Maserati Gran Turismo MC Stradale

“Belissima……elegantissima! La Maserati Gran Turismo MC Stradale è una delle migliori auto ad alte prestazioni nel mondo. Le sue prestazioni sono superata solo dalla sua bellezza. Il romanticismo del suo design… la precisione artigianale… e la formidabile presenza sono i tratti distintivi di una Maserati.” 

It was first launched in 2010 as a two-seater at the Paris Motor Show. The Gran Turismo MC Stradale is Maserati’s showcase of engineering……a genuine race car embodied in a luxury performance coupe. “She has the race track in her genes….and the open road in her heart.” The MC Stradale is based on the Trofeo Gran Turismo MC and the formidable GT4.  It fuses the original Grand Touring concept of the Gran Turismo with Maserati Corse race technology, whose name it wears proudly, to create the epitome of the Gran Turismo models.

Maserati Corse…. which is synonymous with adrenalin….competition and continuous development is dedicated to the Trofeo racing cars which are absolute icons of excellence in performance, design and comfort. This Maserati Gran Turismo MC Stradale is the quintessential mix of presence, elegance and power. Beauty and sport are the basis of its architecture which is the perfect blend of aerodynamics and aesthetics. This personal luxury coupe will be built at a restricted pace….you will not see this car at every corner.

The latest version of the Gran Turismo MC Stradale was introduced March 2013 at the Geneva Motor Show. The MC Stradale shared star status on the platform with the all new Quattroporte. Two rear seats were added to make the ultimate 2+2 Gran Turismo MC Stradale. This is the optimum expression of sportiness combined with the luxury of a coupe built with the traditional Maserati meticulous craftsmanship. The lithe, muscular 2+2 coupe continues to be the lightest and the fastest car in the Maserati Gran Turismo dynasty. Stradale is Italian for “street” as a noun, as an adjective it implies “for the street or road going” Thus…Maserati Corse Street Car.

Per Maserati: “Created as a vehicle for the transfer to the open road of Maserati Corse’s track know-how, the Gran Turismo MC Stradale has raised the bar in many ways. With this model, Maserati’s incessant search to combine luxury and peerless performance has reached new levels.”

The Gran Turismo MC Stradale is the first street-legal Maserati race car. It is also the first Maserati road car to have three electronic handling modes: Auto, Sport, and the exclusive MC Race set-up. This system is activated by pressing the “Race” button on the dash; this makes the MC Stradale more aggressive which allows lightning-fast gear shifts in 60 milliseconds.

Another first, Gran Turismo MC Stradale is the first to sport light weight not to mention powerful carbon ceramic Brembo brake systems. The MC Stradale is also the first Maserati to offer sequential down-shifting, the longer Trofeo Design gear shift paddles provide maximum control of gear changes in any driving situation. This feature brings that “RACE” button to life. Pirelli custom designed extra-wide 20” PZero Corsa tires fitted to new flow-formed alloy wheels keep this svelte beauty precisely poised at any speed. The Gran Turismo MC Stradale suspension is stiffer and rides slightly lower than the Gran Turismo S.

The Gran Turismo MC Stradale has a unique exhaust note created by permanently opening the by-pass valves on the stainless steel exhaust system when the “Race” button is activated. That “ROAR” comes from a Ferrari designed 4.7 litre V8 engine which delivers 460 bhp @ 7,000 rpm with 520 Nm peak torque @ 4,750 rpm. Its top speed is 188 mph.

That gorgeous body of the Maserati Gran Turismo MC Stradale was designed in a wind tunnel to optimize aerodynamics to slice through the atmosphere like greased silicon. Its bonnet is fashioned from carbon fibre and compliments that famous grille with the iconic Maserati logo. The bonnet’s center air scoop flanked by two vents comes from the competition-spec Gran Turismo MC Trofeo. Efficient Xenon headlamps now pivot with the front wheels to illuminate the direct path in front of you at all times.

Gran Turismo MC Stradale has an exclusive cabin that is both luxurious and race inspired….a completely unique combination. Sports profile seats with integrated head restraints are upholstered in Poltrona Frau Leather. Alcantara abounds throughout the cabin as accents. 

Every aspect of the Gran Turismo MC Stradale can be personalized to suit the client. An extensive array of colors and materials are available for a truly bespoke Maserati. The MC Sport Line package highlights the cabin with sporty carbon fibre accents.

Door sill plates with “MC Sport Line” introduce this limited edition upon opening the doors. Carbon fibre finishes the central tunnel console, electro-actuated gearshift paddles, the instrument panel fascia, front seat shells, the sheering wheel and moldings. To complete the road-car appeal, aluminium MC Design foot pedals are in place. One glance at the cabin set-up and it will be evident that this is no ordinary car.

The client may choose an exterior package that adds carbon fibre to the rear spoiler, door handles, and rear view mirror covers. Polished black 20” Neptune Design rims can also be fitted. The carbon fibre for the bonnet can be rendered visible by selecting certain color finishes.

Maserati, in their continuing quest to upgrade safety have equipped the car with cutting edge technology, with both active and passive safety features. The Maserati Stability Program (MSP) plays a key role in active safety. This electronic system reduces torque and uses the braking system to stabilize the car in milliseconds. MSP includes ASR traction control and an ABS with Hydraulic Braking Assist (HBA). These features are perpetually engaged but remain anonymous out of the driver’s way until he needs them. When “Race” mode is selected, MSP is even less intrusive by utilizing the braking system instead of reducing power output during stabilization.

The Maserati Gran Turismo MC Stradale is held in esteem among the world’s supercars. The beauty of its design, the NOTORIOUSLY  outrageous performance combined with a luxurious ambience makes a very unique driving experience. However, the romance must be discovered first hand….from behind the wheel.