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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”.
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.
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.
The most technologically advanced vehicle to leave the Viale
Ciro Menotti headquarters has a name that is already legendary:
MC12.
The MC12 is a splendid example of the synergy that exists between the engineers at the racing department and those in industrial
management who collaborated to create the car.
Combining mechanical
components developed from the experience gained during the production of the
superb Gran Turismos with cutting edge technology from the track, the team
constructed the supercar in record time. The MC12 is now a benchmark in the
exclusive car sector.
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).
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 does not 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.
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 mm). Six and
four-piston alloy callipers (front/rear). The MC12 also boasts ABS.
Maserati has created the MC12 Versione Corse. This special model is a
built-to-order supercar for a select number of Maserati clients and will allow
its owners to test their driving ability in the most exclusive gentlemen
drivers’ environment.
The MC12 Versione Corse has been developed from
the MC12 GT1 that won the 2005 and 2007 FIA GT Manufacturers’ Cup.
It
will be used exclusively on the track during private test sessions or for
exhibition events organised by Maserati. It will not be homologated for road use
or for any racing activities.
The Maserati MC12 Versione Corse, living testimony of Maserati’s capacity to individually tailor-make specially produced
high-tech cars, was produced in the official Maserati ‘Blue Victory’ colour.
However, the client can personalise the car with several optional extras,
starting with the colour.
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