GranTurismo MC Stradale (Italy, 2013)

Maserati revealed an updated GranTurismo MC Stradale at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show that replaces the rear seats that were removed when the original version debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. To compensate for the extra weight added by the rear seats, Maserati is fitting its 4.7-liter V8 with 454hp, which is an 11hp upgrade over the original car.

The car still takes inspiration from the racing version in the Trofeo Championship one-make series. Improvements over the original include a carbon fiber hood with a center scoop for the new central air intake, dual rear exhaust, Brembo carbon ceramic brakes and 20in forged wheels. Its all-new carbon-fibre bonnet creates high-speed downforce improves cooling, and helps to keep the dry weight down.

In addition to the 4.7-liter V8 from the GranTurismo Sport, the MC Stradale uses a six-speed automated manual transmission to give a top speed of 303km/h. Powered by this engine, the GranTurismo MC Stradale hits 100km/h in just 4.5 seconds.

The powertrain package also delivers its drivers the choice of Automatic, Sport and Race modes, with each level delivering additional rewards in the throttle response, the exhaust note and the skid-control systems.

The 2013 MC Stradale will be built at the old Maserati factory in Modena, while the new Quattroporte is being built at the new Maserati factory near Turin.

On the inside, the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale, features four lightweight seats to replace the two seats from the discontinued 2010 two-seat version. Front seats utilise carbon fibre back with a combination of leather and Alcantara trims. All four seats also have integrated head restraints.

The standard trims are soft black. The seats can be delivered with Alcantara with “drilled” perforations, coupled with red stitching.

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale has three steering wheel options, all of which have multi-function buttons and a flat-bottomed section on the circumference. They can be delivered in full leather, a combination of leather and Alcantara or a combination of leather and carbon-fibre.

The Maserati GranTurismo MC’s gearshift paddles are longer than those in other GranTurismos in order to facilitate easier gear shifting in more demanding driving situations, and come in concert with perforated aluminium pedals.