The Italian track-day cabriolet.
Maserati introduced its GranTurismo MC Stradale last year and it was quickly gobbled up by buyers around the world. It was fast, fun, and made all sorts of lovely baritone sounds. The same motorsports formula for success on the road is now being used in Maserati’s convertible range with the introduction of the GranCabrio MC at the Paris Motor Show.
The new Maserati GranCabrio MC is the rage-topping model in the Convertible lineup and is basically a GranTurismo MC Stradale for those that want to enjoy some sun. It features many of the same Maserati Trofeo MC World Series and the GT4-inspired aerodynamics as its Coupe variant, and is 48 mm longer than the standard GranCabrio. It revised aerodynamics help increase the lift coefficient at the front by 25 percent and 50 percent at the rear. Air outlets on the bumper and fenders help cool the engine and brakes for sustained performance. A large rear spoiler houses the third LED brake light while centrally-mounted dual exhaust outlets and sit atop of air ducts to improve airflow at the rear.
Powering the new Maserati GranCabrio MC is the same unit as found in the MC Stradale Coupe. The 4.7-liter V-8 makes all sorts of naughty noises with a motorsports bark, and produces 460 horsepower at 7,000 RPM and 384 lb-ft. of torque at 4,750 RPM. Power is sent through a six-speed ZF automatic gearbox with five different shift modes. In super-fast mode, shift times decrease by 50 percent and help the GranCabrio MC reach 62 mph in 4.9 seconds. Top speed is set at 180 mph for the drop-top.
The chassis, just like the rest of the sports car, is designed using motorsports technology gained by Maserati. Single-rate dampers are used to achieve greater road holding and rigidity, while new 20-inch MC Design flow-formed wheels with the Trident design help to reduce weight at the wheel hub. New, six-piston front and four-piston rear Brembo brakes with Maserati’s Dual Cast system and 360 x 32 mm and 330 x 28 mm discs help to achieve a quick 62-0 mph stopping distance of just 35 meters and come in a range of colors.
The interior is a wonderful balance of sport and style in the GranCabrio MC. The seats now utilize a single structure that incorporates the headrest and wears an upper trim that mimics the sports car’s front grille. The front seats can be optioned in lightweight carbon fiber and are designed to give the rear passengers 20 mm more legroom. For the driver, Maserati fitted a new flat-bottomed steering wheel with larger Trofeo-design shift paddles and aluminum foot pedals.
The new Maserati GranCabrio is expected to go on sale around the world at the end of 2012. The Italian automaker has not released the official pricing for the new drop-top.
Maserati GranCabrio MC Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 4.7 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
Maximum Horsepower: 460 (338 kW) at 7,000 RPM
Maximum Torque: 384 lb-ft. (520 Nm) at 4,750 RPM
Transmission:
Type: Six-speed ZF automatic with five driving modes
Drive: Rear-wheel
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.9 seconds
Top Speed: 180 mph (289 km/h)
Stopping 62-0 mph: 35 meters
Chassis:
Wheels: 20-inch Mc Design, flow-formed with Trident design
Suspension: Single-rate dampers
Front Brakes: Six-piston, single-piece calipers with 360 x 32 mm discs by Brembo with Maserati Dual Cast.
Rear Brakes: Four-piston, single piece calipers with 330 x 28 mm discs by Brembo with Maserati Dual Cast.
Interior:
-Redesigned flat-bottomed steering wheel with larger Trofeo-Design shift paddles
-Aluminum foot pedals
-Single-structure seats with integrated headrests and center trim; 20 mm more rear legroom
-Optional carbon fiber seats
[Source: Maserati]
Would you take the new Maserati GranCabrio MC over the GranTurismo MC Stradale? Leave a comment and let us know!
