Maserati MC12
07-10-2006 | 10:33 PM
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Maserati MC12
Save your penny's peasants:
MC12 Stradale at Geneva
Dozen Matter
Decades had to pass until Maserati finally revived the dozen cylinders. Here are the first facts, freshly served from the Geneva Motor Show.
The name MC12 might look Scottish, but body, power and price of this breathtaking mid-engined sports car are truly Italian. For homologation reasons, twenty-five street versions of this race machine will be sold, increasing the value of selected car collectors’ garages. In 2005 a second series of another 25 examples for clients is planned.
The organ donor of the V12 is called Enzo, on the way from Maranello to Modena, the 6.0 litre engine loses 30 bhp – no problem, 630 bhp are good enough for a 0–60 mph acceleration of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of more than 205 mph.
MC’s bodywork is entirely carbon fibre, while it’s stress-bearing chassis is made from a carbon fibre and Nomex honeycomb sandwich, two aluminum sub-chassis support the ancillaries. The imposing result: a dry weight of only 2940 pounds, perfectly distributed between front and rear in a ratio of 41% to 59%. The design of this big sports car (202.5 inches long, 82.5 inches wide and 47.4 inches high) obviously has only one goal, namely to combine optimal down-force with aerodynamic efficiency.
Engine torque (a maximum of 66.5 kgm is ready at 5500 rpm) is distributed by a six-speed electro-hydraulic gearbox, vulgo Cambiocorsa, with shift paddles behind the steering wheel. A switch allows the pilot to choose between two modes, while the sportier one causes quicker gear changing, as well as influences Bosch’s traction control.
Brakes have been developed by Brembo, front disc diameter is 15 inches and rear is 13.2, six four-piston alloy calipers are fitted on each disc. Front tire size is 245/35 R 19, the rubber colleagues on the rear axle are 345ers. If you plan to use this as your daily driver you’ll be interested in the turning radius and fuel tank capacity. Well, 39.4 feet and 30 gallons won’t cause hard restrictions in the city and traveling. Of course, entering the MC12 two-seater cockpit has only one goal: to steer for a race circuit. If only Briggs Cunningham would have had the opportunity to see this car – and once more supply us with finest Maserati V12 sound from Sebring to LeMans.
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 Maserati technicians with the support 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.
Exterior
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.”
Interior
The cabin boasts an easily removable top, which instantly converts the MC12 from a coupé 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.
Motor
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.
More pics here: http://maseratinet.com/MCI/mc12stradale.asp
MC12 Stradale at Geneva
Dozen Matter
Decades had to pass until Maserati finally revived the dozen cylinders. Here are the first facts, freshly served from the Geneva Motor Show.
The name MC12 might look Scottish, but body, power and price of this breathtaking mid-engined sports car are truly Italian. For homologation reasons, twenty-five street versions of this race machine will be sold, increasing the value of selected car collectors’ garages. In 2005 a second series of another 25 examples for clients is planned.
The organ donor of the V12 is called Enzo, on the way from Maranello to Modena, the 6.0 litre engine loses 30 bhp – no problem, 630 bhp are good enough for a 0–60 mph acceleration of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of more than 205 mph.
MC’s bodywork is entirely carbon fibre, while it’s stress-bearing chassis is made from a carbon fibre and Nomex honeycomb sandwich, two aluminum sub-chassis support the ancillaries. The imposing result: a dry weight of only 2940 pounds, perfectly distributed between front and rear in a ratio of 41% to 59%. The design of this big sports car (202.5 inches long, 82.5 inches wide and 47.4 inches high) obviously has only one goal, namely to combine optimal down-force with aerodynamic efficiency.
Engine torque (a maximum of 66.5 kgm is ready at 5500 rpm) is distributed by a six-speed electro-hydraulic gearbox, vulgo Cambiocorsa, with shift paddles behind the steering wheel. A switch allows the pilot to choose between two modes, while the sportier one causes quicker gear changing, as well as influences Bosch’s traction control.
Brakes have been developed by Brembo, front disc diameter is 15 inches and rear is 13.2, six four-piston alloy calipers are fitted on each disc. Front tire size is 245/35 R 19, the rubber colleagues on the rear axle are 345ers. If you plan to use this as your daily driver you’ll be interested in the turning radius and fuel tank capacity. Well, 39.4 feet and 30 gallons won’t cause hard restrictions in the city and traveling. Of course, entering the MC12 two-seater cockpit has only one goal: to steer for a race circuit. If only Briggs Cunningham would have had the opportunity to see this car – and once more supply us with finest Maserati V12 sound from Sebring to LeMans.
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 Maserati technicians with the support 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.
Exterior
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.”
Interior
The cabin boasts an easily removable top, which instantly converts the MC12 from a coupé 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.
Motor
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.
More pics here: http://maseratinet.com/MCI/mc12stradale.asp
07-11-2006 | 05:43 PM
#3
Junior GTcars Poster
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 264
From: Mississauga
Rep Power: 675
That episode you talking about was NOT Top Gear, rather Fifth Gear.
Meh, I could care less for this car, Give me the Original Enzo any day.
No Rear Window, Big as a Truck,
Clutch will only last 3 standing starts,like the Enzo,
Hard as **** Suspension
Crappy F1 Tranny, try to pick Reverse, thats a whole new story.
And this car is old news now.
There is a new MC12 coming out, a More Lunatic one.
I'll post it later.
Meh, I could care less for this car, Give me the Original Enzo any day.
No Rear Window, Big as a Truck,
Clutch will only last 3 standing starts,like the Enzo,
Hard as **** Suspension
Crappy F1 Tranny, try to pick Reverse, thats a whole new story.
And this car is old news now.
There is a new MC12 coming out, a More Lunatic one.
I'll post it later.
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