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Maserati GranTurismo S MC-Shift updated

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10th February, 2012

The 2012 Maserati GranTurismo S MC-Shift comes with more power, which translates into improved mid-range performance, but at the same time the coupe uses up to six per cent less fuel and there is no change in price.

First seen on last year’s limited production GranTurismo MC Stradale, the new engine uses a process called ‘Diamond-Like Coating’ (DLC). This is applied to the tappets and camshaft lobes that significantly reduces internal friction in the engine, simultaneously releasing more power – up 8 kW from 323 kW to 331 kW – and reducing the amount of fuel used, down six per cent to a combined fuel figure of 15.5 litres per 100 km.

Additionally a redesign of the engine’s fluid dynamics has boosted torque by 20 Nm to 510 Nm, improving mid-range response, while the 0-100 km/h time is maintained at 4.9 seconds.



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“The increased power and torque along with the improved mid-range performance will enable owners to more fully exploit the changes to suspension and steering we made last year to provide a more sporting driving experience and they combine perfectly with the performance-orientated trim and equipment changes made at the same time to this, the most aggressive GranTurismo,” says Glen Sealey, General Manager of Maserati in Australia and New Zealand. “Simultaneously, the improvement in fuel consumption clearly shows that Maserati is using the latest technology to ensure its products recognise today’s requirements for reducing fuel consumption and cutting emissions. The fact that Maserati had managed to achieve both of these contradictory demands is a testament to its technical prowess.”

The new equipment package launched last year provides the Maserati GranTurismo S MC-Shift not just with a new carbon fibre trim and equipment package 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 and carbon fibre spliters for sharpened aerodynamic performance, with the same material being used for the door handles and rear view mirrors. 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 aluminium embossed with the MC logo.

The 331 kW V8 4.7 engine, electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC-Shift, transaxle lay out, 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 (on a race track).

The compact and lightweight 4.7 litre V8 engine develops maximum power output of 331 kW at 7,000 rpm and peak torque of 510 Nm at 4,750 rpm, and ensures high specific power output and more torque at lower speeds as well.

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 an effective manner.

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 excellent 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.

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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 2012 Maserati GranTurismo S MC Shift is on sale now in Australia at $345,000*.


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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