Maserati's centrepiece at the
Paris Motor Show will be a hardcore version of the GranTurismo, called the GranTurismo MC Stradale.
The company says the car takes its inspiration from the Trofeo GranTurismo MC race car and the GT4 that competes in the so-named racing class.
It's the most potent GranTurismo ever, with its 4.7-litre V8 tuned to produce 444bhp - 11bhp more than the
GranTurismo S. It has a top speed in excess of 186mph and we're assured a much sharper drive.
It's lighter than the Gran Turismo S too, though to what extent we're not told, and nor are we given a 0-62mph time. We are told that fuel consumption and ride quality are not affected negatively by the added aggression. A six-speed robotised manual is the go-between connecting engine to rear wheels.
Maserati is saying little else about the car prior to its debut, though it's expected to top the £100,000 mark when it goes on sale early in 2011. We'll have more information from the
Paris show.
Mark Nichol - 20 Sep 2010