The MC version of Maserati's GranTurismo coupe is an upgraded derivative of the company's 4.7-liter auto model, which is also carried over into 2012. The base 4.2-liter car is now discontinued in the U.S. market.
Basking in the reflected glory of the company's MC appellation (for Maserati Corse, the company's racing affiliate) the new GT MC has 11 hp more than the normal 4.7-liter engine (mostly due to friction reduction in the valvetrain and new, less restrictive rear exhaust mufflers). It now boasts 444 hp at 7,000 rpm and 376 lb-ft at 4,750 rpm.
The ZF six-speed automatic transmission has also been massaged, and it now shifts in half the time (around 200 milliseconds) when in sport mode. Downshifts are also accompanied by rev-matching throttle blips, a function the Italians call “doppietta.” In manual mode, the transmission will neither kick down nor shift up, even at the rev limiter.
Coil springs, some eight-percent stiffer, drop in over the shock bodies, and the front anti-roll bar diameter is increased to just under an inch. Maserati's so-called Skyhook adaptive suspension system is offered now only as an option.
As you'd expect, extensive body mods accompany the MC badge, including hand-formed front fenders, a new front bumper with integrated splitter, new air intakes on the hood, new sills, a redesigned rear bumper and repositioned exhaust tailpipes.
The aerodynamic tweaks are said to produce a 25-percent increase in frontal downforce at 125 mph, while the rear claims a 50-percent improvement at the same speed. New 20-inch flow-formed lightweight alloy wheels help shed 10 pounds, and the exhaust system takes credit for another 12 pounds.
Inside the car one finds a fair amount of carbon-fiber trim has been added to the usual luxurious trappings, along with an MC emblem on the passenger side.
With fully 80 percent of peak torque available from just 2,500 rpm, the Maserati moves off on a smooth, effortless wave of V8 power. In full auto mode, a valve in the exhaust keeps sound down to pleasantly muted levels, and the excellent cabin isolation has you mistaking this Italian thoroughbred for a Lexus.
But press the sport button on the dash and the exhaust clears its throat with an emphatic baritone growl at lower speeds that rises to a tuneful snarl as the revs climb. While the MC badge does not transform the GranTurismo into the Trofeo race car, it certainly makes it come alive when driven in anger.
In sport-manual mode, the car responds to the paddles faithfully, revving out happily between shifts. The Brembo brakes (with slotted rotors on the MC) may be made of old-fashioned steel rather than carbon fiber, but they shed speed with a vengeance, and did not fade even on a long and twisty downhill run in 100-plus ambient temperatures.
Special Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires were developed for the MC, and these demonstrated remarkable grip on our test route, assisted ably by the car's mid-front-engine layout and near-perfect weight distribution. The only minor quibble we had with the car's performance in the mountains was off-center steering response that seemed a tad slow.
In every other respect, the GranTurismo MC is a convincing jack of all trades. You can pick up the CEO at the airport and have a quiet conversation without competition from tire, wind or engine noise. Or you can strafe a canyon with a heroic soundtrack trumpeting from the tailpipes. All for just $143,400.
The market niche occupied by cars above $100,000 is small, and so it should be. That's a lot of coin. But you can see where Maserati is coming from. The cars have real refinement, dramatic good looks, and a celebrated trident badge riding up front. While the performance isn't quite at Ferrari level, neither is the price.
And, for the benefit of open-air devotees, Maserati now the hardtop convertible called the GranTurismo Convertible Sport.
2012 Maserati GranTurismo MC
On Sale: Now
Base Price: $143,400, inc freight
Drivetrain: 4.7-liter, 444-hp, 376-lb-ft V8; RWD, six-speed automatic
Curb Weight: 4,145 lb
0-60 MPH: 4.8 sec, mfr
Fuel Economy: 11/18 mpg (mfr)
