Paris 2010: Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale is not an Italian DJ, but is an upgraded super coupe

Maserati can produce some gorgeous automobiles. The Maserati GranTurismo is no exception, in fact we'd place it in the give-up-your-first-born-to-own-one category of beautiful. In addition to its looks, the GranTurismo is a powerful and luxurious grand touring machine that causes both eyes and ears to strain for more as it goes by. The 430-horsepower GranTurismo S was the king of the trident-wearing coupes, until today. Taking the stage at the 2010 Paris Motor Show is the all-new Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale.

The GranTurismo MC Stradale ratchets up the excitement by pushing power output to 450 horsepower. The chassis has been tweaked and the body slightly updated for increased aerodynamics. The MC Stradale manages to increase the levels of downforce without causing a noticeable increase in drag. The result is an elegant two-door that's begging for track time.

Maserati BORA

Maserati BORA

SPECIFICATIONS

engine – V8
valvetrain – DOHC 2 Valves / Cyl
displacement – 4930 cc / 300.8 cu in
bore – 93.9 mm / 3.7 in
stroke – 89 mm / 3.5 in
compression – 8.7:1
power – 246.1 kw / 330.0 bhp @ 5500 rpm
hp per litre – 66.94 bhp per litre
bhp/weight
torque – 481.32 nm / 355.0 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm
front brakes – Vented Discs
front wheels F – 38.1 x 19.0 cm / 15.0 x 7.5 in
rear wheels R – 38.1 x 19.0 cm / 15.0 x 7.5 in
front tire size – 205/70VR15
rear tire size – 215/70VR15
weight – 1610 kg / 3549 lbs
wheelbase – 2600 mm / 102.4 in
front track – 1474 mm / 58.0 in
rear track – 1447 mm / 57.0 in
length – 4335 mm / 170.7 in
width – 1768 mm / 69.6 in
height – 1134 mm / 44.6 in
transmission – 5-Speed Manual

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale: Stronger, faster, easier

Maserati at the Paris Motor Show (2 to 17 October 2010) before the most powerful model of the current range of vehicles. The GranTurismo MC Stradale was inspired by racing cars.


The GranTurismo MC Stradale gets from its eight-cylinder 450 hp. That is ten more horsepower than the GranTurismo S. The maximum speed to give the Italians for their racing two-seater 301 km / h - the GranTurismo S is at 295 km / h end. The MC Stradale is on the way according to the manufacturer and easier compared to the S-model of the natural air resistance with increased pressure.

Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

There are pros and cons to two erstwhile rivals sharing the same roof. On the one hand, they can share resources, but on the other, they have to be careful not to step on each-other's toes. Sharing corporate space with Aston Martin meant that Jaguar had to clip its own wings when it came to the XKR for years, as evidenced by the more powerful versions that have come out since the two split.

There's no doubt that Maserati has benefited tremendously from its association with Ferrari, but that has consequently meant that the Trident marque has had to adopt a different approach, catering to a more luxury-oriented market than the raw performance of its big brother on the Prancing Horse. But that doesn't mean they can't push the envelop just a little, and that's what you're looking at here.

Called the MC Stradale, this ultimate version of the GranTurismo bridges the gap between road and race models in the same way the revolutionary Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale did in its day – and as the all-conquering 430 Scuderia did subsequently. To get there, Maserati's tuned the chassis, aero and engine to more closely resemble the levels attained on racing versions like the MC Trofeo spec racer and the GT4 competition model.

Modena claims increased downforce without a commensurate increase in drag, while the engine has been boosted to 450 horsepower as compared to the 430 in the existing GranTurismo S. That's about all the Italians have released at this point, but you're cordially invited to read the brief press release after the jump and check out the images in the gallery below as Maserati prepares the GranTurismo MC Stradale for its debut at the Paris Motor Show next week.

[Source: Maserati]

Maserati CEO spills info on next-generation Quattroporte

The next-generation Quattroporte sedan will be available with four-wheel drive and stop-start technology, according to Maserati’s CEO.

Harald Wester said the new sports saloon, scheduled for 2012, would also weigh about 15% less than the existing model and fuel consumption and CO2 emissions would be improved by approximately 25%.

Wester claims that adding four-wheel drive will help Maserati's flagship model compete with Mercedes, Audi and BMW.

Other methods in the pipeline include economised V6 and V8 petrol engines, in addition to an 8 speed ZF automatic gearbox.

2011 Maserati GranCabrio

2011 Maserati GranCabrio



2011 Maserati GranCabrio


2011 Maserati GranCabrio


2011 Maserati GranCabrio

Auto Perform Maserati GranTurismo S

Maserati GranTurismo S

Maserati Sportcars

Maserati Sportcars Photos

Maserati GranTurismo S MC Sport Line

MC Sport Line has primarily focused on Maserati’s racing heritage fresh from the market with its latest accomplishments in the FIA GT championship with the Bertolini-Bartels duo in Argentina, the land of Juan Manuel Fangio.

Maserati has introduced its new line special series of new options named “MC Sport Line”, which has made its worldwide at the Bologna Motor Show, with a new content that has been added to Maserati’s already extensive line of personalization options for its buyers.

In order to surpass its previous Maserati line-ups, this Maserati can reach 0-60 mph in less than 4.8 seconds and achieving top speeds of 177 mph. Maserati has always lived up to its name and has achieved and surpassed many other companies and should be a force in the car industry

Maserati GranTurismo S MC Sport Line

MC Sport Line has primarily focused on Maserati’s racing heritage fresh from the market with its latest accomplishments in the FIA GT championship with the Bertolini-Bartels duo in Argentina, the land of Juan Manuel Fangio.

Maserati has introduced its new line special series of new options named “MC Sport Line”, which has made its worldwide at the Bologna Motor Show, with a new content that has been added to Maserati’s already extensive line of personalization options for its buyers.

In order to surpass its previous Maserati line-ups, this Maserati can reach 0-60 mph in less than 4.8 seconds and achieving top speeds of 177 mph. Maserati has always lived up to its name and has achieved and surpassed many other companies and should be a force in the car industry

Maserati Gran Turismo

Maserati Gran Turismo 2009

MSRP: $117,500 - $135,000

Reviewers from all types of publications express unanimous approval of the exterior design of the new Maserati GRAV TURISMO 2009 Road & Track calls the sporty coupe a "stylish Italian grand tourer that through the judicious application of high technology has the heart of a true sporting machine." Car and Driver reviewers simply refer to the Maserati GRAV TURISMO 2009as "a Modenese masterpiece." For those not familiar with the Maserati GRAV TURISMO 2009GranTurismo, Edmunds describes it as "a four-passenger grand touring coupe available in two trim levels—base and S." From the exterior, there is little to distinguish between the two models; Motor Trend notes that the "visual mods are subtle" and limited to "a small spoiler on the rear deck, revised rocker panels, and a black grille and headlamp casings" for theMaserati GRAV TURISMO 2009 S. Other than those changes, Edmunds says theMaserati GRAV TURISMO 2009GranTurismo lineup "looks like nothing else on the road—in a very good way." The word that the automotive press used most commonly used to describe theMaserati GRAV TURISMO 2009 is "seductive," and the editors at TheCarConnection.com can't agree more.

TheMaserati GRAV TURISMO 2009 features an elegant and luxurious design inside the cabin as well, although there are a few problems with control placement. The most glaring flaw is called out by Road & Track reviewers, who say that "you have to be positive in stabbing the brake pedal—it is positioned close to the gas pedal to facilitate heel-and-toe operation of the manual versions of the S and you can be caught out by applying both the brake and throttle if you're not careful." The other major complaint comes from ConsumerGuide, where testers feel that "the standard navigation system is a nightmare of nonsensical buttons and knobs...requiring lengthy study before use." On the positive side, Car and Driver considers the "ergonomics are mostly the antithesis of Italian tradition," with the driver placed "in proper relationship with primary and secondary controls," although they point out that "the signal and wiper stalks were a little too far away." Overall, however, reviewers tend to side with Edmunds, which remarks that the Maserati GRAV TURISMO 2009 GranTurismo's "leather-cased interior is warm, inviting and highly customizable," with a "driving position [that] is first-rate."

Maserati Gran Turismo

Maserati Gran Turismo 2009

MSRP: $117,500 - $135,000

Reviewers from all types of publications express unanimous approval of the exterior design of the new Maserati GRAV TURISMO 2009 Road & Track calls the sporty coupe a "stylish Italian grand tourer that through the judicious application of high technology has the heart of a true sporting machine." Car and Driver reviewers simply refer to the Maserati GRAV TURISMO 2009as "a Modenese masterpiece." For those not familiar with the Maserati GRAV TURISMO 2009GranTurismo, Edmunds describes it as "a four-passenger grand touring coupe available in two trim levels—base and S." From the exterior, there is little to distinguish between the two models; Motor Trend notes that the "visual mods are subtle" and limited to "a small spoiler on the rear deck, revised rocker panels, and a black grille and headlamp casings" for theMaserati GRAV TURISMO 2009 S. Other than those changes, Edmunds says theMaserati GRAV TURISMO 2009GranTurismo lineup "looks like nothing else on the road—in a very good way." The word that the automotive press used most commonly used to describe theMaserati GRAV TURISMO 2009 is "seductive," and the editors at TheCarConnection.com can't agree more.

TheMaserati GRAV TURISMO 2009 features an elegant and luxurious design inside the cabin as well, although there are a few problems with control placement. The most glaring flaw is called out by Road & Track reviewers, who say that "you have to be positive in stabbing the brake pedal—it is positioned close to the gas pedal to facilitate heel-and-toe operation of the manual versions of the S and you can be caught out by applying both the brake and throttle if you're not careful." The other major complaint comes from ConsumerGuide, where testers feel that "the standard navigation system is a nightmare of nonsensical buttons and knobs...requiring lengthy study before use." On the positive side, Car and Driver considers the "ergonomics are mostly the antithesis of Italian tradition," with the driver placed "in proper relationship with primary and secondary controls," although they point out that "the signal and wiper stalks were a little too far away." Overall, however, reviewers tend to side with Edmunds, which remarks that the Maserati GRAV TURISMO 2009 GranTurismo's "leather-cased interior is warm, inviting and highly customizable," with a "driving position [that] is first-rate."

Ugur Sahin dreams up Aston Martin Gauntlet concept

Some of you might remember Ugur Sahin. He's a designer, specializing in grand touring cars that make our mouths water. Starting with already beautiful designs, he somehow manages to make shapely Chevrolet Corvettes and Ferraris look even better. From the Corvette Z03 to the Ferrari Dino and Ferrari-599-based USD GT-S Passionata, he's created some of the most exotic and graceful shapes we've ever had the pleasure to lay eyes on.

The latest automaker to earn Sahin's attention is Aston Martin. His latest design, the Gauntlet, blends some of our favorite design cues into a wholly unique package that's simultaneously sensual and brutal. Study the images and you might see a bit of One-77 in the mix, along with a dash of DB AR1, or perhaps you are carried back to the old DB3S, a car that Ugur mentions specifically as inspiration for the Gauntlet.

There's also some Maserati GranTurismo mixed with a little Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione as well, but we're definitely not complaining. It's a terrific design that has us wishing that Aston is looking at Sahin's designs for the next DBS and V12 Vantage. For those who still lament the loss of the Vanquish, with its broad shoulders and studly swagger, this might be the car for you. It's definitely earned a spot in our dream car garage.

Maserati Sportcars Photos

Maserati Sportcars Photos