Maserati MC12

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Maserati MC12
Also called: MC12 Versione Competizione[1][2]
Maserati MC12 Stradale[1]
Maserati MCC (development codename)[2][3]
Manufacturer: Maserati
Parent company: Fiat
Production: 2004-2005
50 produced
Class: Supercar
Body style: Coupe
Engine: 6 L V12 465 kW (630 bhp)
Transmission: Maserati Cambiocorsa Semi-automatic transmission
Suspension: Front and Rear: Double wishbone, push-rod operated coil springs over dampers
Steering: Rack and pinion with power assist
Steering ratio 14:1[1]
2.8 turns to lock[1]
12 m (39.4 ft) circle[4]
Brakes: Front: 380 mm (15 in) discs
Rear: 335 mm (13.2 in) discs
Wheelbase: 2800 mm (110.2 in[5]
Length: 5143 mm (202.5 in)[5]
Width: 2100 mm (82.5 in)[5]
Height: 1205 mm (47.4 in)[5]
Front track: 1660 mm (65.35 in)[4]
Rear track: 1650 mm (64.96 in)[4]
Curb weight: 1335 kg (2943 lb)
Fuel economy: 23 L/100 km combined[6]
Fuel capacity: 115 L (30 U.S. gallons)[1]
Luggage Capacity: None[1][7]
Related: Enzo Ferrari
Similar: Koenigsegg CCR,
Pagani Zonda,
Saleen S7,
Bugatti Veyron
Designer: Frank Stephenson

The Maserati MC12 is a super car produced by Maserati as a road car (for homologation) from which they developed a FIA GT Championship racing variant. Despite Maserati calling it a grand tourer, the MC12 qualifies as a super car, meeting all criteria. The car entered production in 2004 with 30 to be produced (5 not for sale) and a further 25 produced in 2005. All 50 were pre-sold for €600 000.[8][9]

Maserati designed and built the car on the chassis of the Enzo Ferrari but the final car is much larger.[9] The MC12 is longer, wider and taller than the Enzo Ferrari however the Enzo is faster accelerating and has a higher top speed.[9][10]

The MC12 was developed to signal Maserati's return to racing after 37 years.[11] 3 GT1 race cars were entered into the FIA GT with great success. Maserati began racing the MC12 in the FIA GT toward the end of the 2004 season, achieving a victory at the Zhuhai International Circuit. The racing MC12's were also entered into the American Le Mans Series races in 2005 but had exceeded the size restrictions and consequently paid weight penalties.

Contents

[edit] Development

Development of the Maserati MC12 began while Maserati was under the ownership of Ferrari in order to create a race car for Maserati that would be eligible to compete in the FIA GT. Its initial name was the MCC meaning Maserati Corse Competizione and development was planned to be at the same time as the MCS, a similar alternative, under the direction of Giorgio Ascanelli.[2] The body shape was developed from an idea by Giorgetto Giugiaro during wind tunnel testing though the majority of styling was by Frank Stephenson.[12] The MCC had a very similar body shape to the MC12 but there were several key differences, most notably the rear spoiler.[2] Andrea Bertolini was the chief test driver throughout the development, frequently testing the MCC at the Fiorano Circuit.[2] As the MCC was developed further, word of the MCS ceased and eventually the final name, MC12, was announced.[2]

The car was based heavily on the Enzo Ferrari, sharing the same Ferrari Dino V12 engine with slight modifications, the same gearbox (but renaming it Maserati Cambiocorsa) and the same chassis and track (length of axle between the wheels).[9] The only externally visible component shared with the Enzo is the windshield.[1] While using the same engine, gearbox and chassis as the Enzo, the Maserati MC12 is much wider, longer and slightly taller. This extra size allows for greater downforce across the whole body, adding to that of the 2 metre spoiler.

[edit] Overview

The MC12 is a mid-engine, rear wheel drive, powered by a V12 engine in a two door coupe with a targa top roof, however the detached roof cannot be stored in the car.[1] The mid-engine design helps keep the centre of gravity near the middle of the car and the standing weight distribution is 41% front : 59% rear, however the downforce of the rear spoiler affects this at speed so that at 200 kilometres per hour (125 mph) the (equivalent) weight distribution is 44% front : 66% rear.[1]

[edit] Interior

While designed as a homologation vehicle and a modification of a racing car, the interior of the car is designed to be luxurious. The interior is a mix of gel coated carbon fibre, blue leather and silver "Brightex", a synthetic material which was found to be "too expensive for the fashion industry".[10] The centre console features the characteristic Maserati (analogue) oval clock and a blue ignition button.[12] However the interior has been criticised for a lack of a radio or car stereo and it leaves no place to install a third party sound system.[13]

[edit] Exterior

The body of the car, made entirely of carbon fibre, has undergone extensive wind tunnel testing to achieve maximum down force across all surfaces and the air scoop on top of the cabin sucks air into the engine compartment. The rear spoiler is 2 metres wide but only 30 millimetres thick, and the underside and rear have diffusers to take advantage of ground effect.[6] The exterior is available only in the white and blue colour scheme and serves as a tribute to the America Camoradi racing team of the early 1960s that drove the Maserati Tipo Birdcages.[11][14] The car is noted for the awkwardness that results from its size, being very long and wider than a Hummer H2.[13] Together with the lack of rear window, this makes parking the MC12 very difficult.[13]

[edit] Engine

The MC12 sports a 232 kilogram, 6 litre (5998 cc) Enzo Ferrari derived V12 engine mounted at 65°.[15] Each cylinder features 4 valves, lubricated via a dry sump system and with a compression ratio of 11.2:1.[4] All of this combines to provide a maximum power of 463 kilowatts (621 bhp) at 7500 rpm and a maximum torque of 652 Newton metres (481 lbf·ft) at 5500 rpm.[4] The redline rpm is indicated at 7500, despite being safe up to 7700, while the Enzo has redline at 8200 rpm.[1]

The Maserati MC12 is capable of accelerating from 0-100 kilometres per hour (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds (however Motor Trend Magazine managed 3.7 seconds) and on to 200 kilometres per hour (125 mph) in 9.9 seconds.[1][5][8] It can complete a standing (from stationary) quarter mile in 11.3 seconds at 198 kilometres per hour (124 mph) or a standing kilometre in 20.1 seconds.[1][5] The maximum speed of the Maserati MC12 is 330 kilometres per hour (205 mph).[5] All of these figures are slower than those of the Enzo Ferrari.

[edit] Chassis

An MC12 at the 2004 Paris Motor Show
Enlarge
An MC12 at the 2004 Paris Motor Show

The MC12’s chassis is a monocoque chassis made of carbon and nomex with aluminium sub-chassis at the front and rear along with an anti-roll bar to provide additional strength, comfort and safety.[1][11] Double wishbone suspension with push rod operated coil springs provide stability and the dampers smooth the ride for the passengers.[16] The front of the car can be raised for speed bumps and hills via the front suspension extending.[12] There are two modes for the chassis' tuning which can be changed with a button in the cabin; Sport, the standard setting, and Race which features less of the Bosche ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) traction control, faster shifts and stiffer suspension.[8][17]

The power is fed to the wheels through a rear mounted, six speed semi-automatic transmission. The gearbox is the same as the Enzo's transmission (tuned to different gear ratios) but renamed "Maserati Cambiocorsa", providing a shift time of just 150 milliseconds. [9][18] While the semi-automatic transmission is standard, a six speed manual is available as an option.[19] The gearbox itself is mechanical with a dry, 215 millimetre twin plate clutch.[8]

Gear 1[16] 2[16] 3[16] 4[16] 5[16] 6[16] Final Drive[16]
Ratio 3.15:1 2.18:1 1.57:1 1.19:1 0.94:1 0.71:1 4.10:1

[edit] Wheels

The MC12 has 48 centimetre (19 in) wheels with a width of 23 centimetres (9 in) at the front and 33 centimetres (13 in) at the rear. The tyres are Pirelli P Zero Corsa's with codes of 245/35 ZR 19 for the front tyres and 345/35 ZR 19 for the rear.[14] The brakes are Brembo disc brakes with a Bosche anti-lock braking (ABS).[16] The front brakes have a diameter of 380 millimetres (15 in) with 6 calipers and the rear brakes have a diameter of 335 millimetres (13.2 in) and only 4 calipers.[6][16] The centre-lock wheel nuts (that hold the wheels to the chassis) are colour coded: red nuts on the left of the car, blue on the right.[1]

[edit] Reception

The car has generally received positive reviews but its critics say it is hard to drive, overpriced and too large.[20] Other criticisms include the lack of trunk, rear window, spare tyre and radio and the way the car's engine was limited or "drugged".[1][9] Current driver for Vitaphone Racing Team, Andrea Bertolini, was the chief test driver through the development and said the car "reacts well and is very reliable in its reactions".[21]

[edit] Top Gear

Top Gear acquired an MC12 and Jeremy Clarkson, host of the show, test drove it around their track, comparing it to the Maserati Biturbo, another car he disliked.[20] The Maserati MC12 beat the Enzo Ferrari on Top Gear's test track, driven by The Stig, by 0.1 seconds with a time of 1:18.9, the Enzo produced a time of 1:19.[22] Clarkson, criticised the car heavily, pointing out its lack of a rear window and its size. He also commented that it was difficult (due to its size) and "one of the twitchiest cars" he has ever driven, meaning a small action by the driver results in an exaggerated reaction from the car. Regarding the designing of a racing car and modification to road standards he said; "Is it a racer? Is it a GT car? Is it a de-tuned Enzo in a fat suit? You can't really tell."[20] Despite his criticisms he did compliment its smooth ride:

“ This car glides over bumps, the suspension absorbing the roadworker Johnnies’ laziness without transferring a single ripple to the cool blue interior with its Milanese fashion house upholstery.[23] „

[edit] Motor Trend

Motor Trend Magazine also test drove an MC12 though with reviewer, Frank Markus, having a more positive opinion of the car saying "It turns out that the Enzo makes a more comfortable and attractive road car when made over as a butch Maserati racer in street couture."[1] Markus complimented the stability of braking and the handling ability of the MC12, especially the drifting allowed by the traction control when cornering; "There's none of the knife-edged limit handling we criticised in the more extreme Enzo. It's even more forgiving at the limit than an Acura NSX."[1]

[edit] Automobile Magazine

When Automobile Magazine test drove an MC12 they called it "user-friendly", praising it for the simplicity of driving it and its responsiveness.[7] Automobile Magazine also praised Frank Stephenson's work with the styling of the car's exterior and interior calling the trim "Speed-Racer-ish" but "without looking as though it belongs in a Nitrous-ized Civic".[7] Reviewer, Preston Lerner, also complimented the ASR's level of intervention, commenting that it "lets the fun factor get reasonably high before kicking in".[7]

[edit] Racing

An MC12 GT1 at Road Atlanta in the ALMS
Enlarge
An MC12 GT1 at Road Atlanta in the ALMS

[edit] FIA GT

In 2004 Maserati completed 25 road going MC12's and 3 race cars intended for FIA GT GT1 class.[24] In 2004 the AF Corse Racing Team finished 7th competing in only two races (Dubai and Zhuhai) and having won only the latter with the three race cars.[25][26]

In 2005 Maserati won the FIA GT Manufacturers Cup with 239 points, almost double the score of next team (Ferrari with 125 points).[27] The two teams that entered the FIA GT, Vitaphone Racing and JMB Racing, finished first and second respectively, Vitaphone by a considerable margin.[27] Four of the MC12 drivers were in the running to win the FIA GT Driver's Title at the Bahrain International Circuit at the start of the final race of 2005: (Karl Wendlinger and Andrea Bertolini each on 71 points and Timo Scheider and Michael Bartels on 70). However, Gabriele Gardel of Ferrari was on 70 points meaning he was also in the running for the title and in the crucial race he placed ahead of the all of the Maseratis, driving an outdated Ferrari 550 Maranello. Gardel took the title leaving the Maserati drivers within 4 points of first place (Scheider and Wendlinger receiving 4 points for the race).[27][28]

In 2006 the only team representing Maserati is the Vitaphone Team. On October 1 the Vitaphone Team secured victory for the 2006 season despite their drivers placing 5th and 7th with weight penalties of 85 kilograms and 105 kilograms respectively.[29] The Vitaphone Team gained enough points to be "out of reach" of their nearest rival; Aston Martin Racing BMS (who race the DBR9). According to the Vitaphone Sporting Director, Rafael Calafell, the goal of the Vitaphone Team is now to win the Drivers' title.[29]

[edit] American Le Mans Series

The Maserati MC12's were unable to compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) in 2004 because they exceeded both the length and width restrictions.[1] The car's nose was shortened by 200 millimetres (7.9 in) to comply with regulations, but was still 66 millimetres (2.6 in) too wide. In 2005 the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), the governing body in North American racing, allowed the MC12's to compete as a guest (no scores but otherwise allowed to compete) and with a weight penalty, however the ACO (the regulatory body of Le Mans including the ALMS) disallowed the MC12 to compete in the "Endurance Classic".[14] The 2005 American Le Mans Series was not as successful for Maserati as the FIA GT, there were no wins for Maserati and in the race at Laguna Seca the MC12 was clipped by a competitor causing damage, which led to a pit stop. The car was then running on cold tyres which led to a loss of traction and the car hit the kerb, breaking the radiator which took the MC12 out of the race.[30]

[edit] Super GT

In 2006, the Le Mans winning outfit Team Goh was intending to race a Maserati MC12 in the Super GT series in Japan, however driver problems (driver Jan Magnussen was forced to return to Denmark due to sudden illness) and disappointing lap times at the Suzuka Circuit during testing forced the team to withdraw.[31] While the car was faster than its Super GT rivals down the straights, it was losing more than a second per lap in the corners due to its rivals having better aerodynamics.[32]

[edit] Italian GT

Maserati has also had great success racing MC12's in the Italian GT series. In 2005 they introduced the MC12 to the GT1 division at the same time as the GT3 class "Maserati Trofeo Light", a modification of the Maserati Coupe, in the GT3 division, but in 2006 Maserati stopped racing the Trofeo Light and only the MC12's were raced.[33] There was one MC12 GT1 car entered in 2005 by Racing Box. In 2006 there was another entered for Scuderia Playteam and Racing Box re-entered theirs.[34] Scuderia Playteam have secured victory in 2006 with their car claiming first and Racing Box coming second.[35][36][37]

[edit] MC12 Corsa

Maserati MC12 Corsa
Also called: Maserati MC12 Versione Corse[38]
Manufacturer: Maserati
Parent company: Fiat
Production: 2006
12 (non-production vehicle)
Class: Super car
Body style: Coupe
Engine: 6 L V12 564 kW (755 bhp) at 8000 rpm[39]
Transmission: Maserati Cambiocorsa Semi-automatic transmission
Curb weight: 1150 kg (2535 lb)[40]
Related: Maserati MC12,
Enzo Ferrari
Similar: Ferrari FXX

The MC12 Corsa was developed in mid-2006 "in response to the customer demand to own the MC12 racing car and fuelled by the growth in track days, where owners can drive their cars at high speeds in the safety of a race track" stated Edward Butler, (General Manager for Maserati in Australia and New Zealand).[41] The MC12 Corsa was sold only to selected customers and is not street legal. Consequently Maserati is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the car, and it is only driven on specially organised "track days." It shares all of these traits with the Ferrari FXX, however unlike the FXX the MC12 Corsa is not for testing new technologies, it is made for track racing only.

The MC12 Corsa cost €1 million (US$1.7 million), and was developed directly from the MC12 GT1, which won the 2005 FIA GT Manufacturers Cup. It features the shortened nose modifications that allowed the MC12 GT1 to compete in the American Le Mans Series. The MC12 Corsa is available in the "Blue Victory" colour (standard) but is personally customisable upon request.[41] Twelve were sold to selected Maserati customers to participate in "day races" organised by Maserati, however another three were produced for testing and publicity.[39][41] While the brakes are steel/carbon racing brakes, the MC12 Corsa does not feature ABS.[42]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Markus, Frank. Motor Trend Road Test. Motor Trend. Retrieved on 2006-10-02.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Maserati MC12/MCC. Maserati Net. Retrieved on 2006-12-02.
  3. ^ Serious Wheels: Maserati MCC. Serious Wheels. Retrieved on 2006-09-29.
  4. ^ a b c d e Technical Data: 2004 Maserati MC12. Global Car Locator. Retrieved on 2006-11-07.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g Carfolio: Maserati MC12. Carfolio. Retrieved on 2006-09-28.
  6. ^ a b c Maserati Performance Specifications. (note must click Technical Specifications link; doesn't allow for direct link). Maserati. Retrieved on 2006-10-04.
  7. ^ a b c d Lerner, Preston. 2005 MC12. Automobile Mag. Retrieved on 2006-11-07.
  8. ^ a b c d Maserati Indy: MC12. Maserati Indy. Retrieved on 2006-09-29.
  9. ^ a b c d e f Hall, Nick. World Car Fans test drive MC12. World Car Fans. Retrieved on 2006-09-28.
  10. ^ a b Telegraph: It costs how much?. Telegraph. Retrieved on 2006-10-06.
  11. ^ a b c RSportsCars: Maserati MC12. RSportsCars. Retrieved on 2006-09-29.
  12. ^ a b c Maserati MC12. Cool Supercars (2006-11-26). Retrieved on 2006-12-02.
  13. ^ a b c Frank Mountain. (2004). Fifth Gear: Maserati MC12 [Tv Series]. Cadwell Park: Five.
  14. ^ a b c Road and Track road tests: MC12. Road and Track. Retrieved on 2006-10-02.
  15. ^ Technical Characteristics. Vitaphone Racing. Retrieved on 2006-12-03.
  16. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Maserati MC12. supercars.net. Retrieved on 2006-12-02.
  17. ^ Cars: Maserati MC12. FIA GT. Retrieved on 2006-12-03.
  18. ^ Tan, Paul. VW phases out automatics. Paul Tan. Retrieved on 2006-12-02.
  19. ^ Concept Carz: Maserati MC12. Concept Carz. Retrieved on 2006-09-28.
  20. ^ a b c Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond. (2005). Top Gear: Maserati MC12 [Tv Series]. Top Gear Test Track: Top Gear.
  21. ^ Interview With Andrea Bertolini. Maserati Corse. Retrieved on 2006-10-28.
  22. ^ Top Gear Power Laps. BBC. Retrieved on 2006-09-29.
  23. ^ Clarkson, Jeremy. Maserati MC12. The Times. Retrieved on 2006-11-20.
  24. ^ Maserati Net: 25 road going MC12's delivered. Maserati Net. Retrieved on 2006-09-29.
  25. ^ FIA GT Standings of 2004. Maserati Corse. Retrieved on 2006-09-29.
  26. ^ FIA GT Dubai 2004. crash.net. Retrieved on 2006-10-29.
  27. ^ a b c FIA GT Standings of 2005. Maserati Corse. Retrieved on 2006-09-29.
  28. ^ MC12. Luxury Cars. Retrieved on 2006-10-26.
  29. ^ a b FIA GT News: GT1 Teams title for Vitaphone Racing. FIA GT. Retrieved on 2006-10-06.
  30. ^ Unlucky Race for MC12 at Laguna Seca. Maserati Corse. Retrieved on 2006-10-25.
  31. ^ Round 1 Test. super GT. Retrieved on 2006-11-07.
  32. ^ Round 1 Official Test. Super GT. Retrieved on 2006-11-10.
  33. ^ Maserati Trofeo 'Light'. Maserati Corse. Retrieved on 2006-10-25.
  34. ^ Maserati 1-2 gives Maserati 1-2 World Titles. Maserati. Retrieved on 2006-11-05.
  35. ^ Italian GT Standings 2005. Maserati Corse. Retrieved on 2006-10-25.
  36. ^ Italian GT Standings 2006. Maserati Corse. Retrieved on 2006-10-25.
  37. ^ 2006 Italian GT Championship. IMCA Slotracing. Retrieved on 2006-11-05.
  38. ^ Preview of the Maserati MC12 Versione Corse. UK Auto News (2006-12-07). Retrieved on 2006-12-13.
  39. ^ a b Ultimate Car Page: Maserati MC12 Corsa. Ultimate Car Page. Retrieved on 2006-09-29.
  40. ^ IGN: Maserati MC12 Corsa. IGN. Retrieved on 2006-10-02.
  41. ^ a b c RSportsCars: Maserati MC12 Corsa. RSportsCars. Retrieved on 2006-09-28.
  42. ^ Maserati Launches its Ultimate Super car. Maserati. Retrieved on 2006-10-29.

[edit] External links

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