Granturismo 2013 onwards Auto (ZF) VERSUS 2007 to 2012 MC Shift (F1)

Hi all,

My first post. I have been reading the forum for some time. I am in the market for a GTS (light paint, red interior). I have settled on the idea of a MC Shift, on the basis it would be generally be a weekend car for use on open A and B roads. Occasional rush hour traffic. No slopes to park near me. I have so far been recommended the MC shift as being the "more rewarding drive"

While I have been looking at GT's from 2007 to 2015 with a 2010 onwards preferred, I have noticed that after 2013 the MC shift becomes alot harder to find, with most being Auto models (or Auto MC)

Should I therefore (which?)

• A. Focus on a 2007 to 2012 MC shift
• B. Don't worry about it, a 2013 onwards auto (ZF) is sooooooo good the MC shift largely became redundant
• C. Accept that a 2013 onwards MC shift is just became rarer and I should still seek one out.

I have read all about variators, front subframes etc, and that the 2013 onwards models, received an upgraded software auto box. Also that 2013 represented a bit more than just a facelifted GT, but also with plenty of updates in general from a 2012.

Luke

P.S if you really feel I should chase D which would be a 2007 to 2012 Auto by all means say it. I have mostly settled on an MC, but I am planning on delaying a purchase till winter, so I still have plenty of time to work through things.

You need to drive them..
The MC-Shift cars sound decidedly more aggressive. Different timing.

Bebs said:

You need to drive them..
The MC-Shift cars sound decidedly more aggressive. Different timing.

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ok, one more vote for the MC! In that case what to do about the 2013 onwards MC's seeming to be alot more rarer? Wait to find one, or focus on a 2007 to 2012 MC shift instead? I'm already preety keen on the more aggressive!

strictly said:

ok, one more vote for the MC! In that case what to do about the 2013 onwards MC's seeming to be alot more rarer? Wait to find one, or focus on a 2007 to 2012 MC shift instead? I'm already preety keen on the more aggressive!

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The main priority is to find a car that has been looked after properly. A PPI is essential, from someone who knows these cars.
A deferred maintenance car can quickly cost you 5-10K to bring up to standard.
Focus on that rather than colour & looks.

Thank you great advice! Indeed it does make scary reading! I will be sure to take heed.

The shift on the post facelift auto is a lot better which is why it became the de facto option from there. The MC Auto shift (i.e. post 2013) has a shift speed of 100 ms, vs about 80 ms for a cooking MC Shift and 60 ms for a Stradale.

I’d suggest trying them to see if you prefer one or the other.

strictly said:

Thank you great advice! Indeed it does make scary reading! I will be sure to take heed.

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Wait till tomorrow morning at 9:00am and call Richard Grace about his 2014 MC Shift car… I am sure you won’t be disappointed…

I bought privately a low mileage 2013 MC Shift with eyes wide open. The purchase price reflected what needed to be done to bring it up to dealer’s retail standard. I am not a dealer or car industry guy, but I run several classic race cars from Stuttgart as a hobby, hence doing work on cars, especially simple ones like the Maserati doesn’t scare me. If I wasn’t handy with spanners though, I would have been looking to do a deal with one of the good marque specialists like Richard.

The maths of buying cheap and paying someone else to do the work doesn’t add up at all, especially on a Maserati.

P.S No one mentions the elephant in the room - 2013 Sport onwards received the Stradale engine with more horsepower and torque and the much better seats too…

Zep said:

The shift on the post facelift auto is a lot better which is why it became the de facto option from there. The MC Auto shift (i.e. post 2013) has a shift speed of 100 ms, vs about 80 ms for a cooking MC Shift and 60 ms for a Stradale.

I’d suggest trying them to see if you prefer one or the other.

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Sorry Zep, but I think you are wrong on this one - It’s 200msec - no way a ZF6HP26 can even get a sniff of 100msec - we have a mapped 335i with a mapped ZF6 in the family. Yes it’s quick, yes it’s good, but it’s no MC Shift…

Must say that though - I have driven twice in Central London with the F1 - I could see £ signs dropping every time I had to crawl through traffic. So perhaps if the car would potentially see town driving, then a ZF box is definitely preferable for the relatively small trade off in performance…

cheburator said:

Sorry Zep, but I think you are wrong on this one - It’s 200msec - no way a ZF6HP26 can even get a sniff of 100msec - we have a mapped 335i with a mapped ZF6 in the family. Yes it’s quick, yes it’s good, but it’s no MC Shift…

Must say that though - I have driven twice in Central London with the F1 - I could see £ signs dropping every time I had to crawl through traffic. So perhaps if the car would potentially see town driving, then a ZF box is definitely preferable for the relatively small trade off in performance…

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I don’t agree. 40,000 miles on my current clutch and only 33% worn.

cheburator said:

Sorry Zep, but I think you are wrong on this one - It’s 200msec - no way a ZF6HP26 can even get a sniff of 100msec - we have a mapped 335i with a mapped ZF6 in the family. Yes it’s quick, yes it’s good, but it’s no MC Shift…

Must say that though - I have driven twice in Central London with the F1 - I could see £ signs dropping every time I had to crawl through traffic. So perhaps if the car would potentially see town driving, then a ZF box is definitely preferable for the relatively small trade off in performance…

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I’m sure I read that in the blurb, but I guess it depends how it’s being measured.

Whether it makes a difference to the individual is the question, rather than the actual time. If you’ve not been in a Strad or MS Shift it probably feels pretty spritely.

I watched a YowTube review of the 2018 GTS, the shifts sounded a bit slow, then I saw the stick in the middle of the console.

strictly said:

Hi all,

My first post. I have been reading the forum for some time. I am in the market for a GTS (light paint, red interior). I have settled on the idea of a MC Shift, on the basis it would be generally be a weekend car for use on open A and B roads. Occasional rush hour traffic. No slopes to park near me. I have so far been recommended the MC shift as being the "more rewarding drive"

While I have been looking at GT's from 2007 to 2015 with a 2010 onwards preferred, I have noticed that after 2013 the MC shift becomes alot harder to find, with most being Auto models (or Auto MC)

Should I therefore (which?)

• A. Focus on a 2007 to 2012 MC shift
• B. Don't worry about it, a 2013 onwards auto (ZF) is sooooooo good the MC shift largely became redundant
• C. Accept that a 2013 onwards MC shift is just became rarer and I should still seek one out.

I have read all about variators, front subframes etc, and that the 2013 onwards models, received an upgraded software auto box. Also that 2013 represented a bit more than just a facelifted GT, but also with plenty of updates in general from a 2012.

Luke

P.S if you really feel I should chase D which would be a 2007 to 2012 Auto by all means say it. I have mostly settled on an MC, but I am planning on delaying a purchase till winter, so I still have plenty of time to work through things.

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I had a zf qp and now have the Strad. They are completely different drives from a gearbox point of view. The MC is much more engaging and just fun. I used to always drive my zf in manual and it is just not the same. The Auto MC is supposed to be good but not tried that. Try both but if you go MC you won't be disappointed. And as they can do 40k on a clutch, the worry of high costs are minimal in my view.

@strictly - where are you located?

If you’re anywhere near Derbyshire I’m happy to take you for a spin in my 2013 MC shift- I know how difficult it is finding examples to test drive.

JMS said:

@strictly - where are you located?

If you’re anywhere near Derbyshire I’m happy to take you for a spin in my 2013 MC shift- I know how difficult it is finding examples to test drive.

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And me or Zep can switch to race mode and turn you into a nodding dog if you are in Northamptonshire

2013 MC Shift in South East London if that’s any use? And a tuned E46 M3 SMG - just to feel that sensation as if someone is hitting the back of your head with a big floorboard on every upshift in S6 mode… Somehow clutches last 100k+ on that one and are £230 from Valeo… ‍♂️

I think for a weekend toy, you've got the right idea. Go for the MC-shift.
Whether you go pre or post 2013, will depend on how long you want to wait, and what specs your wiling to be flexible on, as like you say, they are much rarer. (only 46 registered in the UK) so you may have to compromise on your colours etc
If you haven't come across it yet, have a read here when I changed from a 2011 to a 2013 https://www.sportsmaserati.com/inde...-it-again-another-granturismo-mc-shift.30386/

The pre-2012 is definitely a tiny bit more of a 'Raw' experience, which I liked. But personally for me, the facelift front, the engine upgrade and definitely the seats makes the post 2012 worth the extra. I think it's the sweet spot.
I need to update the thread above, the difference with the noise between the pre and post facelift i think was down to the exhaust baffles being newer and much less mileage. Now a few years down the line, and I've done a lot more miles the noise has definitely got more aggressive with the same amount of pops, burbles and crackles as the early one had.
The slightly different downshift I mentioned in the other thread, is still apparent, but I get round this by double downshifting, and it sounds absolutely awesome!

You already have lots of offers, but I'll add to that by saying I'm on the Norfolk/Cambs border and your welcome to come for a ride.

cheburator said:

Wait till tomorrow morning at 9:00am and call Richard Grace about his 2014 MC Shift car… I am sure you won’t be disappointed…

I bought privately a low mileage 2013 MC Shift with eyes wide open. The purchase price reflected what needed to be done to bring it up to dealer’s retail standard. I am not a dealer or car industry guy, but I run several classic race cars from Stuttgart as a hobby, hence doing work on cars, especially simple ones like the Maserati doesn’t scare me. If I wasn’t handy with spanners though, I would have been looking to do a deal with one of the good marque specialists like Richard.

The maths of buying cheap and paying someone else to do the work doesn’t add up at all, especially on a Maserati.

P.S No one mentions the elephant in the room - 2013 Sport onwards received the Stradale engine with more horsepower and torque and the much better seats too…

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Spot on, it was my car before the current owner and it's a good one for sure! Pretty cheap too!

Owned one of each for 2 plus years. From your planned useage go for the MC Shift (and I currently have an Autoshift). For weekend blasting it will me more fun. I use my auto much more as a cruiser and for long holiday drives (brain out and press go), and absolutely love the ease of use and low stress in traffic, but MCS is definitely the more involving option.

@Sam McGoo hit the nail on the head to my experience too...
I moved from a 2009 MC Shift to a 2013 MC Shift.

2009 was definitely rawer on down shifts and louder (an X-pipe fitted on both) but overall the 2013 is more refined and being 6ft1 the seats much more supportive

According to how many left...there’s just over 40 MC Shifts registered on the Facelift so definitely rarer and you therefore can’t be too picky on spec - depends on budget if you can stretch to the post facelift or happily settle for a pre, which will likely give the same ear to ear smiles!

If looking for an early MC, check the engine number, those with 148697 or higher (2010 on) had the variation fix from factory, though my 2009 never had an issue - unless I got lucky

Just visit Richard Grace, he has 2011 and 2014 MC Shifts for sale. You can try both and then you’ll have a decent opinion. He also has a 2015 Auto, so if you’re really serious, you could try that to close the loop.

Good luck in your search….

Jules

Cyclone1 said:

Just visit Richard Grace, he has 2011 and 2014 MC Shifts for sale. You can try both and then you’ll have a decent opinion. He also has a 2015 Auto, so if you’re really serious, you could try that to close the loop.

Good luck in your search….

Jules

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Thanks for the recommendation, also got another GT due in too. We’ve some lovely Granturismos on offer at the minute even if I do say so myself