Discover the Maserati MC12

 

Few vehicles can rival the speed and style of the illustrious MC12, a supercar that
proudly bears the Maserati badge. After a 37-year hiatus, the MC12 was created to mark
Maserati’s return to the racetrack. In fact, the MC12 was a secondary project; the “Stradale”, or
road-going version, was developed to homologate the race version. Between 2004 and 2005, to
compete in the Fia GT Championship, Maserati released a limited run of 50 cars. Collectors
swooned over what was sure to be an automotive masterpiece, a collectible Maserati that
combined early racing heritage with first-class craftmanship. All fifty cars were swiftly spoken
for.

Under the guidance of Ferrari SpA, the MC12 established Maserati’s presence in the
supercar market. In terms of mechanics, the MC12 was heavily based on the Ferrari Enzo, using
the same gearbox, chassis, track, and Ferrari-built 6.0-liter V12 engine. The MC12’s bodywork
was attributed to Frank Stephenson, Maserati’s head of design. However, the initial shape and
aesthetic of the MC12 was presented by Italian sports car designer Giorgetto Giugiaro during
wind tunnel testing. Different designs were explored to discover which could provide the
aerodynamic performance required for racing. Although the plan was to build two separate
models, the Maserati Corse Competizione and the Maserati Corse Stradale, both were eventually
dubbed the Maserati MC12.

A daring venture into design, the MC12 is notable for its sharp nose, smooth curves, and
massive 78-inch rear spoiler. Its wide, intimidating grille features the brand’s trademark trident,
while deeply set headlamps and small, circular taillights compliment the large diffuser and wing.
A key distinction between the Enzo and the MC12 is the presence of a removable hardtop.
Wider, longer, and slighter taller than the Enzo, the MC12 creates greater downforce across its
body, in addition to that caused by the spoiler. The only externally visible component the MC12
shares with the Enzo is the windshield. Each MC12 is carefully crafted and hand-finished in a
two-tone “Bianco Fuji / Blu Victory” colour scheme, chosen to honour the America Camoradi
racing team that garnered resounding victories for Maserati in the 1960s.

The MC12’s interior is simple, sophisticated, and elegant. The dashboard is swathed in
blue leather and carbon fibre to accompany the flat-topped steering wheel, door panel centres,
edges of the console, and carbon fibre bucket seats. An oval-shaped Maserati clock can be found
in the centre console, while the instruments and blue engine button are placed around a
speedometer in front of the driver. Air conditioning, electric mirrors, and electric windows come
standard in the MC12. Though understated, the MC12’s cabin provides the ideal balance
between comfort and luxury.

This limited-production two-seater represents the Modena-based brand in its most
extreme performance form. Today, the MC12 remains Maserati’s fastest road car, generating 624
horsepower and reaching a top speed of over 330km per hour. With only 50 examples produced,
the Maserati MC12 is an exclusive and unforgettable chapter in automotive history.

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