Softer 450HP Maserati GranTurismo MC Launches in the U.S.

Remember the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale that was introduced last year at the Paris Auto Show? The Italian sportscar maker has brought a �softer� version of the MC to the States that drops the �Stradale� word from its name. That is because the GranTurismo MC has a full automatic gearbox instead of the original Race Shift transmission and two extra seats in the back instead of a roll cage. Even so, the Granturismo MC is the fastest series production model Maserati has ever sold in America. Read more �

New Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic - Live Photos from Geneva

The debate is still on here at Carscoop whether or not the GranTurismo is hotter than the brunette model that accompanied the show car, but while we try to come to a conclusion let us see the latest Maserati in detail. For the first time, the Italian automaker is offering an automatic transmission (6-speed) on the sportiest variant of the GranTurismo, the S, which comes with a 4.7-liter V8 making 440HP at 7000 rpm and 490Nm of torque at 4750 rpm.

Like the stick-shift GranTurismo S, the Automatic features some discreet stylistic changes which distinguish it from the 4.2-liter V8 model such as the new under-door mini-skirts featuring a prominent shape and new 20-inch wheel rims.