Maserati’s MCXtrema pays homage to its racing legacy, blending extreme power with rich heritage. Will it bring Maserati back to motorsport success?
Maserati’s motorsport history is marked by both triumphs and setbacks, and the MCXtrema aims to reignite its glory. With the MC12 paving the way for multiple championships from 2004 to 2010, Maserati had hoped to establish itself in top-tier racing. However, despite the MC12’s success, the journey was far from smooth, facing homologation battles and regulations that gradually stripped it of its original form. Yet, it continued to win, proving its dominance.
Despite its racing triumphs, Maserati once again withdrew from motorsport. Now, as endurance racing enjoys a resurgence, Maserati is eyeing a return. The MCXtrema is inspired by the MC12’s legacy but takes the innovation of the MC20 supercar to new heights. Though not eligible for GT3 racing due to its extreme power and aerodynamics, the MCXtrema serves as a tribute to Maserati’s past success.
With only 62 units produced, each priced at nearly £1 million, the MCXtrema showcases Maserati’s commitment to performance. Powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 Nettuno engine producing 724bhp and 538lb-ft of torque, it’s equipped with advanced aerodynamics and a racing-grade suspension. The lightweight body, developed for high downforce, ensures thrilling performance on the track.
During a test at the Autodromo di Modena, Maserati’s test driver Andrea Bertolini, a four-time FIA GT champion with the MC12, showcased the MCXtrema’s capabilities. The car’s ease of control and responsiveness, despite its immense power, delivered an exhilarating driving experience. It offers playful handling, allowing for controlled slides and agile maneuvers, blending ferocity with precision.
Although the MCXtrema isn’t set to compete on the global racing stage, its development signals Maserati’s potential return to motorsport. With the MC20 already finding success as a GT2 racer, the MCXtrema’s prowess raises hope for future factory efforts in GT3 racing, possibly even a return to Le Mans, where the MC12 was once barred from competing. Could this new chapter lead to Maserati’s triumphant comeback in racing? Only time will tell.
