Before the introduction of downforce and lightning-fast automatic gearboxes, top speed was the main boast figure. The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale is one such car and although is somewhere in the middle between a grand tourer and a sports car, it still manages to impress despite being 10 years old and quite outdated, compared to modern stuff. The YouTube channel AutoTopNL puts the Italian coupe through its paces on the Autobahn.

The car, itself, is a 2011 (pre-facelift) Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale, which is the sportier version of the Italian grand tourer.

Its epic soundtrack can also be described as orgasm-generating. All this goes to the rear wheels through a six-speed automated manual transmission. Despite a weight of 4,090 pounds (1,855 kg), the Maserati manages a 4.3-second 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) time, on its way to a 187 mph (301 km/h) top speed. , on its way to a AutoTopNL.

Final thoughts

In terms of driving dynamics, the GranTurismo is about as long as a BMW 5 Series, but it still manages to handle the more technical bits without much effort, and its long wheelbase is contributing to a more composed handling. The robotized gearbox is showing its age, however, as it simply isn’t quick as newer automatics. On the other hand, it’s surprisingly responsive in manual mode and there isn’t much of a delay between pulling the paddle and shifting. This is especially true for downshifting.

How Fast Is The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale?

Max, the host of AutoTopNL, heads to the Autobahn for some 100 to 200 km/h 62-124 mph) acceleration tests, as well as an (almost) top speed run. The six-speed automatic has long gear ratios and the fourth gear is good for 216 km/h (134 mph). The fifth gear is good for 258 km/h (160 mph) and on sixth gear, the driver managed to get the Maserati up to 283 km/h (176 mph), which is not that far off the 301 km/h (187 mph) top speed.

The 100 to 200 km/h (62-124 mph) acceleration takes 9.39 seconds and 409 meters (1,341.8 feet), at a 0.54 percent elevation angle. To put things in perspective, the GranTurismo’s acceleration times is on par with the 2020 Audi RS Q8, which packs 600 horsepower, 590 pound-feet (800 Nm), and a quick-shifting, eight-speed automatic. Another car with the same 100-200 km/h time is the 2004 Mercedes E55 AMG, which packs 476 horsepower and 516 pound-feet (700 Nm).

Final thoughts

The sleek Italian design masks the Maserati’s weight and size pretty well. At the end of the day, the car is based on a grand tourer and an aging one at that. Considering its normally-aspirated engine, which lacks the turbocharged torque of some of many modern performance cars, and the rather primitive six-speed automated manual, the car still performs well enough to put a smile on your face.