Maserati's Enzo Is Here

This is Maserati's way of celebrating its 90th anniversary - with an all-new supercar. Based on the Ferrari Enzo, these are the first official pictures of the MC12. The targa-topped newcomer, which comes equipped with a carbon fibre roof, is finished in white and blue - a look that stems from the original works Maserati racing cars.

Auto Express Car Reviews

By Dan Strong

16th March 2004

The first models will be available this summer, and although there's no official word on prices, the MC12 is expected to weigh in at less than the ΂£450,000 Ferrari charged for its flagship sports car - despite the fact that it will be powered by the same 6.0-litre V12, offering around 650bhp.

Initially, only 25 road versions will be produced. This is just enough to satisfy motorsport laws that will allow the race model to take part in endurance events such as the Le Mans 24 Hours - a move not expected until 2005.

Styled under the watchful eye of Ferrari and Maserati Group design chief Frank Stephenson, the car was honed for performance in the wind tunnel. Its race-bred looks have been shaped by the huge rear wing and venturi tunnels that are specifically tuned to increase aerodynamic downforce.

The newcomer is based on an original idea by Giugiaro and underpinned by a carbon fibre chassis. Carbon Ceramic brakes, similar to those found on the Enzo, have also been developed, as has a special F1-style gearbox. The MC12's spartan interior again features carbon fibre, while the uncluttered dashboard - which is dominated by the huge rev counter - and simple instrument layout continue the blue and white racing scheme. Whether the car will make it to the UK is debatable, especially as Maserati is refusing to reveal
if there are any buyers outside Italy.

Meanwhile, the firm has cut the price of its Coup΃© GT, while adding to the equipment tally. The car is down from ΂£62,949 to ΂£56,650 - a saving of 10 per cent - and now gets Skyhook suspension, Navtrak GPS security, heated seats and metallic paint as standard.