The GranTurismo has gone lightweight, but it's still more a GT than racer.
WHAT'S NEW?
Maserati may be one of the lesser fancy Italian supercar marques, which is why they want to elaborate its racing heritage. So, welcome to the GranTurismo MC (Maserati Competizione) Stradale which has been inspired by the GT4 racecar.
The Stradale is essentially a lightweight version of the GranTurismo boasting a substantial 110kg weight reduction. Apart from employing more exotic materials to trim fat, the rear seats have been plucked out of Maserati's grand-touring sports car.
The Stradale's engine is based on the 4.7-litre V8 of the GranTurismo S (the regular model comes with a smaller 4.2-litre unit) but tuned to a higher 450hp. And thanks to that weight-cut (although 1,670kg still sounds a lot), the Stradale is quicker yet just as economical as the 4.2.
Transferring power to the road in the Stradale is a six-speed robotised manual (not the more common torque converter automatic that's optional in the S version), plus a "race" mode to increase race-like performance on the move.
Life's encounter with the Stradale happened at the Shanghai International Race Circuit recently where the whole GranTurismo range was on offer for useful comparison.
The MC gets all kinds of bespoke details.
WHAT'S COOL?
The GranTurismo is already a sexy-looking car in normal attire (an Italian Aston, you could say). And with more visual racy enhancements, the Stradale simply looks awesome.
The same goes for the interior which sees racecar-style seats, belts, roll cage and suede upholstery applied in the well-built cabin. In short, the whole car is so great on the eyes.
Oh, and on the ears, too. The modified V8 makes such a machismo sound when pushed to high revs, with the music eventually spreading out on a wider engine speed range when you switch from Normal to Sport and then to Race.
This is such a useful gimmick to make supercars intoxicating on the move. And just if you're curious: the tone is genuine V8, unlike Ferrari's which is tuned to a high-pitch shriek. That's good, for the sake of differentiation (the V8 is pooled among the two brands).
With a 10mm lowered suspension, the Stradale hugs well to the tarmac. You can really feel this, especially after just hopping out of the S model. Those sticky tyres from Pirelli apparently also play a role.
And thanks to a 48:52 front:rear balance, the Stradale handles neatly and predictably in the tight chicane after the straight from the grandstand. It's a significant leap forward when you recall the Coupe{aac} predecessor.
The cabin is well made and appointed.
WHAT'S NOT?
Robotised manual gearboxes are notorious for their jerky shifting. And despite the fact that gearshift time is reduced from 140 milliseconds in Normal to just 60 in Race mode, you can't help feeling that such a transmission makes the Stradale's driving experience sort of antiquated.
At the driving event, Maserati openly criticised the dual-clutch automatic of rivals as "problematic", despite the fact that its in-house cousin brand has already taken that route. A saving grace of Maserati is that lightweight rivals (see sidebar) are mostly still equipped with robotisers.
The Stradale is based on the grand tourer, so there's no escaping the fact that it feels big and still heavy. Don't expect it to feel as agile as some of its nearby rivals, particularly the Porsche GT3.
The steering could have been a little more direct, while more initial bite from the carbon-ceramic brakes would have made things wonderful.
The 450hp V8 sounds gorgeous in ‘race’ mode.
BUY OR BYE?
For die-hard fans of the trident-bearing Italian marquee, the GranTurismo MC Stradale is a very special car. As Maserati puts it: the Stradale is the fastest and lightest car in the current line-up, making it very irresistible to go for one.
And at 16.5 million baht, the Stradale is decent value for money when you look at what other lightweight specials are asking for in price. Sure, the Maser may not be as fast in a straight line, but it's still remarkably entertaining in its own right.
However, the Stradale remains more of a rapid cruiser, as the concept of the basic car suggests. This obviously means that the GranTurismo S could still be the better solution because it's only a whiff slower.
Not only that. The S has a smoother shifting gearbox and more comfortable ride (yes, you can feel its softer ride, even around a circuit) to make real-world driving more satisfying and less compromised.
In the end, either GranTurismo would do, depending on how much of Maserati is in your blood.
THE OTHER LIGHTWEIGHT SPECIALS
ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE N420
Power: 420hp 4.2-litre V8
Weight cut: 27kg to 1,603kg
0-100kph: 5sec
Price: 15 million baht (est)
We think: This Vantage's diet isn't as extreme as the others', but it's still a special car that was inspired by Aston's racing programme in Nurburgring 24 Hours. The Volante cabrio is also available.
AUDI R8 GT
Power: 560hp 5.2-litre V10
Weight cut: 100kg to 1,525kg
0-100kph: 3.6sec
Price: 26 million baht (est)
We think: A highly usable supercar for real-world driving with lots of aural thrills. The coupe{aac} is sold out, and only the Spyder open-top is now available _ if you're lucky.
BENTLEY CONTINENTAL SUPERSPORTS
Power: 630hp 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12
Weight cut: 110kg to 2,240kg
0-100kph: 3.9sec
Price: 25.3 million baht
We think: It's still heavy in weight but is reasonably fast in a straight line, as well as most comfortable to drive in. There's also the GTC convertible soft-top to choose from.
LAMBORGHINI LP570-4 SUPERLEGGERA
Power: 570hp 5.2-litre V10
Weight cut: 70kg to 1,340kg
0-100kph: 3.4sec
Price: 26.9 million baht
We think: A relative of the R8, this lightweight Gallardo scores with flashy looks, V10 rasp and raw driving appeal. The Thai agent is currently promoting a roadster version called Performante.
PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS
Power: 500hp 4.0-litre flat-six
Weight cut: 35kg to 1,360kg
0-100kph: 3.9sec
Price: 23 million baht (est)
We think: A follow-up (and swan song) to the GT RS 3.8, the 4.0 promises the most rewarding driving experience. Unlike all alternatives here, there's no cabrio and auto 'box options.
Credit: Bangkok Post (www.bangkokpost.com)
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