Newbie - Greetings

[Prahran28]

Hi guys, New to this forum and to Maserati. Not entirely sure what I'm looking for yet but doing th research and this website has been massively helpful over the last few days. I want a car for weekend fun but would like the ability to also use it for a jaunt down to France for a long weekend or similar. Started off looking at GT and was moving towards GT Auto (new or demo) but then of course saw the GC and started to consider those days where the hood could come down and I could get the added advantage. (I had an M3 Convertible previously with Hard roof). Subsequently I saw a Cabrio MC and now I'm really confused.....As my wife said, there are people in the world with far bigger problems!

A couple of questions if I may (apart from 'why is the boot of a GC so small'!):

- Where do I go to find a Cabrio MC which I can take for a drive? Anyone seen one around in their travels?

-How much difference would I notice on the suspension between Cabrio Auto? (the one with the gear stick) and the MC (also with gearstick)

- I'm presuming the engine noise/pitch is different (louder) on the MC over the standard 4.7. Am I likely to find that even with top up, the noise from the MC could become tiresome on a longer journey or is this much the same as the standard 4.7 unless an additional sport/track button is pressed?

Sorry so many questions but difficult to check from experience due to a shortage of examples.

Many thanks
Prahran

 

[BigR]

Hi Prahran and welcome to the forum!

I can provide a couple of insights which may help (or not as the case may be). Firstly, good choice on looking at a Maserati, you're clearly a wise man. I started with a pretty 'bog-standard' 4.2 18mths ago and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. This included a long trip down through France for 2 weeks when the car behaved impeccably. However, circumstances allowed me to consider something else and I had been considering an addition from a different brand, but came to the conclusion that a 2-seater would be impractical and the particular cars I was looking at would be too OTT for more than occasional use. So, instead I decided that I'd upgrade the Maserati.

I decided, however, that I wanted something quite special and looked initially at an MC Stradale and specifically getting a 4-seater, of which there are very few around. But, I've always also had a hankering for a convertible (never had one of any type) so decided to kill many birds with the one stone. I looked briefly at a regular Cabrio, but also at the time there were a couple of MC Cabrio's available and felt these were that extra bit special and would give me the edge in the car that I was looking for, which if nothing else would at least stop me changing it again in 12-18mths time (although only time will tell...and the Mrs).

So, to give you a view on the MC Cabrio, it is frankly unbelievable as a car. It's a very different beast from my 4.2 for a number of reasons. The most obvious is the missing roof (!), but the power and handling are definitely more 'sporty' for want of a better description, notwithstanding that all GranTurismo's are big cars and not quite nimble of foot. I won't take anything away from the 4.2, however, as bangs for your buck its a great car and I thoroughly enjoyed having mine.

The MC Cabrio engine note is obviously exceptional, but if you're wanting it to be ok on long journeys - with the roof down or up - then simply don't press the sport button. Its then eminently liveable with. With the roof down and in Sport mode, the noise can get a bit much on longer journeys especially if you're cruising on a motorway. Specifically if you're going through somewhere which is a bit more stop / start, then it is of course great fun! I'm afraid I can't comment on how it sounds with the roof up as barring rain - even at night - I always drive with the roof down (and the heater on if required!). One potential fly in the ointment of MC Cabrio ownership if you're looking for one is that they are thin on the ground. If I recall correctly, howmanyleft said there's only something like 21 of them in the UK.

And that's my experience after nearly 4 weeks of MC Cabrio ownership.

 

[Prahran28]

Thanks a lot BigR. Much appreciated and very helpful. Exactly what I need to hear. Just spoken to a Maserati dealer (who of course doesn't have an MC but DOES have a Cabrio sport and he was telling me that even when the sport button not pressed, the noise from an MC engine would be too loud for long journeys and the ride would be too harsh!?

Finding an MC to even test-drive, as you suggest, is the main issue.. (The size of the boot for touring may be the other....But with one child, I'm sure we can utilise the other seat (or get a trailer!!?)

Thanks again.

 

[Andyk]

Prahran, a big warm welcome to the forum....The Grancab MC is just a stunning car......Very jealous......The only small down side on the cab is the boot size...It's not great but then if you are not using the back seats you can always put stuff on the rear seats........But what you do get over the Coupe is that more intense noise with the roof down....Lovely..

Ah just seen you have mentioned the boot...

 

[safrane]

Welcome...and what a great search you have to come.

 

[Andyk]

Thanks a lot BigR. Much appreciated and very helpful. Exactly what I need to hear. Just spoken to a Maserati dealer (who of course doesn't have an MC but DOES have a Cabrio sport and he was telling me that even when the sport button not pressed, the noise from an MC engine would be too loud for long journeys and the ride would be too harsh!?

Finding an MC to even test-drive, as you suggest, is the main issue.. (The size of the boot for touring may be the other....But with one child, I'm sure we can utilise the other seat (or get a trailer!!?)

Thanks again.

Think you need to drive one as the Coupe version rode pretty good and I would have travelled miles in it......As for the noise....It's a Maserati with no roof.......No better sound....Think they are telling you that as they have a Sport and not an MC......Sport is also a lovely car but given the choice MC......

 

[conaero]

Welcome, one word, 4 seat Stradale.

Buy a 1 year old one, I can see them staying firm for a long time and the best of the bunch I recon.

The issue with all the GT/GTS's are the steel brakes, frankly, they are not up to the job. The Strad has carbon ceramic so this is why this is the model to get. I personally don't see the point of a 2 seater Strad, you will just use the back for things like filling up with shoes much better to have the option of a 4 seater.

 

[rs48635]

Nice wite up BigR, hope to see you around the roads of Beds in the near future.
My Sunday drives tend to go via the French Horn Pub ( in Steppingley ) or though woburn itself.

 

[AndyW]

I know Maranello have a new one in their showroom - or they did a week or so ago. I also drove an MC cab at foxhill which was Maserati's demo car so they should be able to source one for you to drive.
I had the same from dealers trying to talk me out of one that didn't have one to sell! I have just bought a MC Stradale and love it. Leave it in race mode all the time and don't find it too loud although a cab would obviously be louder! The exhaust note is slightly higher than the sport. The suspension is still very complaint and not harsh at all. Its firm as you would expect but doesn't thump and crash like some BMW and Audis I've driven.
If you find a sport to drive the MC Cab will feel very similar performance wise I would say.

Good luck!

 

[Prahran28]

Thanks to all. I'm still doing some homework and will drive what I can before taking any decisions. Maranello do have a new MC but apparently it's not for driving....just looking (and buying)....as you say, there is occasionally mas demos around which I'll try to find. Am I right in thinking the stradale has a slightly different (and less auto) gear box? Did I read something about having to get the knack of 'reversing' into might spaces? Maybe I now getting confused after reading too much online....

 

[Andyk]

There are a few GC MC's on here. If you ask nicely and they are in your neck of the woods they may take you out for a ride maybe...

Believe you are right the MC gear box is slightly different to the standard Sport car....Same gear box different set up maybe.

 

[Andyk]

Here is a post from Tilium that I have found and gives some good detail........

To explain there are 3(+1) GranCabrio variants:-
1. GranCabrio
2. GranCabrio Sport (pre-facelift, similar to the GranTurismo S)
3. GranCabrio Sport (post-facelift, similar to the GranTurismo Sport)
4. GranCabrio MC

N.B. All have a 4.7 litre engine, and all have a 6 speed Auto gearbox (i.e. with the gear lever). However the Sport and MC models have a more powerful version of the 4.7 litre engine, better brakes, and have the very impressive MC Auto Shift software (allowing 'proper' manual control over the gear shifts), and the Sports exhaust (as per the GranTurismo S, and Sport models).

The GranCabrio MC is different again. It's the convertible version of the MC Stradale, and it has the same bonnet as the original (2 seater) MC Stradale (which has 2 air vents), brake cooling vents on the front side panels (as on the MC Stradale), and the MC Stradale exhaust (two single circular sports exhausts mounted high up above a rear diffuser).
EDIT: You're right about the GranTurismo MC Stradale - (in the UK at least) it is only available with the MC Shift transmission (automated manual gearbox, which has buttons instead of a gear lever in the central tunnel)

HTH. If you want further clarification or have any other Qs, just ask.

T

 

[BigR]

Think you need to drive one as the Coupe version rode pretty good and I would have travelled miles in it......As for the noise....It's a Maserati with no roof.......No better sound....Think they are telling you that as they have a Sport and not an MC......Sport is also a lovely car but given the choice MC......

Absolutely this. When I was looking I had the same experience - basically because they want to sell you what they have, which is fair enough albeit a little dishonest.

Prahran - whereabouts in the country are you??

 

[BigR]

Thanks a lot BigR. Much appreciated and very helpful. Exactly what I need to hear. Just spoken to a Maserati dealer (who of course doesn't have an MC but DOES have a Cabrio sport and he was telling me that even when the sport button not pressed, the noise from an MC engine would be too loud for long journeys and the ride would be too harsh!?

Finding an MC to even test-drive, as you suggest, is the main issue.. (The size of the boot for touring may be the other....But with one child, I'm sure we can utilise the other seat (or get a trailer!!?)

Thanks again.

Complete rubbish from the dealer I'm afraid. The MC Cabrio ride isn't much harsher than the regular car. I drive mine decent distances all the time and I've never felt tired from it. As per my earlier post, with the Sport button pressed, it could get a bit much after an hour or so of cruising on the motorway, but that's all. Out of Sport mode its pretty civilised, but with a nice raspy sound occasionally just to remind you

Oh and the boot is very small, I'm afraid. Nothing you can do about that with the Cabrio. We used our standard coupe (when we had it) for a 2 week holiday and got it all in the boot for 2 + 1 teenager (seemingly dragged through France to make our lives a misery etc...). Not sure I could pull that off in the Cabrio though, frankly.

 

[BennyD]

That's my big issue with the GC; it seems to be a car without a purpose. You can take 4 adults in comfort across continents but you can't take anything more than their coats. My (2 seat) spyder has much more useable boot space than a GC.

 

[AndyW]

Re the question on the Stradale MC gearbox (automated manual) mine is very easy to manover and have no issues reversing etc. very progressive clutch engagement. Much smoother than my old R8 and M6 gearbox..

 

[BigR]

That's my big issue with the GC; it seems to be a car without a purpose. You can take 4 adults in comfort across continents but you can't take anything more than their coats. My (2 seat) spyder has much more useable boot space than a GC.

Its a fanny magnet, that's what it is. And when you're in denial / approaching / in middle age, that's no bad thing ;-)

 

[highlander]

Oh and the boot is very small, I'm afraid. Nothing you can do about that with the Cabrio. We used our standard coupe (when we had it) for a 2 week holiday and got it all in the boot for 2 + 1 teenager (seemingly dragged through France to make our lives a misery etc...). Not sure I could pull that off in the Cabrio though, frankly.

easy fix.........leave the teenager behind

 

[Andyk]

Its a fanny magnet, that's what it is. And when you're in denial / approaching / in middle age, that's no bad thing ;-)

Hahahaha......nothing like a a pretty lady paying you attention when you are getting on...Even if it is he car....At my age any donations greatly received....

 

[Prahran28]

Thanks to all. I live in Richmond, so I've been to Maranello, HR in South Ken and Motorline in Maidstone. All very helpful and different variants to look at. I think due to size of the boot mainly, I'm now leaning towards a GT. Another question which came to find though. It seems that 2014 is the last year that the GT/GC's will be manufactured for a while. (Motorline man says they have been put on hold!) Now I'm faced with getting the best financial deal on an unregistered GT or taking a demo with mileage on the clock and 8 months less warranty.

Does anyone have any thoughts on what that will do to the resale prices of the late model GT/GC's? I'm presuming as there are not massive numbers anyway, it won't have much effect. I presume when these much-loved models come back, much like happened to the V8 M3, we'll end up with less roar and more whistle from the reduced size/turbo charged versions?
Prahran28