Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale released
Based on the GranTurismo Sport, the MC Stradale sheds 80kg weight (26kg alone shaved through the use of carbon fibre front seats), and optimises front/rear weight bias to 48/52-percent (which Maserati says is the optimum set-up), with the new model delivering racetrack performance and comfort.
Thanks to extensive use of carbon fibre, and reduced sound insulation, Maserati says the GranTurismo MC Stradale adds just 30kg over the two seat car. The 0-100 km/h benchmark remains the same for the four-seater as the two-seater - 4.5 seconds - while the top speed actually increases slightly from 301 to 303 km/h following on-going development of the car.
Powered by the latest variant of the Maserati 4.7 litre V8 engine that pumps out 338 kW and 520 Nm of torque, the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale does the dash to 100 kmh in 4.5 seconds, on to a top speed of 303 kmh. This is achieved through a new engine map to optimize the combustion parameter and the adjustment of the management of variable valve timing at high engine speeds, plus redesigned, strengthened pistons.
Advanced electronics slash gear-shift times, while the MC Stradale is 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.
Suspension layout is unique to the GranTurismo MC Stradale: lower overall with larger anti-roll bars, but Maserati say this has been done without sacrificing the GranTurismo Sport's highly-praised ride quality.
The MC Stradale also features new Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes further reducing weight, a new design of alloy wheel and custom-developed Pirelli tyres.
New side skirts, new front bumper with aerodynamic splitter, and a new integrated bootlid spoiler produces more aerodynamic down force without producing more drag, therefore producing more power without using more fuel.
A new carbon fibre bonnet and boot lid reduce weight, but have also been redesigned to boost downforce, and along with redesigned front guards, improve engine and brake cooling.
Inside, race-derived carbon fibre and Alcantara are used extensively. The aforementioned carbon fibre front seats feature a new design that also increases room for rear seat passengers. The instrument layout has also been changed to allow for the changes to the car's dynamic systems.
The result of these changes is a car with three distinct characters. In Race mode, the MC Stradale is poised and ready for track days or the most demanding roads. In Sport mode, the performance is fully available but delivered in a more subtle manner, making it suitable for everyday use. Auto mode is what Maserati call "stealth mode"; delivering the performance and ability of the other two modes, but hiding behind a veil of relaxed comfort, quietness and refinement.
Just 20 units of the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale will be available for Australia and New Zealand, with deliveries of the limited edition four-seater already underway. Retail pricing is listed as $345,000, excluding statutory charges, on road costs and dealer delivery charges. This is nearly $20,000 less than the two-seat variant.
Changes to the Maserati GranTurismo to transform it into the MC Stradale
Exterior Changes
- Carbon Fibre bonnet
- Air intakes on the bonnet
- New side skirts
- New front bumper with new aerodynamic splitter
- Integrated boot lid lip spoiler
- Revised rear bumper with Splitter
- Exhaust pipes reposition to allow larger rear splitter
- New front guards with trailing edge vertical air vents
- 20 inch wheels with new Pirelli P-zero Corse tyres
Interior Changes
- New design of front seats
- Alcantara and leather upholstery
- Redesigned main instrument cluster
Weight reduced by 80 kg
- Flow formed 20 inch alloy wheels: - 5 kg
- Wiring optimisation: - 2 kg
- Sound insulation reduction: - 25 kg
- Carbon Fibre front seats: - 26 kg
- Sealing and body optimisation: - 12 kg
- Carbon Ceramic Brembo brakes: - 18 kg
- Exhaust System: - 6 kg
Aerodynamic improvements
- Front: 25% more down force at 200 kmh
- Rear: 50% more down force at 200 kmh
- No change in the drag co-efficient, despite extra down force
Driving modes
- Race
Gearchanges in 60 milliseconds
Gearchange mode: Manual shift
Exhaust silencer by pass: Open at all engine speeds
Sequential Downshifting
Sharper response from the accelerator
- Sport
Gearchanges in 100 milliseconds
Gearchange mode: Manual shift
Exhaust silencer by pass: Open over 4000 rpm
- Auto
Gearchanges in 140 milliseconds
Gearchange mode: Automatic shift
Exhaust silencer by pass: Closed
Suspension/Chassis compared to the GranTurismo Sport
- 8% stiffer springs
- Front roll bar increased from 20 to 25 mm
- Ride height lowered
10 mm at the front
12 mm at the rear
- Tyres - new Pirelli P-Zero Corsa
Front: Up from 245/35 to 255/35
Rear: Up from 285/35 to 295/35
Brakes - New Brembo Carbon Ceramic
- First production Maserati with Carbon Ceramic brakes
- New brake cooling system and heat extraction vents
- Front: 380 mm x 34 mm with six piston callipers
- Rear: 360 mm x 32 mm with four piston callipers
- Braking distance, down 6% for 100 kmh to Zero, now 33 metres
