Maserati has launched a limited edition GranTurismo S for the Middle East.
Only 12 units of the Maserati GranTurismo S MC Sport Line will be produced and each will be sold in a separate Middle Eastern city with its own individual plaque.
Even if the automotive industry is experiencing one of the most difficult period of its lifetime, the Middle East seems to be the friendliest markets when it comes to state-of-the-art and very expensive models. Maserati wants to fully benefit from this fact and introduced the GranTurismo S MC Sport Line limited edition with Matt White ICE finish, a range that will comprise only a total of 12 units.
Maserati has unveiled a limited-edition GranTurismo S MC Sport Line at an exclusive event at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
Not to be confused with the S MC Sport Line customisation programme that debuted in Bologna last year, the Sport Line limited edition features a matt “ICE” paint job and is described as the culmination of the “…experience acquired on the track by the Maserati Corse racing department, whose contribution to the design of the functional components has been invaluable. The world of motor racing also inspired Maserati’s designers when it came to styling, hence the extensive use of carbon fiber.”
Production will be limited to 12 units which are all destined for the Middle East. The number 12 is symbolic of the the number of world titles won by the MC12 in the FIA GT International Championships since 2005. Additionally, the number 12 also signifies the number of Middle Eastern cities where each unit will be allocated. Each car will feature a plaque with the name of the city to which it is committed. Despite this exclusivity, Maserati will also build 11 GranTurismo S MC Sport Lines (with a “Matt Bianco Fuji” paint scheme) for Italy.
Speaking of styling, the Sport Line boasts an optional aerodynamic package which includes double front winglets, a rear lip spoiler, door sill inserts, black window surrounds, black exhaust pipes and body-color door handles. Other options include carbon fiber door mirrors, ‘carbon finish’ door handles, black alloy wheels, carbon fiber interior trim, and aluminum racing pedals.
More importantly, the car has been equipped with an ‘MC Sport Line’ suspension which has drilled and slotted disc brakes, stiffer dampers, larger anti-roll bars, and a revised stability control system.
While Maserati didn’t release any performance data, the Sport Line is likely powered by a 4.7-liter V8 engine that produces 440 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque.
Special features on the matte white Maserati include a rear lip spoiler, door sill inserts, black exhaust pipes and carbon finish door handles. Optional extras include gloss black alloy wheels, carbon fibre interior trim and aluminium racing pedals.
The MC Sport Line package also features a revised suspension set-up, which lowers the ride height by 10 mm, stiffens the dampers and increases the diameter of the anti-roll bars. These changes increase the car’s rigidity by 16 per cent at the front and 32 per cent at the rear. Upgraded drilled sports brakes also feature at the front and rear.
The cars will be produced at Maserati’s Modena factory and will be available in 2010.
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