Overview
An MC12 that has been re-painted blueThe MC12 is a two-door coupe with a targa top roof, although the detached roof cannot be stored in the car.[1] The mid-rear layout (engine between the axles but behind the cabin) keeps the centre of gravity in the middle of the car, which increases stability and improves the car's cornering ability. The standing weight distribution is 41% front: 59% rear; at speed however, the downforce provided by the rear spoiler affects this such that at 200 kilometres per hour (125 mph), the effective weight distribution is 34% front: 66% rear.
Exterior
The body of the car, made entirely of carbon fibre, has undergone extensive wind tunnel testing to achieve maximum downforce across all surfaces. As a result, the rear spoiler is two metres (79 in) wide but only 30 millimetres (1.2 in) thick, the underside of the car is smooth, and the rear bumper has diffusers to take advantage of ground effect.[5] Air is sucked into the engine compartment through the air scoop; its positioning on top of the cabin makes the car taller than the Enzo. The exterior is available only in the white and blue colour scheme, a tribute to the America Camoradi racing team that drove the Maserati Tipo Birdcages in the early 1960s.[9][13] The car is noted for the awkwardness that results from its size: very long and wider than a Hummer H2.[12] This, combined with the lack of a rear window, makes parking the MC12 very difficult.
Engine
The MC12 sports a 232 kilogram (511 lb), six-litre (5,998 cc/366 cu in) Enzo Ferrari-derived V12 engine, mounted at 65°.[14] Each cylinder has four valves, lubricated via a dry sump system, and a compression ratio of 11.2:1.[4] These combine to provide a maximum torque of 652 newton metres (481 lbf·ft) at 5500 rpm and a maximum power of 465 kilowatts (632 PS/621 bhp) at 7500 rpm.[4] The redline rpm is indicated at 7500—despite being safe up to 7700—whereas the Enzo has redline at 8200 rpm.[1]
The Maserati MC12 can accelerate from 0–100 kilometres per hour (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds (though Motor Trend Magazine managed 3.7 seconds) and on to 200 kilometres per hour (125 mph) in 9.9 seconds.[1][6][5] It can complete a standing (from stationary) quarter mile in 11.3 seconds with a terminal speed of 200 kilometres per hour (125 mph) or a standing kilometre in 20.1 seconds.[1][6] The maximum speed of the Maserati MC12 is 330 kilometres per hour (205 mph).[6]
The power is fed to the wheels through a rear-mounted, six-speed semi-automatic transmission. The gearbox is the same as the Enzo's transmission (tuned to different gear ratios) but renamed "Maserati Cambiocorsa". It provides a shift time of just 150 milliseconds, and is mechanical with a 215 millimetre (8.5 in) twin plate dry clutch
Chassis
The MC12’s chassis is a monocoque made of carbon and nomex, with an aluminium sub-chassis at the front and rear. It has a roll bar to provide additional strength, comfort and safety.[1][9] Double wishbone suspension with push-rod-operated coil springs provide stability and dampers smooth the ride for the passengers.[16] The front of the car can be raised for speed bumps and hills by pressing a button that extends the front suspension.[10] There are two modes for the chassis' tuning which can also be changed with a button in the cabin: Sport, the standard setting, and Race, which features less of the Bosch ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) traction control, faster shifts and stiffer suspension.
