2012 Maserati GranTurismo MC

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With a top speed of 185 mph (298 km/h) and a 0-60 mph time of just 4.6 seconds, the GranTurismo MC is only 2 mph slower than the ultra-aggressive MC Stradale, even though it is aimed at a slightly more luxurious market.

The major difference between the MC Stradale and the GranTurismo MC is in the transmission. Where the MC Stradale boasts the fastest gearshift in the world, the GranTurismo MC has one of the fastest shifts of any full automatic transmission in production.

Maserati has custom developed the GranTurismo MC to deliver US customers the increased power, intuitive handling and aerodynamic gains of the GranTurismo MC Stradale without challenging their tastes for automatic transmissions and four-seat practicality.

Powered by the latest development of the 4.7-liter all-alloy V8 engine, this engine delivers 444 hp at 7000 rpm and, with 376 lb-ft (510 Nm) at 4750 rpm, another 15 lb-ft (20 Nm) of torque compared to the GranTurismo S Automatic.

Maserati has made the engine more responsive, more powerful and more economical, thanks to a comprehensive "friction reduction program" including Diamond-Like-Coating of high friction parts inside the valve train. The new exhaust system also plays a part in helping the GranTurismo MC to achieve its seemingly conflicting goals of a six percent improvement in fuel economy and even-better responsiveness.

With a shorter exhaust path, the lighter exhaust not only keeps the bypass valve that enriches and intensifies the engine note, but takes lessons from both the GranTurismo MC Stradale and the GranTurismo MC Trofeo race car by exiting through the centre of the rear bumper.

The GranTurismo MC offers tighter damping control and carries over the race-bred aerodynamics of the GranTurismo MC Stradale that generate increased aerodynamic efficiency to improve ride height at higher speed without increasing the drag.