Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale Debuts With More Power, Less Weight [Paris 2010]

[AutoGuide.com]

Inspired by the Trofeo GranTurismo MC series cars, as well as the Italian automaker's GT4 race cars, the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale brings much of the former two models' racing capability to the street.

With an extra 10-hp over the GranTurismo S model, the 4.7-liter V8 makes 450-hp and 376 ft-lbs of torque, allowing for an even quicker 0-62 mph blast of just 4.6 seconds. However, it's not the added power that makes the biggest difference, but the reduced curb weight of 243 lbs for a more reasonable total of 3,902 lbs. Some of that weight reduction is the result of Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, removed rear seats and carbon fiber racing seats (in some markets).

Yet another contributing factor to the car's speed is an upgraded transmission with shift times that have been reduced to just 60 milliseconds.

While a street car, this lighter and faster GranTurismo is also perfect for the track with a special Race mode that reduces the stability control program's interference, increases the exhaust note and activates the fastest shift times. Activating Race model will cause the car to automatically downshift two gears, while holding the paddle down during aggressive driving will also allow for a dual down-shift. Plus, regardless of whether the driver chooses Race, Normal or Sport, the Stradale's throttle sensitivity is increased over the standard car.

The GranTurismo MC Stradale is the first Maserati to have just two seats since the MC12 and is also the first Maserati road car to exceed 300 km/h (186-mph) with a top speed of 301 km/h. It will go on sale in the first quarter of 2011.

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