Maserati is planning a convertible version of the GranTurismo, similar to the Alfa Romeo 8C Compitizione drop-top which is based on the same platform.

It doesn’t exactly take the foresight of a Nostradamus to predict that Maserati will bring a drop-top version of the GranTurismo to market, but the gents over at Car & Driver seem to have the inside scoop.

The new model is due out in 2010 (or possibly 2011) and the surprising thing is that it will feature a cloth-top instead of a retractable hard-top.

All of the major competitors to the GranTurismo have convertible models, including Mercedes with the SL550, Aston Martin with the V8 Vantage Roadster, Jaguar with the XKR convertible and BMW with the M6 Convertible.

Ferrari already offers the California and while they aren’t easy to obtain, there is also the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione. Based on the same platform, the California is already a retractable hard-top, whereas the 8C is offered as either a coupe or convertible. A GranTurismo Convertible was in the cards.

What we don’t know is exactly when it will arrive and if it will have four seats or just two. The price is expected to be around $130,000.

Oh… and look for a GranTurismo S Convertible/Roadster to follow.