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...

[mrclav]

Beefmeister said:

mrclav said:

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

That bonnet scoop is taken from the 2014 MC Stradale:



Which I love

I stand corrected. That looks lovely too!