THIS week I am featuring the brand-new 2013 Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale, the latest model in the redesigned GranTurismo range.

This beast is equipped with the same front-mounted 4.7-litre, 32 valve eight-cylinder engine which was in the previous MC Stradale models, except this model produces seven more kilowatts (10 horsepower) and 11 more Newton metres of torque (eight pound-feet of torque).

This means that the rocket-like engine produces 338 kilowatts (460 horsepower) at 7000rpm and 520 Newton metres of torque (384 pound-feet of torque) at 4750rpm.

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale.

Connected to the engine is a six-speed automatic transmission with MC Auto Shift Software, which sends all the power and torque that the engine produces straight to the rear wheels.

If you have selected "race" mode from the selection of Auto, Sport and Race modes (which I will talk about later), this gearbox can shift within just 60 milliseconds. Also, this particular model has a curb weight of 1880 kilograms, which is quite heavy for a sports car.

This allows the 2013 Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale to launch from 0-100 kilometres per hour in about 4.5 seconds, and it will keep accelerating until it reaches its top speed of 303 kilometres per hour (188 miles per hour).

This is approximately the same 0-100 kilometre per hour launch time as the previous MC Stradale, but this new 2013 model has two kilometres per hour (one mile per hour) higher top speed.

As I was saying before, this Maserati has a few different driving modes to choose from. First up we have the 'Auto' mode, which sets the gearbox in auto mode, and has the lowest throttle response available for no 'jerking' in traffic. Next we have 'Sport', which puts the gearbox in manual mode to use the carbon fibre shifting paddles behind the steering wheel. It also speeds up the gear changes and also the throttle response. Lastly we have my personal favourite, 'Race'. This setting makes the steering heavier for greater control of the car, sets the gearbox at the fastest shifting speed possible and also the fastest throttle response available.

Some other features that this particular GranTurismo is equipped with includes 20-inch, 20 spoke MC Design alloy wheels wrapped in performance tires, the MC Aerodynamic package, Nero paint, a carbon fibre rear spoiler, variable intermittent rain sensing wipers, double-wishbone front and rear suspension, a leather/alcantara interior with red stitching and carbon fibre inserts, dual-zone climate controls and much more.

You can currently buy this exact 2013 Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale from Euromarque Brisbane for $404,767.

Jesse See is a teenage car enthusiast. His blogs and website can be found at www.jessesee.com