Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale is the fastest Maserati ever sold in Australia

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale is the fastest Maserati ever sold in Australia, and is also the first production Maserati to break the 300km/h barrier.

Powered by a new variant of the Maserati 4.7-litre V8 engine that pumps out 331-kW and 510-Nm of torque, the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale demolishes the dash to 100-km/h in 4.6 seconds before hitting a top speed of 301-km/h.

Yet, at the same time, it is 13 percent more economical than the normal Maserati GranTurismo S above which it sits in the Maserati line-up.

Changes have been made throughout the Maserati GranTurismo S to transform it into the MC Stradale. Its race-bred heritage is highlighted by a 110-kg weight reduction from the GranTurismo S, with its dry weight reduced to 1670-kg.

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale uses advanced electronics to slash gear-shift times from the upgraded MC Race Shift electro-actuated transaxle gearbox to just 60 milliseconds. It is also the first Maserati in history to have a dedicated Race mode to add to its upgraded Automatic and Sport modes in a simplified dash layout. It produces more aerodynamic down force without producing more aerodynamic drag and it produces more power without using more fuel.

With the removal of the rear seats, it is the first two-seat Maserati since the MC12 and has also benefited from new Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, custom-developed Pirelli tyres, a unique suspension layout and carbon-fibre, race-inspired seats.

Visually, the GranTurismo MC Stradale has changes made to the front and rear bumpers, the front guards, the bonnet and the boot lid, aimed at boosting down force and aiding engine and brake cooling. Inside materials derived from the racing variants, in the form of carbon fibre and Alcantara, are used extensively. Carbon fibre racing seats are standard and the instrument pack has been changed to allow for the changes to the car's dynamic systems.

The result of these changes is to produce a car with three distinct characters. In race mode, the MC Stradale is poised and ready for track days or the most demanding roads with every response and element of the car finessed to the highest level for instant response. In Sport mode performance is fully available but delivered in a more subtle manner, making it suitable for everyday use, with the responses of a thoroughbred sports car and the comfort of a continent-swallowing grand touring car. Auto mode is, to all extents and purposes, stealth mode, with the performance and ability available but hiding behind a veil of relaxed comfort, quietness and refinement.

Available in limited numbers, the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale has a RRP of $364,900 plus ORCs.