Gran Cabrio variants

[BigR]

Folks, I've been looking most recently at a GranCabrio, seen a couple of potentials etc... But, one dealer has offered a GranCabrio MC Stradale, however, I can't find any other references to GranCabrio Stradale's. There are GranCabrio MC's, but not in the same way there is the GranTurismo Stradale. Am I missing something, or is the dealer telling porkies? My internets aren't giving me any references to a Cabrio Stradale.

I did question it as the Stradale doesn't have a gearstick (me thinks - I might be wrong!), but this one that he was claiming did indeed have a gearstick and claimed it was because a different gearbox was in it.

As always, all advice / feedback is welcome.

 

[Chrisbassett]

I'm sure Tilum will bite, but there isn't a GranCab Stradale, the MC is the closest, though, with few differences. Basically it's all down to a name - the car is what matters.

 

[Tilum]

Dare I say anything or will BC just hurl more abuse at me for trying to help advise...?!?

I'll take the risk... Contrary to some Maserati main dealer's beliefs(!) there is no such thing as a GranCabrio MC Stradale; if you are referring to JCT600's advert(?) (link) they've got it wrong. They even rang me last week (again) and asked if I still had my 'GranCabrio MC Stradale' as they keep wanting to buy it from me. I once went to JCT600 in Leeds for a prebooked appt with DP Nick, but he was a complete ar*e TBH - so unhelpful, and completely wasted my and my (ex) partner's time... so I'm glad I didn't end up buying a car from them.

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

EDIT: Ha ha, thanks Chris LOL

 

[Birdcage]

 

[Tilum]

And this is why I consider not bothering offering any advise/feedback... :/

...Shame really, as everyone else's posts on the forum are usually of good nature.

 

[Andyk]

Don't worry about Birdcage T..He don't get out much.....this is the highlight of his existence.


The standard Grancab always thought was a bit woolly....If you can find a Sport that would be the one to go for I would say...That's if you can not stretch to an MC.

 

[Bowker Maserati]

Dare I say anything or will BC just hurl more abuse at me for trying to help advise...?!?

I'll take the risk... Contrary to some Maserati main dealer's beliefs(!) there is no such thing as a GranCabrio MC Stradale; if you are referring to JCT600's advert(?) (link) they've got it wrong. They even rang me last week (again) and asked if I still had my 'GranCabrio MC Stradale' as they keep wanting to buy it from me. I once went to JCT600 in Leeds for a prebooked appt with DP Nick, but he was a complete ar*e TBH - so unhelpful, and completely wasted my and my (ex) partner's time... so I'm glad I didn't end up buying a car from them.

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

EDIT: Ha ha, thanks Chris LOL

I have to say that you are absolutely spot on.
Many I just add the GranCabrio MC Centennial.
Being built this year only and in very limited numbers

It is amazing how many dealers do not know the models and variants, and how they mis-inform many customers.

Gary

 

[BigR]

And this is why I consider not bothering offering any advise/feedback... :/

...Shame really, as everyone else's posts on the forum are usually of good nature.

For my part, thanks for the info. Comprehensive and clear, and very helpful! I appreciate your efforts - as I'm sure most do.

To **** with it, yes its the one at JCT600 in Leeds. I questioned the sales guy 'is this actually a Stradale' - unequivocal answer of yes, it is. So, perhaps reinforcing your experience there and regrettably they're showing themselves as being one of those regrettably all too common bad eggs of the motor trade.

Also grateful to Bowker for reinforcing your comments Tilum.

My search goes on, although may not be too far off the end...

 

[drewf]

Does it really matter what the exact name is?

Surely you are more interested in what the car has in its specification, rather than a bit of printed ink on the V5?

I suspect the sales guys are answering the question they think you are asking - 'Is this to all intents and purposes the same spec as a "Stradale", just minus the roof?', to which as far as I'm aware, the simple answer is 'yes'.

 

[highlander]

agree with drew. the spec is number 1 and most important. exception being limited editions like the centennial or the older AC in 32s.

 

[BigR]

Does it really matter what the exact name is?

Surely you are more interested in what the car has in its specification, rather than a bit of printed ink on the V5?

I suspect the sales guys are answering the question they think you are asking - 'Is this to all intents and purposes the same spec as a "Stradale", just minus the roof?', to which as far as I'm aware, the simple answer is 'yes'.

Yes and no.

Of course one is interested in the spec, but if you ask them a very specific question - and it is advertised "2013/13 Maserati GranCabrio MC Stradale" - and they don't take the opportunity to correct or clarify it when questioned about it, or say "well, to all intents it is, but its not actually a Stradale as no such thing exists", then you immediately start to lose the trust in the situation when you find out otherwise subsequently. It also causes confusion when you're looking around at alternatives as you think you're looking at different models when in fact you're not, as they're trying to differentiate their car from others by embellishing the description with inaccuracy.

 

[bigbob]

Storm in a tea cup here - if you like the car then buy it.

To my mind the MC is the best looking GC and I'd have it as a Coupe if they made it as it is effectively a Stradale but with an easier gearbox.

 

[Bowker Maserati]

Just to point out one of the BIG differences guys is the gearbox, both location and operation...............along with clutch differences, power output etc
GranCabrio gearboxes are directly behind the engine, whilst Stradale and MC gearboxes are located in the back axle.

So to say the GranCabrio MC is the same as the GranTurismo MC Stradale, without a roof, is incorrect

 

[Tilum]

Thanks Andy, comments appreciated.

Gary, good point - there's the Centennial Edition of the GranCabrio MC. ...With the exception of having the new Stradale's CF front bonnet (with the additional central front air intake) it's basically a GranCabrio MC albeit with a few cosmetic e.g. Centenary logos on the CF MC SportLine door sill trims and in the wheel caps.

I ought to have also probably mentioned that the GranCabrio MC only comes with steel brakes, whereas the MC Stradale has Ceramics, and that the tyre profiles are different.

I understand what you're saying Drew, but the problem is that variants are often confused (not helped by some main dealers also not knowing / ill-advising as Gary points out), which causes problems when people buy/sell them, or just when people try to understand the differences... I've seen GranTurismo S called Sports and visa-versa, as well as things like base GranTurismos with some MC SportLine accessories being called MCs.

Admittedly Maserati don't help themselves by having confusing naming structures e.g. the GranTurismo Sport is easily identifiable by the new front bumper and new interior, whereas the GranCabrio Sport can be found in pre or post facelift form (they never brought out a CranCabrio S)... but maybe that's one of the reasons why we love the marque LOL.

EDIT: Wrote the above before I saw posts 11 onwards.

 

[bigbob]

The real shame in all this is that Maserati UK do not sell a GranTurismo MC as they do in North America. The automated single clutch gearbox just does not work for me so I would never buy a Stradale but the MC models are attractive.

 

[bigbob]

Just to point out one of the BIG differences guys is the gearbox, both location and operation...............along with clutch differences, power output etc
GranCabrio gearboxes are directly behind the engine, whilst Stradale and MC gearboxes are located in the back axle.

So to say the GranCabrio MC is the same as the GranTurismo MC Stradale, without a roof, is incorrect

I think you are beginning to get a bit pedantic here as people are making it clear that the difference between an MC and an MC Stradale is the gearbox and all the variances that that brings.

I don't think that Maserati help themselves with model designation, for a start the automated single clutch gearbox has had at least three names in the last decade and referring to the two Sport models as MC Shift or MC Auto Shift just confuses. It was far easier before 2013MY when it was just GTS or GTS Auto if you wanted a 4.7 Coupe.

 

[Contigo]

Does it really matter what the exact name is?

Surely you are more interested in what the car has in its specification, rather than a bit of printed ink on the V5?

I suspect the sales guys are answering the question they think you are asking - 'Is this to all intents and purposes the same spec as a "Stradale", just minus the roof?', to which as far as I'm aware, the simple answer is 'yes'.

Must think like me as I read Tilums post none the wiser really other than thinking well it is a Stradale without a roof but marketing haven't labelled it as a Stradale. To all intents and purposes it is though. I must admit I hate the naming of all the Spyders!

 

[Chrisbassett]

The Spyders were easy...
Spyder GT
Spyder CambioCorsa
GranSport Spyder

It's the GT and GC that's confused.

Unless you're an arachnophobe...

 

[Contigo]

But then there was also a Centennial edition with weird roll tubes on the back. I lost count!

 

[Chrisbassett]

Ah, special editions I think they are better ignored (especially those humps)...but if I'm going to put the pedant hat on for a second, it was the 90 year anniversary...