First look: Sexy Stradale supercar

MASERATI has used the Geneva motor show to unveil the stunning MC-12 Stradale, the road-going version of the MCC racecar developed for international GT racing.

Using the same mid-rear mounted 6.0-litre V12 engine and carbon-fibre chassis as the Ferrari Enzo – in this case pumping out a slightly reduced 465kW/652Nm - the Stradale promises to deliver amazing performance.

Maserati is claiming the Stradale will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds, across the quarter mile in 11.3 seconds and completed the standing kilometre in just 20.1 seconds.

Top speed for the two-seater long-tailed coupe-spider? Somewhere beyond 330km/h! And the price in Aussie dollars? Somewhere close to the Enzo’s $1.8 million ask.

And despite the Stradale being left-hand drive only and not road legal here, there are still about six serious potential buyers stepping forward for the two examples allocated to Australia out of this year’s build of 25.

The first example of the car is expected to arrive in time to be the star attraction on the Maserati stand at the Sydney motor show in October, however whether it’s an MC-S or the MCC racecar is yet to be decided.

"The race car has actually been detuned by 10kW to meet the FIA GT regulations, however the car is lighter than the road-going car and the rear wing and aero package is slightly different in the race car, the interior will be slightly different," said Maserati Australia general manager Herbert Appleroth.

"We are just trying to weight up what the customers want seeing they are going to be track cars." The Stradale uses high-end materials everywhere through its construction. The chassis is a combination of carbon-fibre and nomex honeycomb sandwich. Two aluminium sub-chassis support the ancillaries.

The 48-valve engine includes an aluminium crankcase, titanium con-rods and dry sump lubrication. It is mated to a longitudinal rear-mounted six-speed paddle-type transmission.

The Stradale has independent wishbone suspension with front and rear with anti-dive, anti-squat geometries and push-rods. The front of the car can be raised for parking ramps and the 19-inch wheels are attached via a single centre locking wheel nut. It is fitted with Pirelli tyres that measure 245/35 (front) and 345/35 (rear).

The Brembo brakes include ventilated cross-drilled discs (front diameter 380mm and rear 335mm) with six and four-piston alloy callipers (front/rear). The MC12 also boasts ABS.

The body panels are in carbon-fibre and the overall shape honed in a wind tunnel from an original Giugiaro design. The design includes the classic Maserati grille opening with a trident at its centre, a removeable hard top and the finishing touch is the paint job in traditional Maserati blue and white racing colours.

The car measures up at a lengthy 5143mm and is 2100mm wide. The wheelbase is 2800mm.

Inside, the speedo sits front and centre in the instrument panel, the upper part of the leather and carbon-trimmed steering wheel is slightly flattened and there is a start button.

Features include climate control air-conditioning, sports seats in a carbon-fibre structure upholstered in fabric with the shoulder rests in perforated leather, carbon-fibre panels and pockets in the doors and aluminium pedals.