The Maserati MC12 Corsa
Why It's Special:
After dominating the 2005 FIA GT1 Championship, winning both the drivers and constructors championships, Maserati decided to have a celebration of sorts. No this isn’t a traditional party, (although we can imagine plenty of champagne was consumed at the post race festivities) this is an automotive celebration manifesting in the form of a car that will symbolize and immortalize their achievements.
Debuting at the 2006 Bologna Auto Show, it was immediately clear that the MC12 Corsa was a serious piece of automotive hardware. Essentially a build-to-order supercar, it is one of the rarest Maserati’s ever built with a total worldwide production of 12 units. All aspects of the Corsa are heavily based on the racing counterpart, although it does use a revised nose from the ALMS version of the GT1 MC12. Maserati isn’t homologating the Corsa for road or racing series use, making it a track-day only vehicle.
Under the Hood:
On the surface the program seems similar to that of the Ferrari FXX with one crucial difference: the FXX is used for technology development and testing, while the MC12 Corsa is strictly for racing. There is only one standard color, Maserati “Victory Blue”, although the 12 hand-picked owners can specify a custom color if they so desire. Like the racing counterpart, the Corsa uses a 6.0 liter DOHC V12. Unlike its racing brethren however, power levels have risen to an astronomical 755hp @ 8,000rpm. Torque peaks at a monstrous 523 lb-ft and results in a car capable of 0-200kph (124mph) in 6.4 seconds!
Gear changes are handled by a 6-speed electro-actuated “Cambiocorsa” transmission, operated via steering wheel mounted paddle shifters. In order to help owners get the most out of their machines, a motorsport data acquisition system is installed. Maserati also handles all of the up-keep and maintenance costs in addition to providing an annual technical upgrade from the factory research and development team.
The Verdict:
It goes without saying that a car with so much potential needs to have a world-class chassis and the MC12 Corsa is certainly no exception. Featuring a carbon-fiber monocoque, the chassis is extremely light and incredibly strong. All body panels are also molded from carbon fiber. Which means you won’t find many creature comforts in the interior either; the Corsa is all business. An LCD instrument display is integrated into the steering wheel and the driver finds himself surrounded by carbon fiber and suede. A passenger seat is also installed so the owners can scare the living daylights out of anyone brave enough to go for a ride.
By now you might be wondering what all this costs. Nothing this cool comes cheaply. Assuming you are extremely lucky and actually picked to purchase an MC12 Corsa, you will need to fork over €1,000,000. Let’s looks at the bright side, at least maintenance is included!
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