I'm trying to figure our Maserati's logic with the new GT lineup. Why would they introduce the GT-Sport with more horsepower (454 vs 444 hp) and faster acceleration (4.7 vs 4.6 sec) than their flagship GT-MC, and then price it around $20K lower. What would motivate a customer to buy a GT-MC? I realize that there may be a preference for the small difference in the looks of the two cars, but am I missing something?
With the new 2013 GT-Sport, why buy a GT-MC?
Quadport09
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I traded in my 2011 GTS for a 2012 MC. In my opinion, the body style difference (hood vents, rear and front) in addition to the exhaust sound takes the Granturismo to another level. Don't get me wrong, the GTS is a beautiful car, but people actually stop and take pictures of my MC. People not knowledgeable about the model differences also assume the MC is the new version of the Granturismo.
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In 2012, this was a no-brainer. The question now is: if you were doing it again and trading up to the 2013 model year, would you still trade up to the GT-MC when the GT-Sport is 20K less and comes with a more powerful engine? Does the difference in body style, "exclusivity", and exhaust note make up for the higher cost and inferior engine performance?
I agree with that, but it should never come into play. if you liked the MC look better, who cares about 10HP?... you can get that back with an ECU upgrade if that fraction of a millisecond interrupts your gray matter.
I still dont get this.. isnt the reason someone buys a Maserati is 99% because of the looks and exclusivity? 2.5% of engine horsepower is a very misconstrued element if its used as a purchasing decision.....
A base chevy corvette is 430hp and 0-60 in 4.4 secs. retail is $50K. if you really want performance per $.. yes, a base Corvette will kick a GTS ass, but I still wont buy one..
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Your point is well taken, but no one here is trying to compare a Maserati with a Corvette or any other muscle car. This post is simply about comparing the 2013 model year GT-Sport versus the GT-MC. Its trying to gauge how many members value the looks, sound, and extra exclusivity of the MC to pay $20K more and still be satisfied with 2.5% less horsepower than the GT-Sport. It seems to come down to specific things that each member values more than others (ie, carbon fiber over wood, etc)
I agree. It was a poor attempt at comparing.. I will say that I dont understand why Maserati would put the slightly higher HP design into the model without the sport upgrades. You would think it be the other way around. You would get both the customizations AND the power... Leave it to the Italians.. right?
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Given the significant effort required to introduce the new GT-Sport with all it's options and new features in 2013, my guess is that the engineers at Maserati simply ran out of time to make the necessary changes to the GT-MC to incorporate the new engine. It was simple enough to adopt the new style seats and new steering wheel into the 2013 MC, but I imagine swapping the engine is a much bigger deal. I would not be surprised to see the newer engine make its way into the MC soon!
my research indicates its the same engine.. (4,691 cc, 286.3 cu in, 90° V8) Same as in the last several years. so the horsepower gains must be from other changes, ECU, etc. Do you know anything different?
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VFZ, I'm going with your research on this one. Frankly, my "guess" that this was a different engine was based solely on giving Maserati and their engineers the benefit of doubt. If the GT-Sport engine is in fact the same exact engine with just some simple changes like an ECU retune, then I'm really confused as to why it did not find its way onto the GT-MC!
Guys I am with Ruff on this one. I would still buy my MC over the new GT Sport even with 10 less hp. I love the body kit on the MC, and it's exclusivity. To me it's worth the extra dollars. And I did all the aftermarket upgrades (ecu, 200 cell cats, air box, drive by wire), so I am getting close to 500hp. This thing is a beast and the sound is so intoxicating. No matter where I drive my MC, people go ga-ga for it. You don't see too may granturismos, and hardly ever a MC version. I traded a F430 formy MC, and have never regretted the decision for one moment.
But either way you can't go wrong. The Granturismo is a fantastic car in all it's configurations.
But either way you can't go wrong. The Granturismo is a fantastic car in all it's configurations.
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When I started this post, I couldn't see much reason to go with a GT-MC over the new GT-Sport in 2013. I now have a much better appreciation of the fine points that would make a person chose one over the other. At the end of the day, I totally agree that you can't go wrong either way.
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Jeff, what is the difference in drive, performance et al, between the 430 and the MC ?
The MC is more GT car, the 430 is more the sports car. The MC is far more comfortable for drive trips. Even with the hp mods I have made to the MC, the 430 has the hp/weight advantage; but the MC (with its mods) is close to the 430 in acceleration. The MC sound is superior in my opinion as is its interior fit, finish and erognomics. At high speed, the MC feels more stable due to its longer wheelbase and larger size. i also love the automatic in the MC. With the DBW mod that I added, this tranny shifts very fast, never lugs, and is so much fun in manual mode. The 430 is more the sports car, smaller footprint, more feedback from the road. I had no complaints about the 430; it too is a beautiful automobile.
I traded a 430 (with no warranty) for a new MC with a full 3 yr. warranty; and I think the MC is more reliable than the 430 ('06) in the long run. Maserati owners posting on this site report very few problems with their Granturismo's in general.
I traded a 430 (with no warranty) for a new MC with a full 3 yr. warranty; and I think the MC is more reliable than the 430 ('06) in the long run. Maserati owners posting on this site report very few problems with their Granturismo's in general.
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Not sure whether to believe them. I've experienced a lot of mis-information from dealers. For over a year, my dealer told me I could not replace the front grill on my QP with a concave GTS grill. Members of this forum proved them wrong.
If this were the case, you would think Maserati would update their website and the published information on the GT-MC.
Maserati: luxury, sports and style cast in exclusive cars
Accueil - site officiel Maserati France
update done but if you choose USA there is still the 10hp difference .
Looks weird
Accueil - site officiel Maserati France
update done but if you choose USA there is still the 10hp difference .
Looks weird
MC ENGINE, GT SPORT ENGINE
FROM THE MASERATI WEBSITE: (The sequential manual and automatic in the GT Sport have the SAME engine specifications except as noted below, but the sequential shift will get you 1/10 second 0-60)
MC ENGINE, GT SPORT ENGINE
Displacement: 4,691 cc, SAME
Bore: 94 mm, SAME
Stroke: 84.5 mm, SAME
Compression ratio: 11:1, 11.25:1
Maximum power output: 338 kW (460 hp), 338 kW (454 hp)
Engine speed at maximum power: 7,000 rpm, SAME
Maximum torque: 520 Nm (52 kgm), SAME
Engine speed at maximum torque 4,750 rpm, SAME
Max engine speed: 7,200 rpm, SAME
FROM THE MASERATI WEBSITE: (The sequential manual and automatic in the GT Sport have the SAME engine specifications except as noted below, but the sequential shift will get you 1/10 second 0-60)
MC ENGINE, GT SPORT ENGINE
Displacement: 4,691 cc, SAME
Bore: 94 mm, SAME
Stroke: 84.5 mm, SAME
Compression ratio: 11:1, 11.25:1
Maximum power output: 338 kW (460 hp), 338 kW (454 hp)
Engine speed at maximum power: 7,000 rpm, SAME
Maximum torque: 520 Nm (52 kgm), SAME
Engine speed at maximum torque 4,750 rpm, SAME
Max engine speed: 7,200 rpm, SAME
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