The GranTurismo MC is offered with an optional carbon-fibre bonnet; it’s modelled on the MC Trofeo racer and features an aggressive central air intake with twin side vents. In our opinion, if you’re going for the MC you’d be crazy not to tick that option.  Yes, it saves weight but more importantly it looks sensational. Two further exterior features of the MC are the carbon-fibre front splitter and headlamp trims.

The front spoiler, side skirts and slots in the re-profiled front bumper are claimed to maximise downforce at high speed and cool the brakes. The side skirts also integrate with the vents to channel airflow under the car’s body, aiding high-speed stability. The MC rolls on striking 20″ Trofeo alloy wheels and is offered in three striking finishes; Blue Assoluto, Blue Inchiostro, Rosso Italiano and Rosso Magma.

Inside, the MC continues with the race-inspired theme with the option of upholstery in a combination of Poltrona Frau leather and Alcantara™ as well as the standard Poltrona Frau. The sports seats have the option of carbon-fibre backs, and there’s a choice of three steering wheel designs; in leather, leather and Alcantara™ or leather and carbon fibre.

The GranTurismo Sport and MC are both powered by the same potent naturally-aspirated 4.7-litre V8, developing 460hp at 7,000rpm and 520Nm of peak torque at 4,750rpm. Transmission is a six-speed ZF automatic. However, the lighter weight and slipperier aerodynamics of the GranTurismo MC give it the edge in both acceleration and top speed; it blasts from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds, a tenth of a second faster than the Sport, and reaches 187mph compared with the Sport’s 185mph. But it’s not what you do in the MC, it’s the way that you do it; both the MC and the Sport would be perfect for a fast drive down from Calais to the Côte d’Azur, but at the wheel of the MC, you’d probably want to drop past Paul Ricard for a few fast laps, too.