Maserati Celebrates MC12's 20th Anniversary with Limited-Edition MC20 Specials

In 2004, Maserati took a significant leap back into the racing world with the MC12 GT1, marking its return after a hiatus of 37 years. This return wasn't done solo; Maserati’s efforts were bolstered by Ferrari, which supplied the chassis from the Enzo and its powerful V-12 engine. The collaborative effort bore fruit in the form of the spectacular MC12, a car that would soon become a legend on the track.

Maserati didn't just adopt the Ferrari elements as-is. Under the guiding hand of designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, the MC12 received bodywork that was markedly longer than the Enzo's, providing a significant aerodynamic edge. The six-liter engine, featuring gear-driven camshafts, was detuned to 620 hp for racing purposes. Despite these tweaks, the car was a powerhouse from the get-go, securing second and third place on its debut and clinching a victory in its second race. Nonetheless, an administrative hiccup left Maserati without points initially as the FIA hadn't homologated the MC12 yet.

Track Dominance and Homologation

Once homologation was secured, Maserati established its dominance. The 2005 World Championship was a notable triumph, followed by successive victories in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. By 2010, the MC12 had bagged titles for both drivers and teams. Its success wasn't confined to a single series; the MC12 also proved its mettle in the Italian GT Championship, Japan's Super GT series, and the American Le Mans.

Racing regulations required Maserati to produce 50 road-going versions of the MC12, dubbed the MC12 Stradale. This car was no slouch, boasting a top speed of 205 mph and accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.8 seconds, making it the fastest production car Maserati had ever created.

MC20: A Tribute to the Legend

Fast forward 20 years from the MC12's debut, and Maserati is honoring this milestone with two special editions of the MC20: the MC20 Icona and the MC20 Leggenda. These limited-edition models pay homage to the iconic MC12 Stradale and the GT1 car raced by the Vitaphone team, respectively, with only 20 units of each set to be built.

MC20 Icona

The MC20 Icona sports a livery reminiscent of the Stradale's blue and white color scheme. This elegant design draws inspiration from the Trofeo Light that competed in the 24 Hours of Daytona in 2004 and the Type 61 Birdcage from 1959-1961. It features the Maserati Fuoriserie logo in Bianco Audace just ahead of the rear wheels, with Italian flags adding a patriotic touch beneath the MC20 lettering on the doors. Chrome-painted wheels with silver hubcaps and blue Trident logos complete the exterior look, along with blue brake calipers for added flair.

MC20 Leggenda

The MC20 Leggenda is equally striking, dressed in a bold green-black combination called Nero Essenza and Digital Mint Matte. This color scheme directly references the dominant hues of Vitaphone Racing's GT1 car. The wheels and brake calipers are painted in eye-catching Nero Lucido black, with green Trident logos on the center caps and yellow detailing on the front grille.

Both models feature lightweight racing seats embroidered with their respective names, with their cabin color schemes matching their exterior designs. Carbon fiber trimmings add a high-tech touch to the interiors, and both editions come equipped with a Sonos Faber sound system, an electronic limited-slip differential, a suspension lift system, and advanced safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection.

The Heart of the Beast

Under the hood, the MC20 Icona and Leggenda retain the formidable three-liter twin-turbo Nettuno V-6 engine, producing 630 hp. This allows the MC20 to outpace the MC12, reaching 62 mph almost a second quicker, though its 202 mph top speed is still slightly lower than the MC12's.

For those with a racing itch, Maserati offers the MC20 GT2, continuing its commitment to motorsports and ensuring that the Maserati name remains synonymous with speed and excellence.

Celebrating a Legacy

With these special editions, Maserati not only celebrates the MC12’s illustrious history but also sets the stage for its future in racing and high-performance automotive innovation. The MC20 isn't just a car; it's a statement of intent, a testament to Maserati's enduring legacy, and a glimpse into the exciting road ahead.