Now may be the time....

Dreamer

New Member
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24
Hi All,

Newbie on the forum, and someone who has for many years had my eyes on a Maserati but for one reason or another not really gone through with a purchase (perhaps due to all the internet scare stories of running costs!). I am back in the market for a car and have a few questions specifically around the Granturismo which I am hoping you can answer (which should help me narrow down my search).

My rough requirements are: -
  • Something that feels exotic that gives a real sense of occasion but has practicality if/when needed (although I wouldn't say no to a 2 seater Stradale :) )
  • Colour ideally a nice dark blue/red in one of Maserati's striking colours but would consider most colours (ideally with a dark interior)
  • Ideally with exterior and interior carbon packs (I know this is a heavy car but I think the carbon really sets of the car)
  • I don't expect to do too many miles (probably about 3-4k a year), so ideally something that will hold fairly steady in value (i totally expect depreciation of course but not 'lose your shirt' type depreciation given the relatively sparing use I will make of the car).

Some info I am trying to understand: -

  1. Did Maserati introduce any improvements to the MC-Shift gearbox (robotised manual) over the years e.g. would a 2009 model have exactly the same box and software as say a 2014 facelift model?
  2. I live in a big city so whilst this car will only really be used on nice weather weekends and holidays, I do expect a fair bit of start and stop driving. How does the MC-Shift behave in these conditions?
  3. My ultimate preference is an MC Stradale (as I think they by far look the most exotic) but I think the answers to the MC-Shift question will be a large factor as to whether I would hold out for one of these. Any experience of owners driving an MC Stradale in local traffic?
  4. Aside from cosmetic differences and slight increase in power do the 2013 facelifts and then 2018 facelifts offer anything in terms of better reliability or revision of key parts in known weak areas like suspension for example?
  5. Did the final run of cars beyond 2018 suffer from a quieter exhaust due to the introduction of particulate filters as per other cars?

And finally and perhaps controversially on a Maserati forum, at the same sort of price I also have an eye on the Alfa Romeo Quadrofolio, which if reviews are anything to go by will absolutely blow my mind. Have any owners experienced both cars and have an opinion on this?

Thanks
 

hashluck

Member
Messages
1,515
I have driven Gransport Cambiocorsa, Stradale MC-Shift and an Aston Martin Sportshift (their version of same thing) extensively in stop start traffic and not had any issues at all (and not used so called 'Auto' mode at all).

Far easier than a conventional manual but drive them with a manual mindset and as you would a manual. I think these gearboxes are the best compromise between convenience and involvement. They seem to be not for everyone though so an extensive test drive is the only way to be sure.
 

Wattie

Member
Messages
8,640
Agree with the above. I had an Mc and it was fine in traffic (auto was useless) in manual. Frankly that was the only way you’d wanna use it.
The only thing I would add is if you live somewhere hilly with stop starts, uphill parking manoevres etc- forget it.
 

Hawk13

Member
Messages
1,471
I have a 2017 MC Shift and it is well behaved in all settings. Perhaps a bit dimwitted in auto sport but I tend to use Sport manual all the time and it is as good as any other car in traffic IMO.
 

Dreamer

New Member
Messages
24
Thanks for the responses guys. A few years ago (and when I was able to do so!) I owned a F430 with the F1 box, and honestly whilst on the move it was great, it eventually did start wearing on me when in local start/stop driving conditions, having to constantly flip it to neutral when stopping and having to concentrate on making sure I pulled away strong rather than crawling to only stop again in a few feet.

I expect the F1 box in the F430 is probably more aggressive in its characteristics than a GTS hence I am hoping the MC-Shift is a smoother experience in slow driving conditions but that is only my theory hence asking the questions.

If I don't go for a Stradale (the feedback on the MC-Shift will largely decide this), I think an MC-Auto Shift in the facelift (2013+) may be the way to go (but that means I lose out on the aesthetics of the stradale body). I am not a huge fan of the front end of the 2018+ cars, and as far as I am aware you can't get a MC body on a 2013-2017 car unless it is a Stradale.

Did Maserati make revisions to the MC Shift as the models progressed through the years?
 

Bebs

Member
Messages
3,271
I have a 2010 MC shift. I can honestly say I think it makes a perfectly reasonable job of being and ‘auto’. It really is not that different to my auto Alpina, very occasionally dim witted but nothing to worry about at all.
 

Goodfella

Member
Messages
735
I absolutely love the MC auto on mine, shifts more than quickly enough for me and just suits the big GT style of the car IMO.
 

Dreamer

New Member
Messages
24
Sounds from responses that the MC-Shift is a much better box that the F430 F1 in terms of dealing with slow moving/start/stop driving. I think I may need to try one and if I like it then Stradale it is, and if not then will probably seek out a MC-Auto Shift on a facelift (2013+) as if I am going to lose the aggressive stradale body styling I may as well get a more traditional ZF Auto.

Did the MC-Shift have any revisions across the years to make it smoother?
 

Wanderer

Member
Messages
5,791
I have a basic QP Duo-select and in sports-manual I couldn't be happier with it. It changes quicker than any auto or any manual unless your are some sort of gearbox/clutch speed demon...
 

Hawk13

Member
Messages
1,471
Sounds from responses that the MC-Shift is a much better box that the F430 F1 in terms of dealing with slow moving/start/stop driving. I think I may need to try one and if I like it then Stradale it is, and if not then will probably seek out a MC-Auto Shift on a facelift (2013+) as if I am going to lose the aggressive stradale body styling I may as well get a more traditional ZF Auto.

Did the MC-Shift have any revisions across the years to make it smoother?

My advice would be to find a dealer and test drive as many as you can.

Personally I love the MC Shift and am bemused by any recommendation to buy an auto box.....were early editions really that bad?
 

Ewan

Member
Messages
6,757
A 2014 Sport, with the MC Auto Shift box could be a good option for you. Looks like a Strad (mainly), is easy in traffic, but you can flap the paddles when you fancy it. I imagine you'd be looking at around £40k for a nice one, but chat with Richard Grace. It's still not a Strad though, and if you have the extra funds, that's still where I'd go.
 

Gazcw

Member
Messages
7,699
MX08FYF will be up for sale soon I imagine (sorry Darryl) ;). That one is considerably faster due to the weight saving process it has been through so gear box may not be a worry.
Black with red interior might not suit though.
 

Dreamer

New Member
Messages
24
A 2014 Sport, with the MC Auto Shift box could be a good option for you. Looks like a Strad (mainly), is easy in traffic, but you can flap the paddles when you fancy it. I imagine you'd be looking at around £40k for a nice one, but chat with Richard Grace. It's still not a Strad though, and if you have the extra funds, that's still where I'd go.

I am also thinking the MC Auto Shift box could be the ideal option, but really like the styling of the Strad (the front bumper/bonnet/wings/rear central exhaust) etc hence trying to understand whether the MC-Shift in a Stradale would ruin the experience or not.
 

Dreamer

New Member
Messages
24
MX08FYF will be up for sale soon I imagine (sorry Darryl) ;). That one is considerably faster due to the weight saving process it has been through so gear box may not be a worry.
Black with red interior might not suit though.

It would have to be a post 2013+ model whatever decision I make I am afraid :) I am a big fan of the updated interior seats.

As per my other questions I have no idea however whether the newer models are more reliable or have had known weak points made more durable.
 

hashluck

Member
Messages
1,515
It would have to be a post 2013+ model whatever decision I make I am afraid :) I am a big fan of the updated interior seats.

As per my other questions I have no idea however whether the newer models are more reliable or have had known weak points made more durable.

Post 2013+ seats are moot in a 2011-12 Stradale 2-Seater with the Enzo buckets which are part of the whole essence of the car.
 

Dreamer

New Member
Messages
24
Post 2013+ seats are moot in a 2011-12 Stradale 2-Seater with the Enzo buckets which are part of the whole essence of the car.

Agree I meant it would be 2013+ if I went for a non-Strad (as I like the front end restyling and interior updates), but would more than be open to the 2 seater Stradale if one came available (subject to make a call on whether MC-Shift will be easy enough to live with).
 

hashluck

Member
Messages
1,515
Agree I meant it would be 2013+ if I went for a non-Strad (as I like the front end restyling and interior updates), but would more than be open to the 2 seater Stradale if one came available (subject to make a call on whether MC-Shift will be easy enough to live with).
And I agree with you. Strad for me has to be 2-Seater. Any other GT post 2013 (and mainly for the seats). Sport model with MC-Shift (rare in the facelift though). My understanding is when they stopped offering the MC-Shift option that the MC Auto was much improved. That is simplistic but I think correct.