Maserati will introduce its latest performance model, the GranCabrio Sport, next week at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show.

The 4.7-liter V8 has been retuned to deliver 444 horsepower and 376 pound-feet of torque.

The powerplant works with a ZF six-speed automatic transmission that uses a MC Auto Shift software based on the one features on the Quattroporte Sport GT S.

A new top speed of 285km/h (177 mph) can be reached, yet combined cycle fuel consumption has been cut by six percent – down from 15.4 to 14.5 litres/100km.

The list of other tech modifications includes a revised Skyhook active suspension, as well as the introduction of grooved and drilled dual-cast brake discs.

The vehicle can be recognized by its black front grille that uses a Trident with red accents, black-style headlights with white sidemarks, new front corner splitters and sideskirts.

The car also comes with a new body color called Rosso Trionfale (Triumphant Red) inspired by the red Italian national colours used on 1950s racing Maseratis.

The Sport hits all of Maserati’s existing markets this summer, and will sit alongside the GranTurismo S and the Quattroporte Sport GT S in Maserati’s family of enhanced performance models.