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Maserati will launch this hardcore version of the GranTurismo S at the Paris motor show. Called the GranTurismo MC Stradale, it will become the fastest, lightest and most powerful car in Maserati’srange, drawing its inspiration from the Trofeo GranTurismo MC and GT4 race cars.

Maserati says the car is in response to customer demands for a road-going GranTurismo that’s also suitable for track use. It incorporates “handling and aerodynamic lessons learned from Maserati’s three racing programmes”.

See the official pics of the Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale

The MC Stradale is based on the GranTurismo S and gets a 444bhp version of that car’s 4.7-litre V8, up from the S’s 433bhp. Its top speed will break the 300km/h (186mph) barrier; the S maxes out at 295km/h (183mph). The S’s six-speed robotised manual gearbox is retained.

Maserati has not yet quoted a 0-62mph figure for the MC Stradale, but expect the car’s reduced weight and extra power over the S to help it achieve a time of around 4.5sec. The S gets to the same speed in 4.9sec. Despite the extra power, Maserati claims the MC Stradale’s fuel consumption is identical to the S’s.

Some muscular styling upgrades have been applied to the MC Stradale. Its revised front end includes a more pronounced grille and deeper bumper, while new side skirts also contribute to the car’s lower, more sporting stance. New lightweight alloy wheels feature, too.

Read Autocar's first drive of the Maserati GranTurismo S

At the rear, the MC Stradale gets a new bumper and diffuser design in the style of the Ferrari 430 Scuderia. Like that car, its twin central exhausts are mounted at the top of the diffuser. All the styling changes help to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve downforce.

Maserati says tweaks to the GranTurismo S’s chassis have also been made to improve the car’s agility and to produce “razor-sharp handling” without compromising ride quality.

The MC Stradale will be launched in the UK next spring. It will cost about £105,000, which is around 20 per cent higher than the S’s list price.

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