First look: Maserati goes racing – again

MASERATI has revealed the successor for its FIA GT World Championship-dominating MC 12, the GranTurismo MC Concept.

Set to become the Italian sports car maker’s next ambassador in the global production car series, the MC made its public debut at Monza last week and is based on the GranTurismo S, which will make its Australian debut at the Sydney motor show next week.

The MC emerges with a host of mechanical and aerodynamic upgrades over the GranTurismo S, led by a new front-end that features two large brake-cooling air intakes and an aggressive new low-mounted front spoiler that teams with a smoother underbody to reduce lift at high speed.

Courtesy of the Maserati Style Centre, there is also a new bonnet with additional air vents, new side air vents in the wider front quarter panels, new side skirts, a new rear bumper with air diffuser and central exhaust outlets, and a bigger rear spoiler to increase downforce.



Developed at Monza by the Maserati Racing Department and also set to race in the one-make Trofero series in Europe, the MC Concept is powered by a tuned version of the 4.7-litre V8 that motives at the GranTursimo S.

Revised engine mapping, a high-performance conical air filter and a new exhaust system with race-spec catalytic converters and silencers increases power from 323kW to 330.9kW and torque from 490Nm to 510Nm (at 4750rpm).

Improved weight distribution and chassis rigidity come thanks to an FIA-sanctioned integral rollcage, while a kerb weight of less than 1400kg (and a power-to-weight ration of better than 4.2kg/kW) is aided by composite body panels, Lexan-composite windows, new 11x18-inch front and 13x18-inch rear wheels with racing rubber, plus 380mm front and 313mm rear brake discs with mono-bloc callipers (but no ABS).

Finally, the MC features a unique electrical system, a carbon-fibre dashboard and control console, specific instrumentation including a data acquisition system, a lowered and repositioned driving position with racing seat and six-point racing harness, plus an FIA-approved 100-litre fuel tank with carbon safety structure.

Read more:

Geneva show: S treatment for GranTurismo

Maserati fans queue up to play GranTurismo

First look: GranTurismo to top Maserati range