request, which complete the Maserati Multi Media System.

[Sources: Maserati, MT]

10.) Mazda MX-5 Miata Retractable Hardtop

There's no better way to view the fall foliage than through an open top, but the threat of a cold day means most people keep their convertibles in the garage. The Mazda MX-5 now comes with a hard-top convertible version offering all the fun of a cheap, quick car — only now with a hardtop to protect you and your occupants from the elements.
MSRP: $24,465
Best Fun Feature: Zippy acceleration
Best Fall Feature: Retractable hard top
Best Fall Trip: Drive to a B&B at the end of a road filled with winding curves and have just as much fun driving back.

9.) Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

As much fun as a Jeep is for a weekend on the beach, traveling in the fall means packing more gear. In that case, the much larger Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is a great autumn choice. Plus, the add-on hardtop option will make life all the warmer.
MSRP: $21,985
Best Fun Feature: Folding windshield and removable doors
Best Fall Feature: Trail-rated 4x4 capability and an optional hardtop.
Best Fall Trip: Take a rugged path for a weekend of camping and hiking.

8.) Maserati GranTurismo S

The Maserati GranTurismo S is a fast, gorgeous and luxurious grand tourer in the classic style. Despite its sports car look, the GranTurismo has ample room for a weekend's worth of gear.
MSRP: $138,600
Best Fun Feature: 433-horsepower Italian V8
Best Fall Feature: Smooth, predictable ride with lots of room
Best Fall Trip: Try a long drive through the wine country and have room to take home a few bottles.

7.) Volkswagen Tiguan

The new Volkswagen Tiguan CUV offers the practicality of a larger vehicle with the fun driving characteristics of a smaller car.
MSRP: $23,200
Best Fun Feature: Turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder engine
Best Fall Feature: Fold-flat rear seats
Best Fall Trip: If your living space is looking a bit empty the Tiguan is an ideal companion for a weekend bouncing from antique shop to garage sale in search of that perfect armoire.

6.) Mini Cooper Clubman

The Mini Cooper has always been a fun, efficient way to get away for the weekend. Throw in an extra set of doors and a bit more room and you have the fall-ready Mini Clubman wagon.
MSRP: $20,850
Best Fun Feature: Fun to drive but also efficient (37 mpg highway)
Best Fall Feature: The rear doors are hinged, allowing for easy loading of large objects and luggage
Best Fall Trip: Autumn is a time of harvest and what better way to enjoy that then hitting the road and visiting local farms to load the back of the Clubman up with a bounty of pumpkins and squash!

5.) Ford Ranger FX4

Before winter's frost brings snow and ice, cold fronts move through bringing chilly rains that leave muddy trails, perfect for a weekend of mudding in the off-road version of Ford's compact Ford Ranger. The FX4 is light, simple and extremely competant over challening road conditions.
MSRP: $22,850
Best Fun Feature: Heavy duty schocks
Best Fall Feature: Off-road ability
Best Fall Trip: Tread lightly and carry a big truck through the backwoods with a friend, just make sure to bring some good boots.

4.) Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

When it comes to bang-for-buck it is hard to top the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR, which offers the space of a sedan and the road-hugging ability of an AWD sports cars.
MSRP: $32,990
Best Fun Feature: Twin Clutch SST Automated Manual Transmission
Best Fall Feature: Super All-Wheel Control
Best Fall Trip: Nothing says a fun weekend like hitting the track or, if it is rainy, the rally stage.

3.) BMW X6

Instead of dusting off the boring old SUV for fall, consider the BMW X6 "Sports Activity Coupe" for a long weekend in the country. It's as fast as many sports cars and capable on or, as our road test editor claims, off road.
MSRP: $53,275
Best Fun Feature: An athletic design that hides the hatch
Best Fall Feature: Dynamic Performance Control, which keeps the Bimmer planted to any road
Best Fall Trip: With Thanksgiving around the corner you've got enough room for kids and enough zoom to make you forget your Uncle Jake's prison stories.

2.) Subaru Outback 2.5XT Limited

The Subaru Legacy Outback Wagon offers poise, comfort, drivability and most importantly: space.
MSRP: $31,595
Best Fun Feature: 440-watt, 9-speaker Harman/Kardon stereo
Best Fall Feature: Continuous All-Wheel Drive
Best Fall Trip: Football season is here and the roomy Outback will not only get you to the game, it has the room for tailgating gear. Bratwurst anyone?

1.) Porsche 911 Targa 4

A Porsche 911 is fun year-round, but the Porsche 911 Targa 4 is the perfect sports car for Fall. When the weather is nice the glass roof and hatch allow all inside a chance to see the sights. When the weather turns rough the Targa 4 comes equipped with all-wheel drive.
MSRP: $89,500
Best Fun Feature: Glass roof
Best Fall Feature: All-wheel-drive
Best Fall Trip: Pick a sunny weekend and drive to the coast where you can marvel at the beauty through the glass.

Maserati presents the GranTurismo S

Modena - February 26th, 2008. A year after the unveiling of the GranTurismo, Maserati will be back at the Geneva International Motorshow with yet another world premiere, the GranTurismo S. The ultimate expression of the Trident coupé's sportiness shifts the emphasis onto performance and driving enjoyment.

Two main novelties are at the heart of the new Maserati: the 440 HP V8 4.7 engine and the electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC-Shift arranged in the Transaxle layout typical of high-performance sports cars that represents the technological DNA of all Maseratis.

The GranTurismo S makes use of the high-performance brake system developed in collaboration with Brembo and introduced for the first time in the automotive field on the Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S. The system features front brake discs made with dual-cast technology - a dual casting of cast iron and aluminum, paired with aluminum mono-bloc 6-piston brake calipers, ensuring optimized braking performance.

On the exterior the Maserati GranTurismo S is characterised by a number of aesthetic modifications that, although discrete, are highly effective and make the car body appear sportier without abandoning the sleekness of the lines masterfully designed by Pininfarina.

The interior upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara reflects the sporty flair of the Maserati GranTurismo S; the figure-hugging front and rear seats are distinguished by their new dynamic design with horizontal piping on the seats and seatbacks