Maserati GranTurismo MC

The MC is the latest variation of Maserati's sleek grand touring machine, taking its place at the top of the model range in terms of power and overall speed. It essentially takes cues from Maserati's track-ready GranTurismo MC Trofeo (MC standing for Maserati Corse, or racing) and packages them in a streetgoing vehicle.

The MC is powered by the standard Ferrari-built 4.7-liter V8 as seen in the GranTurismo S Automatic and the four-door Quattroporte variations. Here the engine has been tuned to 444 peak horsepower through the addition of a new lightweight exhaust system. That's 11 hp over the GranTurismo S; torque has also increased by 15 lb-ft to a peak of 376, most of which (80%) is available at 2500 rpm.

The transmission, called MC Auto Shift in this application, has also been improved with quickened shift times (a claimed 50% faster in the automatic mode with the Sport button engaged). There's also a manual mode that allows the driver full control over the gears. With Sport engaged-which also opens up the exhaust note to full volume-manual-shift mode will hold gears even as engine speed approaches the rev limiter.

Other MC-specific additions include stiffer coil springs, a larger front antiroll bar, body additions that include a vented hood, front and rear fascia, flared front fenders and 20-inch flow-formed alloy wheels, as well as full carbon-fiber interior trim at no additional cost.

2012 Maserati GranTurismo MC
Layout: Longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive
Engine: 4.7-liter V8, dohc, 32-valve
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power: 444 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque: 376 lb-ft @ 4750 rpm
0-60 mph: 4.8 sec.
Top Speed: 185 mph
MSRP: $143,850