Maserati MC12

Overview

Maserati's MC12 was a limited edition 'homologation special' conceived with the sole purpose of providing the famous Italian manufacturer with a competitive car for international GT racing. Two batches of 25 cars each were built in 2004 and 2005 respectively, each batch with slightly differing specifications to meet FIA rule changes, for a total of only 50 cars. Styled by Maserati Centro Stile, the MC12 was based on the Ferrari Enzo, albeit larger overall, and used developments of the Enzo's normally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 engine and its associated six-speed automated manual gearbox. Maximum power output in Stradale specification was 621bhp. Performance figures of 0-100km/h (62mph) in 3.8 seconds and a maximum speed of 330km/h (205 mph) were claimed.

Three and a half decades after Maserati celebrated its last win in an international championship, the iconic brand made a triumphant return to the forefront of motorsport with a GT racing vehicle inspired by the celebrated Ferrari Enzo. The last time Maserati tasted victory on such a stage was in 1967 when Pedro Rodriguez clinched the South African Grand Prix in a Maserati-powered Cooper T81.

Ferrari entered the GT racing scene with the Michelotto-prepared 360 GT in 2002 and the less successful 575 GTC in 2004. The involvement of the Fiat Group escalated with the introduction of a high-performance version of the Ferrari Enzo under the Maserati banner, leading to the unveiling of the Tipo M144S MC12 at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2004. For homologation purposes, 25 road-legal versions of the MC12 were required.

Leveraging the extensive technological resources of the Ferrari Maserati Group, the MC12 was designed to compete in the fiercely competitive GT racing arena, going head-to-head with formidable opponents such as the Ferrari 550 GT, Aston Martin DBR9, Chevrolet C6 Corvette, and several Saleen S7s. The MC12 distinguished itself from the Enzo not only in dimensions but also in its construction, opting for steel brake discs, new gear ratios, and a lowered redline among other modifications.

The MC12's monocoque chassis was constructed of carbon fibre and Nomex, with aluminium sub-frames front and rear. The chassis of the MC12 was extended by 150mm over the Enzo's and with its structure composed of carbon fiber and Nomex, contrasting with the Enzo's carbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb. Despite these differences, both cars shared a double wishbone suspension system and similar braking setups, albeit with the MC12 adhering to FIA GT regulations by using cast iron discs. Two suspension modes were available: 'sport' (road) or 'race' (track).

Under the hood, the MC12 housed a similar V12 engine to the Enzo but tuned differently to meet the specific demands of GT racing. This resulted in slightly different power outputs and torque ratings. The MC12 also featured a unique bodywork and interior styling, paying homage to Maserati's racing heritage with its distinct white and blue livery and performance-focused design.

Its 'homologation special' status notwithstanding, the road going MC12 boasted a most luxurious interior combining carbon fibre, blue leather and silver 'Brightex', a synthetic material said to be 'too expensive for the fashion industry'. Nevertheless, Maserati were criticised at the time for not providing an audio system, or room to accommodate an after-market one, while other criticisms concerned the lack of a boot, rear window and spare tyre, but then the MC12 was never intended to be a serious Gran Turismo.

Rather, it did exactly what its maker intended, winning the FIA GT Manufacturers' Cup in 2005 by a comfortable margin over runners-up Ferrari, while the two teams running MC12s, Vitaphone Racing and JMB Racing, finished 1st and 2nd respectively in the Team Cup competition. Vitaphone would go on to win the Team Cup with the MC12 for the next four years, while MC12 drivers Michael Bartels and Andrea Bertolini would share 1st place in the Drivers' Championship in 2006, 2008 and 2009. In 2007 Maserati again secured the Manufacturers' Cup while Thomas Biagi won the Drivers' Championship. To say that the MC12 had been immensely successful would be somewhat of an understatement.

In 2006, a limited-production series of vehicles was developed for private customers looking for the ultimate track experience. The MC12 Versione Corse, intended for non-competitive track use only, was derived from the MC12 GT1 racing car that won the 2005 FIA GT world endurance championship. It was neither road-legal, nor limited by the technical regulations for competing in international GT racing, and was the purest expression of a purpose-built track car with truly exhilarating performance. With 755 hp, the naturally aspirated V12 engine of the Versione Corse was more powerful than the units used in the Stradale road car and in the GT1 race car, since it was not limited by intake air restrictors mandatory for the latter. Weighing just a bit more than 2,500 pounds, acceleration from 0 to 124 mph (200km/h) took just 6.4 seconds. How many Maserati MC12 were made? A total of only 13 examples of MC12 Versione Corse were built: one prototype and 12 customer vehicles." – Maserati.