Maserati to unveil GranTurismo MC Stradale in Paris

Maserati will launch a new, 'hardcore' version of the the GranTurismo S at the forthcoming Paris Motor Show, according to various motoring news sources.

The GranTurismo MC Stradale is based on GranTurismo S, and it set to become the fastest, lightest and most powerful car in the Maserati range.

A significant part of the new model's inspiration also comes from Maserati's Trofeo GranTurismo MC and GT4 race cars. Autocar reports that the MC Stradale's 444bhp, 4.7-litre V8 engine can take the car to at top speed of 186mph, although 0-62mph are not yet known.

AutoExpress says that the MC Stradale will do away with rear passenger seats, and feature extensive use of 'featherweight' materials throughout the cabin to keep the car's weight to a minimum.

From the outside, the MC Stradale certainly cuts an imposing, almost muscular figure. It boasts a more prominent grille than the GranTurismo S, with a deeper bumper and side skirts adding to the car's racy good looks.

Luxury motorists who might be thinking "I want to sell my Porsche and get an MC Stradale" will learn further details when the car goes on show in Paris, but can expect to pay around £100,000 for the new model.

Maserati says that the new MC Stradale is a response to customer demand for a GranTurismo that performs well on the road but which also excites the racing driver within.

"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" Maserati said in a press release.