Maserati upgrades GranTurismo S MC Shift
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15th May, 2011
Maserati has moved to separate the two 4.7 litre versions its
GranTurismo coupe to provide the MC-Shift gearbox variant of the 323 kW coupe with a more overt racing
derived performance equipment package compared to the luxurious version fitted with the six speed automatic
gearbox.
“Previously the only way to tell the two versions of 4.7 litre GranTurismo S apart from was the bark
of the exhaust and the razor sharp performance delivered by the MC Shift gearbox, along with a different
style of alloy wheel” explains Glen Sealey, General Manager of Maserati in Australia and New Zealand.
“We have now changed that with the 2011 Model Year GranTurismo S MC Shift which now is equipped as
standard with full MC Sportline equipment package, which is derived from the Maserati Coarse motor sport
programme. This enables us to focus the GranTurismo S automatic on owners looking for the traditional
Maserati blend of performance and luxury, while the new Maserati GranTurismo S MC Shift offers a sharper,
more defined bias to performance, handling and driving excitement.”
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The new equipment package provides the Maserati GranTurismo S MC-Shift not just with a new look with
carbon fibre trim and equipment inside and outside, it also includes a revised suspension derived from the
motor sport programme that delivers sharper steering response and even greater levels of grip and enhanced
handling.
The MC Sportline package adds front and rear spoilers in carbon fibre, with the same material being used
for the door handles and rear view mirrors, while the door sills and exhaust tips are now finished in
matching black. Inside carbon fibre trim is used on the dashboard, door panels, centre console, the longer
gearshift paddles fitted to this variant and around the instruments. Door sill protection panels are fitted
in matching trim with the MC Sportline logo and the pedals are aluminum embossed with the MC logo.
The 323 kW V8 4.7 engine, electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC-Shift, transaxle layout, sporty exhaust
and brakes made with dual-cast technology provide the GranTurismo S MC Shift with acceleration from 0 to
100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 295 km/h.
The compact and lightweight 4.7 litre V8 engine develops maximum power output of 323 kW at 7,000 rpm and
peak torque of 490 Nm at 4,750 rpm, and ensures high specific power output and more torque at lower speeds
as well, without affecting the capacity of the engine to respond very quickly to changing road conditions,
typical of racing engines.
The increase in power output and torque has not affected the versatility of the power unit, which
continues to be readily harnessed even during everyday use. The power unit sounds deep and throaty, but the
exhaust valve pneumatic control can also be activated to make it discrete and comfortable.
An electro-actuated six-speed gearbox is paired with the 4.7 litre V8 engine, and has MC-Shift software
which harnesses the full range of the engine’s power output in a highly effective manner, ensuring
gearshift speed and quality that represent a point of reference for the entire sports car range.
The engine and gearbox on the Maserati GranTurismo S are arranged in the Transaxle lay-out. The
front-mounted engine, and the gearbox, located to the rear, are rigidly connected by a tubular element
containing the driveshaft.
This solution gives good weight distribution, 47% over the front axle and 53% over the rear axle, which
translates into excellent dynamics and top performance.
Looking through the spokes of the 20” rims on the GranTurismo S the high-performance brake system
developed in collaboration with Brembo is clearly visible. The system features front brake discs made with
dual-cast technology — a dual casting of cast iron and aluminium, paired with aluminium mono-bloc 6-piston
brake callipers. The MC-Sportline package further enhances these advanced brakes with cross-drilled
ventilation and great cooling airflow to the brakes.
This technology optimises the braking system’s performance, by emphasising pedal feel and increasing
fatigue-resistance in the most extreme conditions.
At the wheel, the Maserati GranTurismo S is more rigid and compact, thanks to the suspension lay-out
developed specifically to support the weight distribution. Improvements brought by the MC Sportline
suspension package include uprated shock absorbers, stiffer springs and revised anti-roll bars at both ends
of the car.
The interior upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara reflects the sporty flair of the
Maserati GranTurismo S; the figure-hugging front and rear seats are distinguished by their dynamic design
with horizontal piping on the seats and seatbacks.
The 2011 Maserati GranTurismo S MC Shift is on sale now with a price of $345,000* (MLP*).
NOTE: * Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) excludes dealer delivery fees and the numerous statutory
charges (commonly known as on-road costs). Additionally, please note that all prices, fees and charges are
subject to change without notice, as are the specifications.
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