Maserati->ke51 unveiled the GranTurismo MC Stradale at the 2010 Paris Auto Show and two years later, the company is bringing the MC Stradale package back, but it's the GranCabrio->ke3498 that will benefit from its features.

The GranCabrio MC is 48 millimeters longer than the standard GranCabrio and will adopt a highly sporty and aggressive look. Its front end was inspired by the coupe version of the MC Stradale, while the rear gets a large spoiler, with the third brake light built into the luggage compartment inside the spoiler.

The Maserati GranCabrio MC Stradale will also utilize the Coupe's 4.7 liter V8 engine that delivers a total of 460 HP and a peak torque of 383 lbs-ft at 4,750 rpm. The engine is mated to an automatic six-speed ZF transmission and will sprint the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds and up to a top speed of 179 mph.

UPDATE 10/02/2012: Maserati has unveiled a cool trailer video for their latest GranCabrio MC. In this video, the new MC races through mountain roads, providing us with an opportunity to hear the aggressiveness of its 4.7L V8 engine. Enjoy!

2013 Maserati GranCabrio MC

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Maserati GranCabrio MC
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 460
  • Torque: 383 @ 4750
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The new GranCabrio MC exterior design was inspired by the Maserati Trofeo MC World Series and the GT4 version. It blends sportiness, dynamism, the search for aerodynamic perfection, elegance, and style. The car is 48 millimeters longer than the standard GranCabrio and features design elements taken directly from the MC Stradale.

The GranCabrio's bonnet incorporates two generous air outlets at the center to optimize cooling of the V8 engine, while two additional air outlets added in the front wings are used to cool the brake discs. The car's headlights feature LEDs for the daytime running light (DRL) function. Additionally, the headlights move up to 15 degrees left and right as you turn the car, allowing you better vision of the inside corner of the road at nighttime.

At the rear, the car gets a large spoiler for greater negative lift at high speeds. This spoiler can be ordered in the same color as the body, or as an option in carbon finish. The rear bumper has been completely redesigned at the bottom to make the new model even sportier and ensure optimal aerodynamic efficiency at the same time.

The new GranCabrio MC is offered with standard 20" MC Design rims, available in glossy Titanio or matte Grafite.

Based on the experience gained in racing, Maserati obtained an impressive aerodynamic lift coefficient (measured at 140 km/h) which is 10% lower at the front and 25% lower at the rear compared to the standard GranCabrio.

Interior

Special attention was paid to the ergonomic and comfort as pects of the CR-Z's interior. The seats have been completely redesigned and are made of high-quality materials. The rear passengers will now enjoy 20 mm more legroom thanks to a redesigned frame for the front seats. The seats were also revised to provide more lateral containment to keep the driver firmly planted in place whilst whipping the GranCabrio MC through the twisties without impeding on comfort. For those that desire a little extra sport, Maserati is also offering optional carbon-fiber seat frames.

The steering wheel was also redesigned with the rim flattened at the top and bottom for greater maneuverability, also for sports and high-speed use. The model is also being offered with Trofeo-design steering wheel paddles as standard, with increased dimensions as seen on the GranTurismo Sport, and an aluminum pedal unit.

Engine and Transmission

Under the hood of the Maserati GranCabrio MC sits an all-new piece of machinery that we were just introduced to in the 2012 model year. It is the 4.7-liter V-8 engine that replaced the aging 4.2-liter Maserati engine. This beast is tuned right next to Ferrari engines and boasts four valves per cylinder, two cams per bank – totaling four cams – and dual variable valve timing, allowing each bank to adjust its timing separately. On top of all of the technology, Maserati tore into the guts of this engine and performed a 5-point balancing to reduce its inertial rolling, so the engine is not only powerful at 460 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, but it revs up freely and quickly. As we always say about high-performance machines, what good is all of that power if the engine can’t reach that peak power efficiently? That is the challenge that Maserati’s 5-point balancing takes care of. This impressive engine links up to an equally impressive 6-speed ZF-built transmission. This transmission can be used in Auto-Normal, Auto-Sport, Manual-Normal, Manual-Sport, and Ice modes. In Manual mode, gear changes are carried out directly by the driver through the steering wheel paddles, as with a truly manual gearbox. In Manual-Normal mode, the driver can change gear until the threshold value is reached, while in Manual-Sport mode the gear is maintained until the driver next changes gear, even if this may result in over-revving and the intervention of the limiter.

This combination of power and technology helps propel the GranCabrio MC to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.9 seconds. Yeah, it's not a supercar, but it'll hold its own against most sports cars in its class.

Engine and Drivetrain Specifications:

Engine

4.7-liter V-8, DOHC

Maximum Output

460 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque}}

Transmission

6-speed ZF automatic

Acceleration 0-to-100 km/h

4.9 seconds


Chassis and Suspension

While developing the chassis of the new GranCabrio MC, Maserati engineers equipped it with single-rate dampers that guarantee greater rigidity in order to ensure optimum road holding in all driving conditions, without detracting from maximum passenger comfort.

The model was also equipped with a Dual Cast braking system which includes brake discs with aluminum bell and steel braking surface, 360×32 mm at the front and 330×28 mm at the back. Thanks to this system, the car offers an excellent stopping distance of 100 to 0 km/h over just 35 meters (114.8 feet).

Prices

Prices for the new Maserati GranCabrio MC will be announced at a later date.

Competition

Maserati has always been a strong competitor for Aston Martin, and their new GranCabrio MC is no exception. The new model will hold its own against the Vantage V8 S - a model powered by a 4.7 liter V8 engine that delivers 430 HP at 7300rpm and 361lb ft of torque at 5000rpm.

The Audi R8 Spyder is yet another competitor for the new MC model. Redesigned for the 2013 model year, the R8 is powered by a 4.2-liter FSI V-8 engine that delivers a total of 430 HP at 7,900 rpm and 317.15 pound-feet of torque at 4,500 to 6,000 rpm.