Maserati MC12
Unveiled
at the 2004 Geneva motor show, it was a very exclusive mid-engine model
originally intended to be hand-built in just 25 units, all of which
sold-out before its launch. Due to the MC12’s considerable success,
immediately followed up with numerous victories in the FIA’s GT1 class, a
second batch of 25 cars was built in 2005.
Designed
for high level road use, the MC12 exceeded 330 kmh at full throttle,
sprinting from 0 to 100 kmh in just 3.8 seconds. The MC12 benefited from
the Ferrari-Maserati Group’s most advanced technologies and competition
experience. Its naturally aspirated 6 litre V12 punched out 465 kW at
7500 rpm, yet offered absolutely excellent drivability, remaining
exceptionally lively and fluid even at low engine speeds. An aluminium
crankcase, titanium con-rods and extremely efficient fourvalve cylinder
heads were all part of its
design. Four gear-driven overhead camshafts provided perfect timing
control. The unit was mated to Maserati’s proven six-speed Cambiocorsa
transmission, offering computerised gear selection. In Race mode, the
system was mapped to deliver much faster gear changes and to activate
the ASR.
The
MC12’s independent wishbone front and rear suspension with anti-dive
and anti-squat geometries and push-rod set-up offered an extremely
progressive suspension response for exceptionally precise handling in
all conditions. The stress-bearing chassis was made from a carbon fibre
and Nomex honeycomb sandwich, while the two-seater coupé/spyder
bodywork was constructed entirely from carbon fibre, and featured a
removable hard top. The car’s styling was developed in the wind tunnel
from an idealoriginally from Giugiaro by Maserati’s own technicians with
the invaluable contribution of
Frank Stephenson, then in charge of the Ferrari Maserati Group’s Concept
Design and Development department. Intensive wind tunnel testing and
advanced mathematical computations, combined with work on the track and
on the road resulted in an extraordinarily efficient shape that exudes
power and personality. All air intakes, vents and other aerodynamic
components had been designed to optimise the car’s internal fluid dynamics and air flows to ensure optimal downforce (vertical load)
and aerodynamic efficiency values. The whole underside of the car had
been faired in and sealed with the fitting of two generous diffusers for
maximum ground effect.
The
MC12 was Maserati’s first mid-engine road-legal GT since 1982. In June
2004, Maserati’s CEO Martin Leach personally demonstrated the car at the
Goodwood Festival of Speed. Among the lucky few worldwide clients was
Jason Kay, lead singer of British pop band Jamiroquai.
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