Maserati

MC12

Maserati MC12: The Racer

In 2004, Maserati wanted to go racing. To enter the FIA GT Championship, they needed to homologate a race car. The result was the MC12 (Maserati Corse 12-cylinder).

It is an open secret that the MC12 is based on the Ferrari Enzo. They share the same chassis, engine, and gearbox. But to call it a “re-bodied Enzo” is to do it a disservice. In many ways, the MC12 is the better car—and certainly the more successful one.

MC12 vs. Ferrari Enzo

  • Size: The MC12 is huge. It is wider, taller, and significantly longer (by 44 cm) than the Enzo. This extra length is all about aerodynamics.
  • Aero: The Enzo relies on underbody ground effects. The MC12 has a massive, 2-meter wide fixed rear wing and a long tail. This gave it more downforce and stability on the track.
  • Roof: Unlike the Enzo, the MC12 has a removable Targa top. You can hear the V12 scream with the wind in your hair.
  • Comfort: The MC12 has softer suspension tuning than the Enzo, making it surprisingly compliant on the road (if you can fit it in a lane).

The Engine: Detuned but Sweet

The MC12 uses the same 6.0-liter F140 V12 as the Enzo.

  • Power: 630 hp (Enzo has 660 hp).
  • Why less power? Ferrari politics. Ferrari couldn’t let the “lesser” brand have more power. Also, the racing regulations limited the engine’s intake restrictors.
  • Transmission: The 6-speed “Cambiocorsa” automated manual is jerky by modern standards but provides brutal, race-car shifts.

Racing Success

The MC12 wasn’t just a road car; it was a dominator.

  • FIA GT: It won the FIA GT Manufacturers Cup in 2005 and 2007. It won the Drivers Title multiple times. It was so fast that the FIA kept changing the rules to slow it down (reducing wing size, adding weight), but it kept winning.
  • Spa 24 Hours: It won the legendary 24 Hours of Spa three times (2005, 2006, 2008).

Rarity and Value

  • Enzo Production: 400 units.
  • MC12 Production: Only 50 units (25 in 2004, 25 in 2005).
  • Colors: 49 were painted in the iconic “Bianco Fuji” white with blue accents. Only 1 was painted black.
  • Value: Because of its rarity and racing pedigree, the MC12 is often worth more than an Enzo, trading for $4 - $5 million.

MC12 Versione Corsa

Maserati also built 12 units of the Versione Corsa—a track-only version (like the FXX) with 755 hp. It is the ultimate expression of the MC12 platform, unfettered by road or race regulations.