Maserati MC12 (aka MCC)
Maserati MC12 – grand tourer produced by Italian automaker Maserati. Built for the participation of the Italian brand in the FIA ​​GT series. Production was launched in 2004, created the 30 copies, of which 25 have been put up for sale. A year later built another 25 units. Price of one copy was 600 000 €.
Maserati MC12 model developed on the chassis of the Ferrari Enzo, also borrowed from the original engine and gearbox (locked with the gearbox the engine is part of the carrier). The resulting car was, however, much larger than the precursor. MC12 was longer, wider and higher than the Ferrari, which was characterized by better performance, however. The maximum speed that is able to achieve the MC12 is 330km/h, while the Ferrari is able to run about 25km/h Faster.
Maserati MC12 created to indicate that after 37 years of break again intends to take part in racing. To be approved to allow for participation in the FIA ​​GT series, the Italian manufacturer had to produce at least 25 copies in the road version. The new model made its debut at the end of the 2004 season, its executive crew won first place in the race at Zhuhai International Circuit. Racing versions of the MC12 also took participation in the American Le Mans Series in 2005, but did not meet the requirements for acceptable dimensions, which resulted in the imposition of penalties on him.
Work on the MC12 Maserati started after the acquisition by Ferrari. The new model was to be a response to the demand for car brand Maserati, which could take part in the FIA ​​GT competition. The project was named MCC (an acronym for Maserati Corse Competizione). It was also planned to develop under the guidance of Giorgio Ascanelliego version of the MCS, the road equivalent of the MCC. Body was the work of Giorgetto Giugario, created after many tests in the wind tunnel. Maximum influence exerted on the exterior styling but Frank Stephenson. MCC is characterized by a very similar shape to MC12, the two models differ from each other, however, several important solutions. The most noticeable difference is the shape of the rear spoiler. The main test driver Andrea Bertolini was, trial held at the Fiorano Circuit. The tests also participated Michael Schumacher. While the MCC project moved forward, dropped from the name for the new MCS approved MC12.
The car was based largely on the Ferrari Enzo, shared with the slightly modified Ferrari Dino V12 engine, gearbox (whose name was changed to Maserati Cambiocorsa) and chassis (the distance between the shafts). While the body was an original design Maserati. MC12 was longer, wider and slightly higher than the Enzo. Both cars share a windshield. Increased body surface allowed to increase downforce, including also applied to the rear spoiler.
MC12 is a two-door coupe with a targa roof type. Removable roof, when not in use, can not be stored in the vehicle. In the car RMR system is used, the engine positioned centrally for the passenger transmits drive to the rear axle. As a result, the vehicle center of gravity is located near the geometric center. This solution had a positive effect on the stability of the car and its cornering ability. The distribution of weight between the axles amounts to 41% front, 59% rear; at higher speeds, the downforce generated by the rear wing changes it, even at 200km/h (125mph) amounts to 34% front, 66% rear.
MC12 were built in order to create a race car. Although the interior was richly furnished. Finished them with plastic reinforced with carbon fiber, blue colored natural leather and silver synthetic fabric called "Brightex". It is described as "too expensive for widespread use in the clothing industry." On the dashboard were characteristic of the Maserati oval clock, and the blue button ignition. Vehicle has been criticized for lack of radios, car audio system or even space for its assembly.
Car body made entirely of carbon fiber, over many extensive tests in the wind tunnel. When designing drew attention to the fact that in each plane was ensured maximum downforce. For this reason at the rear mounted two meters wide spoiler with a thickness of only 30 millimeters. In addition, a maximum smoothed underside of the vehicle, it was decided to mount the diffuser in the rear bumper. Air is directed to the engine compartment through the air inlets located on the engine; This is because of their location Maserati MC12 is higher than the Enzo.
Body is available in only one shade of blue and white. It is a tribute to the racing team Camoradi America, which in the early years of the 60th century chose for your car Maserati Tipo Birdcages. MC12 is quite uncomfortable and not very practical in everyday use. This is mainly because of its size: the car is very long and wide, wider, even from off-road Hummer H2. In combination with the lack of rear window, makes maneuver (e.g., parking) is very difficult and requires great care.
To drive the MC12 served weighing 232kg, sześciolitrowy (5998cc) V12 engine used in the Ferrari Enzo. Each cylinder is equipped with four valves, lubrication is via a dry sump, the compression ratio is 11,2:1. This ensures maximum torque of 652 Nm at 5500 r/min and a maximum power output of 465 kW (632hp at 7500 rev/min. The maximum speed at which the motor will run a 7500 rev/min to flow. Enzo the same engine can operate at a speed of 8200 rev/min.
According to the manufacturer Maserati MC12 is able to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 3.8 seconds (Motor Trend Magazine editors reached a time of 3.7 s), and from 0 to 200km/h in 9.9 seconds . Journey time 1/4 mile (about 400 meters) from a standing start takes 11.3 seconds at the speed of the final journey of 200km/h Defeating one kilometer from a standing start takes 20.1 sec. The maximum speed is 330km/h (205mph). Average fuel consumption in the combined cycle is about 19.3 l/100km.
Power generated by the motor is transferred to the rear wheels through mounted at the rear, semi-automatic six-speed gearbox derived from Ferrari. The MC12 has been modified to translate individual gear box name was changed to "Maserati Cambiocorsa". It provides a time shift of 150 milliseconds. The car is equipped with a twin-clutch with a diameter of 215 millimeters .
Chassis MC12 is fully self-supporting. When its construction was used carbon fiber and Nomex, both front and rear mounted aluminiumowe half-frame. The car is equipped with anti-roll bar, which led to the strengthening of the structure, increasing the driving comfort and increase the safety of passengers. Suspension of double wishbone with controlled via cam followers coil springs provides stability handling, shock absorbers improve the ride comfort.
The front end may be slightly raised when going through bumps and ruts. To do this, press the corresponding button in the passenger compartment. Inside the car, you can choose two presets work suspension: Sport (default) and Race. The second mode makes Bosch traction control system ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) interferes less in control of the vehicle, it shortens the time shift and stiffens suspension of,.
The two axes of the wheels is mounted with a diameter of 19 inches (480 millimeters) in front of their width is 9 inches (230 millimeters), at the rear 13 (330 millimeters). Tires have been applied in the model are Pirelli P Zero Corsas 245/35 ZR 19 at the front axle and 345/35 ZR 19 on the rear. Brakes Brembo brakes are equipped with Bosch ABS system. The front brake discs are sześciotłoczkowe clamps with diameters of 15 inches (380 millimeters) on the rear axle mounted discs four-piston having a diameter of 13.2 inches (335 millimeters). Nuts attaching the wheel to the axle shafts are the right colors: red for the left side of the vehicle, blue for the right.
The car has gathered most flattering reviews. The criticism focused mainly on carrying heavy, too high price and large size of the body. Criticized the lack of trunk, rear window, spare wheel, radio and less engine power compared to the Enzo. Andrea Bertolini, Vitaphone Racing Team driver, and also chief test driver during the development phase of the MC12, stated that the car "is responding well to the movements of the driver and is very predictable in their behavior ". Maserati MC12 is shown on Top Gear. Stig test driver program, achieved a lap time of 1 Top Gear minute and 18.9 p was the result of a 0.1 sec better than obtained by him in the Ferrari Enzo. Taking Jeremy Clarkson program also tested the MC12, likened it to the unpopular Maserati Biturbo by themselves.
Clarkson has strongly criticized the car, pointing out, among other things, like Enzo lack of rear window. He also stated that the car is "difficult" because of its size and that it is "one of the most nerve cars ever ran", mainly because of the large oversteer. Looking at the body styling and racing modifications that allowed for the admission model is driving on public roads, said: "Is it race car Is it a grand tourer Or is throttled Enzo in too much clothes It’s hard to say ". Despite the critical attitude towards the vehicle, praised the handling characteristics in a quiet, gentle ride:
The car easily traverses ruts, suspension easily select the effects of laziness traffic officer Johnny, everything happens without moving even a single vibration to a great blue interior trim, a native of here with a rich Milanese fashion house.
Frank Markus, Motor Trend Magazine editor, expressed a more favorable opinion. Despite initial skepticism, said: "It turns out that the Enzo is more convenient and attractive road car, while the Maserati racing car in street clothes". Markus praised safe vehicle behavior during braking and good traction, especially slides, allowed traction control system. Commented: "There is no sharp limit, which, moreover, criticized, constraints set us by the computer in a more extreme Enzo. The system allows us here even more than in Acurze NSX ".
MC12 was also tested by Automobile Magazine. Editor Preston Lerner called it "user-friendly", while praising the good response to the movements of the driver and ease of driving. He also expressed his appreciation for the work of Frank Stephenson – for exterior and interior styling. He praised the response rate of the ASR system.
In 2004 he finished three copies Maserati MC12 GT1 racing for the purpose of competing in the FIA ​​GT GT1 class. AF Corse team made its debut in the series to race in Imola, but the FIA ​​did not allow the MC12 to score points, because it was the debates that took place over the granting of approval for the MC12. Despite these difficulties, the team managed to win the second and third place. The next stage series took place in Oschersleben, MC12 directed by Andrea Bertolini and Mika Salo triumphed for the first time. In the last stage race held annually in 2004 to track Zhuhai, FIA approved approval for the MC12, in effect, the team began to allocate points in consecutive races. MC12 won the stage in Zhuhai, won thanks to a sufficient number of points to finish the series in the seventh spot in the team classification.
In 2005 Maserati won the FIA ​​GT cup designers earning 239 points: This is the result of almost two times greater than would be found in the second place Ferrari (125 points). For the series qualified two teams that have chosen for your car MC12, Vitaphone Racing and JMB Racing, they took first and second place in the team classification, the advantage Vitaphone was quite significant. In 2005, before the start of Final race at Bahrain International Circuit MC12 four drivers had a chance to win the title of FIA GT driver Karl Wendlinger and Andrea Bertolini each with a score of 71 points and Timo Scheider and Michael Bartels with 70 points. Gabriele Gardel in the car Ferrari also scored 70 points, but the race took a position higher than all drivers Maserati, conducted at the Ferrari 550 Maranello older. Gardel won the title, with at the four points clear of Maserati.
In 2006, the only team representing Maserati Vitaphone Racing series was. September 30, 2006 Vitaphone sealed his title champions team of the 2006 season, despite the fact that the driver took until the fifth and seventh place in the Budapest 500km race, obydwojgu imposed penalty equal to the weight of 85kg, 105kg. Bertolini and Bartels driver took first place in the individual category gained 71 points, the trophy for the best konstruktora trafił jednak so Astona Martina.
Vitaphone Racing again won the GT1 category in the 2007 season with a total of 115 points, behind him is the Scuderia Playteam Sarafree, the driver also ran the MC12, scored 63 points. JMB Racing also took part in the season with two MC12, however, they were used by amateurs in the Citation Cup, the trophy was won by the driver JMB, Ben Aucotta. Maserati has once again won the Constructors’ Cup with a significant advantage, while Thomas Biagi awarded the title of best driver. The other driver Vitaphone, Miguel Ramos and Christian Montanari, took sixth place. Owned by Andrea Bertolini Playteam and Andrea Piccini ranked right behind them.
In 2008, Vitaphone Racing once again took part in the FIA ​​GT MC12 with two and four drivers: Andrea Bertolinim, Michael Bartels, Miguel Ramos and newcomer Alexander Negrão. JMB Racing MC12 remained one for the wheel were: winner of the 2007 Citation Cup, Ben Aucott, Peter Kutemann and Maurice Basso, but they will not again participate in the Citation Cup.
Successful MC12 in a series of Italian GT Championship resulted in the complete removal of these professions "Maserati Trofeo Light" in the category GT3. In 2005, Maserati introduced two MC12 GT1 class. These cars competed driver for Scuderia Playteam and Racing Box. These teams have reached the first and third place in the general classification. Cars again took part in the races in the 2006 season. Scuderia Playteam again victorious and Racing Box came in second place. Since 2007, the GT1 class cars are not allowed to participate in the Italian GT. As a result of this decision Scuderia Playteam began to compete in the FIA ​​GT Championship series.
Racing Box twice niezaliczajÄ…cym took part in the championship race 6 Hours of Vallelunga. In 2005, driver Michele Rugolo, Leonardo Maddelena and Davide Mastracci victorious. The following year, the team won again. Drivers were: Pedro Lamy, Marco Cioci and Piergiuseppe Perazzini.
In 2006, successful in Le Mans Team Goh going to compete Maserati MC12 in the Japanese Super GT series. The team, however, had to withdraw from this idea because of problems with the driver (Jan Magnussen suddenly became ill and returned to Denmark), and transit times at Suzuka Circuit during testing that have fallen far below expectations. Although the car was much faster than the other cars in the Super GT straight, losing about seconds per lap when cornering, because it was a little aerodynamic body like the Super GT series.
In 2004, Maserati MC12 could not put racing series backed by the ACO, as in the European Le Mans Endurance Series (LMES) and the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) due to non-compliance with the provisions of both the length and width of the body provided for the class, in the model had to take off. To meet the requirements for the length of the front of the car was shortened by 200 millimeters (7.9 inches), the vehicle was still about 66 millimeters (2.6 inch) for wide. In 2005, the Board ALMS, International Motor Sports Association (IMSA), allowed the guest appearance of the MC12, subject to refrain from granting points for racing, also imposed a penalty on car weight. Several ALMS teams initially had reservations about the possibility of participating in the MC12 series, mainly because of the chance that an accident on the track can eliminate them from participating in the 24 of Le Mans, the car Maserati has finally admitted to race. ACO participation MC12 banned in other series of Le Mans.
A single MC12 able to compete under the banner of Maserati Corse, the car went to the Risi Competizione American team. Season 2005 was a successful year for the team, he did not win any races. During the final race at Laguna Seca, the MC12 was damaged by an opponent, which resulted in a long pit-alloy. After returning to the track car because of insufficient hot tire bad driving, the car hit a curb which made the faulty was cooler and the car will not be able to continue to compete in the race.
In August 2007, Fredy Lienhard and Didier Theys announced that they are preparing MC12 previously used in the FIA ​​GT to compete in the American Le Mans Series. The car made its debut at Road America, after qualifying finished third in the GT1 class. The only other race in which he participated car was Petit Le Mans, 11 round cycle of the American Le Mans Series in 2007, played on the track Road Atlanta. The crew has not completed this step, but still occupied the second place in classification. Maserati belonging to the team Doran also managed to qualify for the GT1 class. Team turned the standard used in 2005 in the Maserati Corse Pirelli tires for Michelin, the team also got permission to use the full-size, wide rear wing in place of less well-known of Maserati Corse and FIA GT, but it was not as high as the original. IMSA also authorized against Team Doran to score points in the championship American Le Mans Series.
Maserati MC12 Corsa – a model derived from the MC12, the assumption of a race car intended for private owners. It is a direct extension of the MC12 GT1 version, which won the Constructors’ Cup in 2005, the FIA ​​GT. As stated by Edward Butler, CEO of Maserati in Australia and New Zealand, model MC12 Corsa was established in mid-2006 "in response to customer demand to own the MC12 racing, which can move with high speeds on the track ". Maserati is responsible for the maintenance of cars, you can move them only during special" track days ", this is due to the lack of approval for getting around on public roads and the inability to participate in the races. There is only MC12 Corsa copies of one who, after modification has been approved for public road traffic.
The manufacturer has set the price of one copy of the MC12 Corsa for a million euros, was founded only a dozen pieces, has been delivered to selected customers. They can participate in the "day races" organized by Maserati. The next three items were created for testing and promotion. The car is driven by a known MC12 GT1, it generates 555 kilowatts (755hp) which reaches at 8000 rotations/min, which is 90 kilowatts (122hp) more than the standard MC12. Body is characterized by shorter front – thanks to this modification, the MC12 GT1 has been allowed to participate in the American Le Mans Series. The standard MC12 Corsa was available in the color "Blue Victory", it could, however, be changed to customer’s request. Although the car is equipped with performance brake made of sintered coal and steel, not installed in the ABS system.
Model MC12 Corsa is often compared to the Ferrari FXX, both cars are based on racing vehicles, but did not receive the approval of committing to move on public roads shall be kept by the manufacturer and can guide them only on selected days. Ferrari FXX is also used to test new technologies, while MC12 Corsa only for racing.
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