Maserati GranTurismo MC Corse Revealed

Maserati has revealed details and images of its newest track-only model, the GranTurismo MC Corse Concept.

Designed to deliver uncompromising circuit-ready performance, the MC Corse (Corse means "Racing" in Italian) features a number of mods that enable it to accelerate faster and grip harder than the road-going GranTurismo S it's based on.

The GranTurismo S's 4.7-litre V8 has been tweaked to 330kW and 510Nm of torque for the MC Corse through the addition of a low-restriction intake, racing catalytic converters, a nifty large-diameter exhaust and a new ECU tune.

Suspension settings have been stiffened up to sharpen handling, while a wider track also helps lateral grip. Braking hardware has been beefed up for race duty as well, with 380mm discs up front and 313mm discs in the rear gripped by hefty monoblock calipers. Massive rims measuring 12x18 up front and 13x18 inches in the rear wear 285mm and 315mm wide rubber - grip central.

At a little under 1400kg, the GranTurismo MC Corse isn't exactly a featherweight, however a good proportion of the weight-savings generated by ditching the standard car's opulent interior had to be added back in the form of a full steel rollcage and other safety equipment. The widened and heavily-vented bodywork increases downforce and aerodynamic efficiency, however it's still very much recognisable as a GranTurismo - a definite plus, considering the immense beauty of the standard car.

As yet, there are no plans to put the GranTurismo MC Corse into production. However, we suspect that if enough oil barons and internet millionaires raise their hand, Maserati just might chop the 'Concept' part from the car's title. Here's hoping.