MSD

Yesterday at Fiorano saw the track debut of the Maserati that will take part in
the FIA GT championships. The car, which at the moment goes by the
codename of the MCC project, will be unveiled at the forthcoming Geneva Motor
Show, along with the Trident marque?s latest road-going Granturismo car
(MCS) on which it is closely based.

The two versions were produced as the result of a synergy between the Maserati
engineers and those from the Modena company?s race department, under the
technical direction of engineer Giorgio Ascanelli.

The race debut is scheduled for the second half of the 2004 FIA GT
Championship, prior to taking part in the whole series the following year. The
Maserati team will line up two cars as an official presence, as permitted in the
current regulations, while others will be run in the hands of private teams. The
MCC meets all the preparation requirements for homologation in the GT Supercar
category and its development will be entrusted to Andrea Bertolini, the sports test
driver for the Ferrari-Maserati Group.

The car has a carbon chassis, with a total weight of 1100 kg and features
interesting aerodynamics. It features welded steel push-rod suspension and is
fitted with Pirelli PZero tyres.

The engine is a 65 degree V12 with a capacity of 5998 cc, coupled to a manual six
speed sequential gearbox. This type of layout has been a trademark of Maserati?s
racing history. In fact, in 1956, it produced its first 12 cylinder (a 60 degree V,)
which made its Formula 1 debut the following year, fitted to the final version of the
250F. The engine, known as the Tipo 2 (2491 cc,) was an example of the very
latest technology at the time. Ten years after it was built, this engine was still
competitive, through various evolutions, all with a three litre capacity. In 1961, the
Tipo 58 was fitted to the Birdcage Tipo 63, which competed in the Le Mans 24
Hours. The Tipo 9 and the Tipo 10 were both used in Cooper chassis respectively
winning the 1966 Mexican Grand Prix with John Surtees and the 1967 South
African Grand Prix with Pedro Rodriguez. Only the 1493 cc Tipo 8, which was
developed in 1961, did not get past the experimental stage.

The MCS/MCC project came together in a very short space of time, with
preliminary work beginning in May 2002. In September that year the road going
car?s styling buck was ready, while work on computer design was underway in
January 2003, taking two months to complete. Last September saw two MCS
prototypes take shape. One of them began road testing in November, while the
other passed the crash tests in December. Halfway through 2004, 25 cars will
have been built to meet the minimum requirement for racing homologation. The
first competition car however was already underway in November 2003 and
currently, the Maserati Racing Department is working on the build of the second
MCC chassis.


It's rumored that the street version (MCS) will outperform the Enzo both in benchmark tests and on the track. I guess we'll just have to wait for a head-to-head showdown between the two.

Atomic Pinkie

now that, is a sexy car.

:P

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krwlz

I like it... Personaly, it looks better then the Enzo too.

Cycler

Ahhh Maserati, I think that was the first name of a car that I learned to say. Dead sexy automobile. I agree with krwlz, looks better than the Enzo.

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krwlz

"...my maserati does 185,
i lost my license, now I dont drive..."

Peryn

wow, looks awesome. Gotta love the pickle fork

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Ilow

thanks for the history as well as the cool pics. That is such an awesome looking car (IMHO). It's like a modified batmobile. We kind of miss out on these "builders competitions" over in the states. If those were American companies we'd probably already have a match race set up between them!

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theblackmax455

the street version of this could be seriously bad ass if they do it right.....what the hell it will be awesome pretty much no matter.......too bad i have no money to throw down on a Maserati!!

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Qazwsxedc

does this car looks sexy? you bet.. better than the Enzo? imo, no.

krwlz

Since most likely neither of us will ever drive either... Ill leave it to the writers to decide which is better. Personaly, this one looks better, and Ill bet performs similarly.

End User

I'm with Qazwsxedc on this one....but perhaps the street version will get rid of the ricey wing and stickers.

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WarWagon

IMO, that is the sweetest exotic I've ever seen, and I'm a diehard McLaren fan. It looks sleek and exotic, but just has that brute force look to it. I can only hope that it'll outperform the Enzo.

Scorps

Badass car

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jfelco

sweet as sugar

castex

This is a road car that has been lowered and stretched. The parent company has slapped-on a Maserati trident in a cynical marketing excercise. This car is ugly (look at the size of its aerodynamic arse!), irrelevant, and has no integrity whatsoever.
I do rather like the finned outlets in the nose, however.

Tech

more information... there are 2 cars, the MCC and the MC-12. the MCC is the race car and the MC-12 is the road version... here's the MC-12 (for those who hoped they'd get rid of the sticker and wing) more info at the bottom...









Source: Maserati

Maserati has designed a new road-going Grand Tourer known as the MC12 from which a GT racing version has also been developed. The result is that 37 long years after its last victory in an international championship (1967, Cooper Maserati F1, South African Grand Prix), the Trident is returning to the track.

The Ferrari Maserati Group’s wealth of knowledge and technological excellence have been poured into the design of the new car. In addition to this, its styling was developed in the wind tunnel from a Giugiaro idea by the Maserati technicians with the fundamental contribution of Frank Stephenson, the Ferrari Maserati Group’s own Director of Concept Design and Development. The European type-approved version of the new car goes on sale after the summer.

Designed for high level road use, it can exceed 330 km/h at full throttle, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.8 seconds. Although easy and pleasant to drive on the road, the MC12 is also a brilliantly dynamic car. It handles very sweetly and fluidly yet the driver can still feel all the power of a genuinely sporty thoroughbred under the surface. The new model adds the definitive flourish to Maserati’s return to the racing circuits after the recent and highly successful debut in the Daytona 24 Hour Race, of the Trofeo Light, inspired by the equally impressive single-series protagonist. Under the guidance of engineer Giorgio Ascanelli, Maserati’s Racing Division is currently developing the new car to meet the rules of the major international championships.



The client version for road use will be available exclusively in a white and blue livery, harking back to an old Trident tradition. In fact, blue and white are the colours of the America Camoradi (Casner Motor Racing Division) Scuderia which raced the famous Maserati Tipo 60-61 Birdcages in the very early 1960s with Stirling Moss as their lead driver. Around 30 MC12s will be built in all, 25 of which will be for road use. A second series of 25 examples for clients will be built in 2005 also.

LIGHT, RIGID STRUCTURE

The Maserati MC12 is a two-seater long-tail coupe-spider with a long wheel base (2800 mm). It has a typical racing/sporty set-up with a removable hard top. It is also powered by an impressive 630 hp six-litre mid-rear V12 engine and boasts 41%-front and 59%-rear weight distribution. Highly advanced composites and alloys have enhanced its structural rigidity and kept its overall weight down. The MC12’s bodywork is entirely carbon fibre, while its stress-bearing chassis is made from a carbon fibre and Nomex honeycomb sandwich. Two aluminium sub-chassis’s support the ancillaries, help absorb bumps, and guarantee an excellent standard of safety.

STYLING AND AERODYNAMICS

As a result of its imposing dimensions (5143 mm long, 2100 mm wide and 1205 mm high), the MC12’s styling is very much functionally-inspired. Intensive wind tunnel testing and advanced mathematical computations, combined with work on the track and road, have resulted in an extraordinarily efficient form that absolutely exudes power and personality. The air intakes, vents and other aerodynamic components have been designed to optimise the car’s internal fluid dynamics and air flows to ensure optimal downforce (vertical load) and aerodynamic efficiency values.

The bonnet is characterised by the sinuous lines formed by two large tapering apertures, culminating in the classic Maserati grille opening with a Trident at its centre. The bonnet and wheelarches, into which the Bi-Xenon headlamp units are set, are a one-piece moulding which is also removable.

A channel along the side of the car stretches from the front wheel vent to an inlet just in front of the rear wheel. This solution contributes to aerodynamic downforce whilst also improving aerodynamic efficiency.

Above the hard top, there is a snorkel for the engine compartment. The rear section is dominated by the engine and the slender (30 mm) yet imposing two-metre carbon wing with two fins and, at its base, a small spoiler in which the third stop light has been inserted. The inverted half moon design of the exhausts is the most striking part of the tail section. The whole underside of the car has been faired in and sealed and there are two generous diffusers also which deliver maximum “ground effect.”

630 HP SIX-LITRE ENGINE

The MC12 benefits from all of the Ferrari Maserati Group’s most advanced technologies and competition experience. It boasts a powerful naturally aspirated 12-cylinder 65° V engine that displaces 5998 cc and punches out 465 kW at 7500 rpm. Designed to meet the specific needs and characteristics of a road-going Maserati, it also offers absolutely excellent drivability. The MC12 delivers a maximum torque of 652 Nm at 5500 rpm and remains exceptionally nimble and fluid, even at low engine speeds. It has an aluminium crankcase, titanium con rods, and extremely aerodynamically efficient four-valve cylinder heads to boot. Distribution is by way of four overhead camshafts per cylinder which are gear-driven, a solution that offers perfect timing control. The dry sump lubrication also boasts a highly efficient scavenger pump.

CAMBIOCORSA TRANSMISSION

In line with the MC12’s performance-oriented design, it is supplied exclusively with the six-speed Maserati Cambiocorsa transmission offering computerised gear selection. The driver doesn’t need to touch the clutch with this electro-hydraulic gearbox and instead selects the gears using the paddles mounted behind the steering wheel. The transmission’s two modes are selected at the touch of a button. The Sport mode will be the driver’s most frequent choice and includes a good dose of traction control, while the Race setting enhances the kind of sporty behaviour typically seen on the track. In Race mode, in fact, the system delivers much nippier gear changing and activates the ASR also.

WHEELS AND SUSPENSION

The MC12 has independent wishbone suspension front and rear with anti-dive and anti-squat geometries and push-rod suspension. This set-up offers very progressive suspension response for exceptional handling precision under all conditions. The front of the car can be raised for parking ramps and the 19” wheels are attached via a single centre locking wheel nut. It also boasts Pirelli tyres: 245/35 (front) and 345/35 (rear).

BRAKES

The MC12’s brakes were developed by Brembo. They deliver maximum braking efficiency and fade resistance, thanks to large ventilated cross-drilled discs (front diameter 380 mm and rear 335). Six and four-piston alloy callipers (front/rear). The MC12 also boasts ABS.

INTERIOR AND ACCESSORIES

The cabin boasts an easily removable top, which instantly converts the MC12 from a coupe to a spider. The cabin itself is the epitome of elegance and sportiness. It is simple and understated, typical of an extreme car yet also displaying the meticulous care and finish that have become a classic Trident signature. There is exceptional harmony between the high tech-effect carbon features, the perforated leather trim and the stunning yet high-grip tough technical fabric too.

The upper part of the leather and carbon-trimmed steering wheel is slightly flattened. The dashboard, with its clean tailored lines, is characteristically Maserati. The instruments are organised around a central and prominent speedometer, placed directly in front of the driver. The center console includes the controls for the climate control system, and two of its four vents. Set at the intersection of the console and the central tunnel is the characteristic oval clock, and the blue engine Start button. Other controls are laid out on the titanium-coloured stylised central tunnel which also includes a storage compartment and a 12 volt outlet.

The seats have a carbon fibre structure with high lateral containment: the seats themselves are upholstered in fabric with the shoulder rests in perforated leather. The doors have carbon fibre panels and pockets complete with the electric window buttons. The pedals are aluminium and the mats rubber.

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WarWagon

Thats still badass, but I'll take the track version in raw carbon fiber any day.

Scorps

Wow liking the road versions paint job

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Esoteric

I like that paint job as well on the road version. That is a damn nice car.

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Scorps

yes now buy me one

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CrazySaturn

Could they have chosen sexier colors? I do not believe so...

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twilightfoix

so, who do i have to kill to get that MC-12

HunterDevourer

Wonder if you'll be able to get an MC12 bodykit for a civic soon...
:P
Very nice car.

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TopRamen66

Well, I can say Maserati has kicked Ferrari's ass in the styling dept.

Scorps

Yup

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theblackmax455

Still would much rather have the track version..........when you are buying a supercar, who gives a fuck whats on the inside?

As far as styling goes though, it has some of the same lines as maybe an S7? or maybe im just retarded.......

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Scorps

I like the interior I just want to know where the shifter is

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big_bubba

The shifter is probably a paddle on either side of the steering wheel that you pull on, I've seen that on a few cars.

They're both kinda nice, and I'd kill for either of them, but car manufacturers really need to stop making 200mph running shoes. If the only way to tell a car from your Nikes is by the fact that one is huge and has wheels, something is wrong.

Scorps

Oh ya the paddles...just like a F1 car!


Oh ya more pics:
MC12(road version)

MC12

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thadon

can you say unobtainable .. another killer ride I'll never be able to afford

3x0

nice car, but i still find lamborghini desing most interesting.

Scorps

So true

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twilightfoix

Maserati must be on a quest fro something cause i also noticed that in the april 2004 issue of car and driver maserati is also coming out with a new spyder model, due around 2006. needless to say it was heavily disguised, maserati also got that new quattroporte too. they're obviously on a push for something.

Scorps

Well they make nice cars....but they cost to much. I like there sedan's!

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