2013 Maserati Mc Stradale, $154k Msrp, 2400 Miles, Alcantara & Carbon Fiber Pkg! on 2040-cars

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2013 Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale gets its groove, seats back

The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale was exclusively a two-seater, but here in Geneva, the big Italian coupe gets its rear thrones back. We don't know if the addition of rear passenger space will help improve sales of this special trim of the aging GT, but it's at the very least an excuse for Maserati to shine a few lights on its gorgeous two-door.
Under that rakish carbon fiber bonnet is the same Ferrari-sourced 4.7-liter V8 we've loved for years now, tuned to 460 horsepower in this application and mated to Maserati's MC Race Shift six-speed automatic transmission. Other updates for the MC Stradale include new 20-inch alloy wheels and a smattering of new materials inside the cabin.
Yes, it feels like we write about some version of the GranTurismo every time we attend the Geneva Motor Show, but this car still tickles our fancy each and every time. Scroll down for the press blast and check out the four-seater for yourself in the high-resolution gallery.

Maserati MC20 gets the Mansory treatment and a 720-hp V6

German tuner Mansory has added the Maserati MC20 to its range of heavily-modified exotic cars. Called First Edition, the coupe receives a body kit made largely of carbon fiber to keep weight in check, a completely redesigned interior, and a generous 99-horsepower bump. Power comes from an evolution of the regular-production MC20's excellent Nettuno engine. The twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter V6 develops 720 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, up from 621 and 528, respectively, in the stock MC20. Mansory made several software changes and fitted a high-performance exhaust system developed in-house to achieve the increase. The mid-mounted V6 spins the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. It sends the coupe from zero to 62 mph in 2.7 seconds and on to a 205-mph top speed. Odds are you can hear the First Edition coming before you see it, and once it comes into sight it's impossible to ignore. The tuner fitted a body kit that includes wider front air intakes, an aggressive-looking front splitter, vents integrated into the fenders, a new engine cover with a scoop that gives the V6 additional cooling air, a massive rear wing, and a wide air diffuser. Some of the carbon fiber parts are left unpainted to give the First Edition an even more striking design, while 21-inch front and 22-inch rear wheels add a finishing touch to the custom look. Inside, nearly every component and surface has been redesigned to some extent. The seats, dashboard, door panels, and even the footwells are lined with what Mansory calls "glove-soft" leather upholstery. Most of it is yellow, which was chosen to echo some of the exterior trim, but the tuner added white accents for contrast and Italian flag-colored stripes to both seats and the two massive shift paddles.  Mansory hasn't released pricing details but nothing suggests the MC20 First Edition is cheap; the standard car carries a base price of about $220,000. Looking ahead, the firm plans to release a full range of modified MC20s including at least one based on the Cielo convertible.

Stellantis reveals STLA Large platform with EV and ICE support

Hot on the heels of a Jeep Wagoneer S teaser and photos of the prototype next-generation Dodge Charger (or Challenger), comes a reveal and details of what will likely underpin both of them: the STLA Large platform. It's one of multiple Stellantis flexible architectures that will be the basis of its upcoming electric cars, and apparently internal combustion ones, too. Stellantis says the STLA Large platform will be for D- and E-segment cars, crossovers and SUVs. In other words, it will be for midsize and large vehicles. For reference, lengths supported will be from 187.6 to 201.8 inches, and width will range from 74.7 to 79.9 inches. It will be highly flexible, too, with Stellantis claiming significant amounts of adjustability in overhangs, wheelbase, suspension placement and powertrain arrangement. The powertrain flexibility is quite impressive. Front-, rear- and all-wheel-drive layouts will be supported. Single- and dual-motor layouts will be on offer. Internal combustion will be available, too, either on its own or as a hybrid. Apparently engines can be fitted either longitudinally or transversely, too. Battery packs with between 85 and 118 kWh of capacity will be offered, with Stellantis claiming that sedan-style vehicles could have a range of up to 500 miles. The packs will also be available in 400- and 800-volt designs. Stellantis noted also that the platform can "easily accept future energy storage technologies when they reach production readiness." This seems to hint that the company is looking at different battery chemistries and maybe even solid-state batteries that could be added more easily in the future. Furthermore, the platform is designed to handle impressive output. Stellantis says that some models on the platform will have 0-to-62 mph times in the 2-second range. Limited-slip differentials for improved power delivery and wheel-end disconnects for reduced mechanical drag are also on the table for this platform. All of these details fit well with the information previously given for the concept Dodge Charger Daytona Banshee and Jeep Wagoneer S. The former was previewed with both battery voltage architectures and a wide range of electric powertrains with between 456 and 670 horsepower depending on specification and upgrades. And that's just for the 400-volt system; the 800-volt option wasn't detailed. We've also seen photos of the Charger chassis seemingly with provisions for gas engines, likely versions of the Hurricane I6.