The Right Stuff

Often in trouble and having changed hands several times over its near-100-year existence,Maserati today has been resurrected by Ferrari. It shares most of the supercar giants components,and much of its ethos. Though it has now been clubbed with Alfa Romeo recently,its proximity to Ferrari still exists.

No longer content to nestle in Ferraris shadow however,Maserati now is looking at taking things to the next level. And that includes making cars like this one,the MC Stradale,currently its fastest and most powerful car. A car aimed as much at the race track as the open road.

It looks purposeful with its lowered suspension,race car-inspired front splitter and gorgeous 20-inch wheels finished in matt black. Its not that the normal GranTurismo is difficult on the eyes,but this new car just seems to have it especially that nose with the protruding section that reminds you of the 250F Formula 1 car of the 1950s,famous for being one of the sweetest-handling single-seaters ever.

The insides are attractive too. Alcantara-lined race seats,generously splattered carbon fibre trimming and a partial roll-cage make this car feel like serious fun on the inside. And surprisingly,theres plenty of space here. They have managed to knock a significant 110 kg off the weight of this car and the Stradale tips the scales at a mere 1,770 kg,which is light for a car of this size carrying a V8 in its belly.

And what a V8 it is. Based on one of Ferraris finest,this F430-based motor spins to 7,500rpm,makes a potent 450bhp and,in the right mode,rasps and yowls menacingly. It doesnt have that Ferrari-like high-pitched trumpeting blare,but I promise you theres plenty to love about this motor.

Time then to take the car out onto Shanghais F1 circuit for a real no-holds-barred blast. Unlike the normal GT,the Stradale feels as focused as something thats been developed for much harder use. The steering feels much more direct,the nose jumps to attention as soon as you tweak the wheel and,like all neat and tidy handlers,the Stradales feels very comfortable in a slide.

The motor is brilliant as well,its highly responsive throttle that only encourages you to speed further. Selecting race mode tightens things up even more. Gears now shift up with a pleasing bang in 0.06 of a second,0-100kph can be blitzed through in just 4.6 seconds and keep your right foot down,and youll eventually cross the 300kph barrier.

The talkative steering natters away on long corners,the slightly rear-biased 48:52 weight distribution makes this car feel deliciously well-balanced. The MC Stradale loves being steered on the throttle. The standard carbon ceramic brakes,which have a short and firm pedal travel,are fairly impressive.

Unfortunately,we didnt have the entire race track open to us but Maserati tackled the most difficult part of the track. It went fast and flat out on the straight,start-finish track,and turned well in the hard corkscrew-like tightening corners. The motor does catapult the car down each straight road with boundless enthusiasm. Maserati has definitely hit the nail on the head with this car!

The Stradale will be approximately 35 per cent more expensive than the standard GranTurismo,which makes it an expensive car. Yes,the increase in power and performance over the standard car isnt in sync with this rise in price and,if you are looking for practicality,there arent any rear seats.

However,what you do get is an increase in driving pleasure that cant really be quantified by mere numbers. The Stradales tightened-up chassis gives it a huge jump in agility,handling is now progressive and predictable and this car is now so good-looking it can stand out in any crowd. More involving,more rewarding to drive,and more complete,this is easily the best Maserati to have hit the road in a long,long time.

And the best part is that this car doesnt ride too badly either,perfect for our roads. Yes,at an estimated Rs 1.37 crore ex-showroom Delhi,it is more expensive than other cars from Maserati. However,compare it to other cars that deliver this kind of performance and its a relative bargain.

The writer is deputy editor,Autocar India