Monday 24th September 2012

Maserati GranCabrio MC

MC Stradale-style makeover for Maserati's cabriolet

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The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale, despite its harnesses and a lack of rear seats, was never quite the GT3 rival and hardcore flagship it appeared. It was 110kg lighter than the standard car, but it was still hauling 1770kg and remained a viable everyday proposition.

Changes are all below knee level

The fact Maserati is now launching a GranCabrio MC perhaps underlines its real intentions with the car. Put it this way: you can't imagine a 991 GT3 without a roof, can you?

Maserati says the car is 'inspired and encouraged by the success of the GranTurismo MC Stradale', implying it wasn't originally part of the product plan. To that end, the MC cabriolet appears to have been subjected to a less thorough overhaul than the hard-top car. Maserati outlines a "highly sporty and aggressive look" for the GranCabrio MC, without detailing any mechanical additions.

Generating the appropriate amount of aggression are a front bumper and grille aping the MC Stradale, along with a new rear spoiler and exhaust arrangement. The wheels also appear similar to the flow-formed alloys that saved 5kg on the GranTurismo MC Stradale.

Get me to a boulevard, now

The MC is expected to be based on the GranCabrio Sport and so will feature that car's 450hp, 4.7-litre V8. With no apparent weight loss over that 1980kg car, expect the GranCabrio MC to match that car's 5.2 second 0-60mph time and 177mph top speed.

[rtz62]

Just checking my bank statement to see if I've gor sufficient....... Aah, that's a 'no' then.
But I like it anyway!

[myhandle]

Is this all getting a bit Aston Martin?

[anonymous-user]

Ugh that is a gorgeous car

[WCZ]

beautiful and no doubt an awesome car.

[Mini1275]

That really is a lovely looking thing.

[matpilch]

the coupe version is the best looking car currently (ever?) on sale. this one is not far behind. if only it was a little lighter..

[omgus]

Just stunning although i never get over how big they actually are when i see one on the road.

<runs off to check lottery ticket...balls!>

[Ex Boy Racer]

Beautiful car. Problem is, I had an RS4 cab and never got over how wobbly it was, so no more 4 seater cabs for me!

[MrTappets]

Ok it looks great, but surely this is a harsher, less practical version of a car that is never going to be sporty anyway?

[rottie102]

So this sporty version of a sport Maserati will be ALMOST as fast as the chipped BMW 640D convertible

[timewatch]

Got on of these?

Then you'll need this!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPMSfK2rkN8

Well I never?!

TW>>>

[Stew2000]

Should have included this in the article: http://youtu.be/E4QmW-jjqnU

[WCZ]

Ex Boy Racer said:

Beautiful car. Problem is, I had an RS4 cab and never got over how wobbly it was, so no more 4 seater cabs for me!

absolutely no chance this will be wobbly imo

[TaylotS2K]

Flattering angles imo. Look at the side profile straight on - and it looks too long and reminds me of a boat.

[Stew2000]

WCZ said:

Ex Boy Racer said:

Beautiful car. Problem is, I had an RS4 cab and never got over how wobbly it was, so no more 4 seater cabs for me!

absolutely no chance this will be wobbly imo

Except your legs when you get out

[ZesPak]

rottie102 said:

So this sporty version of a sport Maserati will be ALMOST as fast as the chipped BMW 640D convertible

Is that the one with the engine noise coming out of the speakers?

[chrisironside]

Topless GT3... two fantastic words combined.
I'd be interested to see that!

[melvster]

Best looking convertible in the world just got better. Gorgeous car.

[Pork]

WCZ said:

Ex Boy Racer said:

Beautiful car. Problem is, I had an RS4 cab and never got over how wobbly it was, so no more 4 seater cabs for me!

absolutely no chance this will be wobbly imo

And no chance it will seat four either! The coupe was a 2 seater which, it is widely felt, was a massive factor in holding back the sales of the MC.

Would love to have a poke around one of these...not ideal launching it this time of year, mind

[British Beef]

Pork said:

And no chance it will seat four either! The coupe was a 2 seater which, it is widely felt, was a massive factor in holding back the sales of the MC.

Would love to have a poke around one of these...not ideal launching it this time of year, mind

I thought these were proper 2+2s with space for 2 adults in the back??

Closest competitor I can think of that does what this does is Bentley GTC.