www.QV500.com - Maserati MC12 Part 3: MC12 Competizione '04

The only reason Maserati built the MC12 was for it to win on the track. Race on Sunday, sell on Monday, hardly the latest concept in automotive marketing but one of the most effective nevertheless. The MC12 would be pitched against Ferrari 550 and 575's, GM-backed Chevrolet C6 Corvette's and works Aston Martin DBR9's. A scattering of Saleen S7's and even the odd Lamborghini Murcielago ensured MC12's would be contesting undoubtedly the most competitive GT racing scene for decades. Initially known as the MCC (Maserati Corse Competizione), what later became the MC12 Competizione broke cover two months before the Stradale in January 2004.

Weighing in at 1100kg, 235kg less than the Stradale, these racing variants were most notably equipped with carbon brakes (featuring six-piston calipers) instead of cast iron discs. The fixed-head body sprouted a variety of aero refinements including front winglets, subtly flared wheelarches, new wheels and mirrors and an adjustable rear wing. All told, 0-60 shrunk to just 2.7 seconds whilst the drag-inducing aero pack pinned top speed to 195mph. January 12th 2004 was the first day of testing for the Competizione, Andrea Bertolini beginning an intensive development programme at Fiorano. He was later joined by Fabio Babini and then Nicola Larini as the tests moved on to Mugello in March. Taking place simultaneously was the MC12's public debut, Luca di Montezemolo unveiling the Stradale as well as a Trident-liveried Competizione at the Geneva Salon. On August 9th, Maserati announced that an agreement had been reached with the FIA for homologation of the MC12 and on August 31st they presented the 25 customer road cars. These were displayed for the FIA scrutineers alongside three racing models: the one unveiled at Geneva and two new cars set to debut that weekend at Imola.