Maserati GranCabrio New MC Edition

Maserati chose the 2012 Paris motor show to reveal its new GranCabrio MC. The company says it was inspired by the "considerable success of the GranTurismo MC Stradale" coupe and wanted to apply a similar – but not identical, treatment to its soft-top sports car.

The MC utilizes the same 4.7-litre V8 engine, which delivers 453hp (338kW / 460PS) and peak torque of 520Nm at 4,750 rpm, found on the GranTurismo MC Stradale as well as the recent GranTurismo Sport models.

However, instead of the Stradale's more aggressive robotized manual gearbox, the MC sticks to the milder-mannered and slower Auto Shift transmission. Maserati quotes a 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) sprint time of 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 289km/h (180mph).

The GranCabrio MC gains a stiffer suspension setup with single-rate dampers and Brembo brakes with one-piece aluminium alloy brake calipers, said to bring the car to a full stop from a speed of 100km/h (62mph) in 35 meters (114.9 feet).

The exterior styling package for the MC includes a new front bumper, air outlets on the hood, headlamps with LED daytime running lights, a large rear boot-lid spoiler (available in carbon fiber), a new rear bumper with a diffuser and twin tailpipes, plus 20-inch alloy wheels in glossy Titanio or matt Graphite.

Inside, the MC features a new set of front sport seats with a redesigned frame that frees more space for the rear passengers, a flat-bottom steering wheel with Trofeo-design paddles, aluminum pedal unit and carbon fiber trim décor.