Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

The Trident marque has catered to a more luxury-oriented market than the raw performance of its big brother on the Prancing Horse. But that doesn’t mean they can’t push the envelop just a little, and that’s what you’re looking at here.

Called the MC Stradale, this ultimate version of the GranTurismo bridges the gap between road and race models in the same way the revolutionary Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale did in its day. To get there, Maserati’s tuned the chassis, aero and engine to more closely resemble the levels attained on racing versions like the MC Trofeo spec racer and the GT4 competition model.

Modena claims increased downforce without a the combersum increase of drag, while the engine has been boosted to 450 horsepower as compared to the 430 in the existing GranTurismo S. That’s all Maserati has released at this point, read the press release after the video and check out the images in the gallery below.

Specs:
Engine V8, 4691 cc
Maximum power 450 bhp @ 7000 rpm
Maximum torque 510 Nm @ 4750 rpm
Top speed 301 km/h
Acceleration 0-100 km/h 4,6 sec

Click here for Photos and Press Release:

From Masaratis Press Release:
“Modena, September 20, 2010. The new Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale will be the fastest, lightest and most powerful car in the Maserati range when it goes on sale in the first quarter of 2011.

Inspired by the Trofeo GranTurismo MC and the race-winning GT4 motorsport models, the two-seater Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale that will debut at the Paris Auto Show will feature razor-sharp handling and will break the 300km/h barrier.

The GranTurismo MC Stradale responds to demands for a GranTurismo which can balance on-road driving needs with race-driving desires, incorporating the handling and aerodynamic lessons from Maserati’s three racing programs.

The GranTurismo MC Stradale produces more aerodynamic down force without producing more aerodynamic drag, it produces more power – 336kw, 450 hp – without using more fuel and it is more agile without sacrificing the GranTurismo S’s highly praised ride quality.”