| Wallpaper Description: |
The Maserati MC12 is a grand tourer produced by Maserati to allow a racing variant to compete in the FIA GT Championship. The car entered production in 2004 with 25 cars produced (5 additional cars were also produced in 2004 however they were not for sale). A further 25 were produced in 2005 making a total of 50 cars available for customers, all of which were pre-sold for €600 000.[5][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 has faster acceleration and a higher top speed.[9][10]
The MC12 was developed to signal Maserati's return to racing after 37 years.[11] The road version was produced to homologate the race version. One of the requirements for participation in the FIA GT is the production of at least 25 road cars. Three 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 entered into the American Le Mans Series races in 2005 but exceeded the size restrictions and consequently paid weight penalties.
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 is 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 Maserati MC12 has its own bodywork which is wider, longer and slightly taller leaving the windshield as the only externally visible component shared with the Enzo.[1] This extra size allows for greater downforce across the whole body, adding to that of the 2 metre spoiler.
The MC12 is a two door coupe with a targa top roof, however the detached roof cannot be stored in the car.[1] The mid-rear layout (engine between the axles but behind the cabin) keeps the centre of gravity in the middle of the car, increasing stability and cornering ability. The standing weight distribution is 41% front : 59% rear, at speed however, the downforce provided by the rear spoiler affects this such that at 200 kilometres per hour (125 mph) the effective weight distribution is 34% front : 66% rear.[1]
Interior
While designed as a homologation vehicle and a modification of a racing car, the interior of the car is intended 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 oval analogue clock and a blue ignition button but it has been criticised for lacking a radio, car stereo or a place to install a third party sound system.
Exterior
The body of the car, made entirely of carbon fibre, has undergone extensive wind tunnel testing to achieve maximum downforce across all surfaces. As a result, the rear spoiler is 2 metres wide but only 30 millimetres thick, the underside of the car is smooth and the rear bumper has diffusers to take advantage of ground effect.[5] The air scoop on top of the cabin sucks air into the engine compartment making the car taller than the Enzo. 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.
Engine
The MC12 sports a 232 kilogram, 6 litre (5998 cc) Enzo Ferrari derived V12 engine mounted at 65°.[15] Each cylinder has 4 valves, lubricated via a dry sump system, and a compression ratio of 11.2:1.[4] These combine to provide a maximum torque of 652 Newton metres (481 lbf·ft) at 5500 rpm and a maximum power of 463 kilowatts (621 bhp) at 7500 rpm.[4] The redline rpm is indicated at 7500, despite being safe up to 7700, whereas 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 (though Motor Trend Magazine managed 3.7 seconds) and on to 200 kilometres per hour (125 mph) in 9.9 seconds.[1][6][5] It can complete a standing (from stationary) quarter mile in 11.3 seconds with a terminal speed of 198 kilometres per hour (124 mph) or a standing kilometre in 20.1 seconds.[1][6] The maximum speed of the Maserati MC12 is 330 kilometres per hour (205 mph).[6] All of these figures are slower than those of the Enzo Ferrari.
Chassis
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 by pressing a button which extends the front suspension.[12] There are two modes for the chassis' tuning which can also 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.[5][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] The gearbox itself is mechanical with a 215 millimetre twin plate dry clutch.
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 piston calipers and the rear brakes have a diameter of 335 millimetres (13.2 in) with 4 piston calipers.[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.
The car has generally received positive reviews but its critics say it is hard to drive, overpriced and too large.[19] 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, who was the chief test driver throughout the development, said the car "reacts well and is very reliable in its reactions".[20]
The Top Gear television series acquired an MC12 and test driver The Stig achieved a lap time of 1:18.9 around the Top Gear track, 0.1 seconds faster than his lap in the Enzo Ferrari.[21] Host Jeremy Clarkson also drove it, comparing it to the Maserati Biturbo, a car he disliked.[19] Clarkson criticised the car heavily, pointing out its lack of a rear window and its size. He also commented that it is "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.[19] Regarding the design 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."[19] Despite his criticisms he did compliment the 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.[22] „
Motor Trend Magazine reviewer Frank Markus had a more positive opinion of the car. Despite initial scepticism he said "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, commenting that "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]
When Automobile Magazine tested an MC12 the reviewer, Preston Lerner, called it "user-friendly", praising the responsiveness and simplicity of driving.[8] Lerner approved of Frank Stephenson's work with the styling of both the car's exterior and interior, calling the trim "Speed-Racer-ish" but "without looking as though it belongs in a Nitrous-ized Civic".[8] He also complimented the ASR's level of intervention, commenting that it "lets the fun factor get reasonably high before kicking in".
In 2004 Maserati completed three MC12 GT1 race cars intended for the FIA GT GT1 class.[23] In 2004 the AF Corse Racing Team finished 7th competing in the final four races (Imola, Oschersleben, Dubai and Zhuhai) and having scooped victory at Oschersleben and Zhuhai with the three race cars.[24][25]
In 2005 Maserati won the FIA GT Manufacturers Cup with 239 points, almost double the score of next team (Ferrari with 125 points).[26] The two teams that entered MC12's into the FIA GT, Vitaphone Racing and JMB Racing, finished first and second respectively in the Team Cup, Vitaphone winning by a considerable margin.[26] 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. Gabriele Gardel of Ferrari was also on 70 points, however, 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 all of the Maserati drivers within 4 points of first place (Scheider and Wendlinger receiving 4 points for the race).[26][27]
In 2006 the only team representing Maserati was the Vitaphone Team. On October 1, 2006 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.[28] 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.
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.[30] While the car was faster than its Super GT rivals down the straights, it was losing more than 1 second per lap in the corners due to its poorer aerodynamics.
The Maserati MC12 Corsa is a derivative of the MC12 designed as a race car although driven by private owners. It was developed directly from the MC12 GT1, which won the 2005 FIA GT Manufacturers Cup.[40] 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][40] Maserati is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the cars, and they are only driven on specially organised "track days" because they are not homologated for street use or any other competitions.[40]
The MC12 Corsa cost €1 million (US$1.7 million) and only twelve were sold to selected customers to participate in the "day races" organised by Maserati, however another three were produced for testing and publicity.[38][41] The engine is the same as the MC12 GT1 producing 564 kilowatts (755 bhp) at 8000 rpm, 33 kilowatts (134 bhp) more than the MC12.[40] 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 as standard but is personally customisable upon request.[41] While the brakes are steel/carbon racing brakes, the MC12 Corsa does not feature ABS.[40]
The MC12 Corsa has been compared to the Ferrari FXX because it is a race car closely related to another car, not street legal, only used on track days and kept by the manufacturer, however the Ferrari FXX is used for testing technologies and recording statistics whereas the MC12 Corsa is only for racing.
Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maserati_MC12 |
