Wednesday 19th June 2013

Novitec Tridente Maserati GranCabrio MC

Novitec tunes the Maserati GranCabrio; might actually be appropriate for once

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If there's one criticism of the Maserati GranCabrio, even the latest MC variant, it's that the 4.7-litre V8 rather lacks power compared to its rivals. And that's not just power-crazed hacks moaning about anything with less than 500hp; the BMW M6 and Jaguar XKR-S cabrios offer around 100hp more than a GranCabrio Sport at a similar price.

Great looking V8 and now a powerful one too

So here's one solution. Give €23,900 (£20,456 at today's rate) to Novitec Tridente, the Maserati subdivision of Ferrari tuners Novitec, and it will supercharge a GranCabrio MC to yield another 186hp and 76lb ft. Along with a new inlet manifold and substantial intercooler, it takes maximum outputs to 646hp and 460lb ft, which should be sufficient to address any previous criticisms.

Novitec claims its GranCabrio MC Stradale is now capable of 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, 0-124mph in 11.4 seconds and a 189mph top speed. Enough to chase down that new Aston Vanquish Volante at any rate.

But perhaps the most appealing aspect of the conversion is that the lowered suspension and bling wheels of the car here are further options. It is possible to buy the supercharger kit and leave everything else unaltered, although some more subtle dynamic modifications might be wise with another 186hp. Surely the prospect of a 646hp Maserati GranCabrio that resembles the standard car is a very alluring one? Or should Maserati's V8 be left to sing its song uncorrupted?

[mrclav]

Oh yes. The power hike definitely puts this where it should be ie trading blows with Ferrari et al. Not too sure about that front scoop in the bonnet but if form follows function, then...

[Stew2000]

I prefer a Novitec Maserati with the NM3.

[TNH]

Those wheels are lovely!

[Big Fat Fatty]

It sounds good in theory but I can't help thinking that it's 50:50 that the whine of a supercharger over that glorious V8 might spoil the effect.

Personally I think this is a good case for good old fashioned mechanical tuning, it does look fantastic though.

[soad]

Very nice indeedy. Looks good, goes well too.

[GranCab]

The car doesn't need either the extra power or any corruption of the noise it makes ... but at least the option is there for those that beg to differ ...

[WCZ]

stunning.

[mylesmcd]

No doubt they have thought of the noise and replaced the original exhaust with something slightly louder.......

[User33678888]

I want one. Not quite as badly as a standard MC Stradale Grancabrio though...

[405dogvan]

mrclav said:

Not too sure about that front scoop in the bonnet but if form follows function, then...

It's perfect if your intention is to get people to think it's a Celica

[Sexual Chocolate]

Is the Masseratti one of the prettiest cars being produced today? I certainly think so.

[anonymous-user]

Sexual Chocolate said:

Is the Masseratti one of the prettiest cars being produced today? I certainly think so.

The prettiest, IMHO. The lack of grunt wouldn't bother me in the slightest. When you snag the best looking gal at the dance, who cares that she isn't the fastest runner?

[Amirhussain]

Sexual Chocolate said:

Is the Masseratti one of the prettiest cars being produced today? I certainly think so.

Probably is, unbelievably good looking, very cool too IMO.

[Andy ap]

Dear God,
Dear Santa,
Dear any generous millionaire / playboy,
Dear Buddha,
Dear Mother nature,
Dear Mr prime minister,
Dear Mr President
....ETC ETC ETC....
.....Make this car mine!

[chrisironside]

Very pretty, tasteful and well balanced looking car.
L.O.V.E.

[pagani1]

If the bonnet scoop is not required for cooling I would delete it also the front spoiler winglets too. It would make a glorious Q car nonetheless and with that in mind....Please Mr. Lottery...pick me.

[AndySA]

The standard car is near perfection for what it is, you buy one for the looks and the best engine noise on the planet. If you want the fastest car in the carpark simply get something else. But for me the noise make the standard car special enough already.

[truck71]

Standard car isn't exactly a slouch is it? 4.7 sport for me, no messing required.

[Rumblestripe]

A great looking car and with plenty of get up and go. Sadly if you sit people in it (particularly in the back) they will look like knobs.

Best left parked, or driven with the roof up.

[GranCab]

AndySA said:

The standard car is near perfection for what it is, you buy one for the looks and the best engine noise on the planet. If you want the fastest car in the carpark simply get something else. But for me the noise make the standard car special enough already.