The Maserati MCC – the Modenese marque's new GT

Today at Fiorano saw the track debut of the new Maserati that will take part in the FIA GT championship. The car, which for the time being goes by its project code name of MCC, will be launched at the forthcoming International Geneva Motor Show. Alongside it will be the Trident marque’s new road-going Granturismo version, the MCS, from which it is closely derived.

The two cars were designed in a joint operation between the Maserati engineers and those of the Modena company’s racing department under the technical direction of engineer, Giorgio Ascanelli and overall leadership by Gestione Sportiva Managing Director, Jean Todt.

“This is a very important program for Maserati, which the Racing Department has tackled with great enthusiasm. Today, we have witnessed the MCC’s track debut and as usual on these occasions, it was a really emotional moment”, stated Jean Todt.

When Andrea Bertolini turned the key to the 12-cylinder engine at Fiorano, a new chapter was written in Maserati’s glorious sporting history.

The MCC, short for Maserati Corse Competizione, today began a series of tests at the Modena circuit designed to fine-tune various components. The 12 cylinder V-engine has a displacement of 5998 cc and produces over 620 bhp. The MCC’s sweeping, aerodynamic body rests on a carbon-fibre chassis that weighs 1100 kg. Push rod suspension in steel and tyres by Pirelli complete the hardware.

With this new model, the House of the Trident will take part in some selected FIA GT races in the upcoming championship, ahead of full participation pencilled in for 2005.

(Editor's note: we usually don't feature racing cars but the MCC is derived from a still unreleased road-going version, called the MCS)

2004-01-13 Please quote www.autoindex.org Autoindex.org if You use this news article