Finding a Maserati MC12 in the wild is like winning the lottery. Now ntv.de has even managed to experience a copy at the wheel. This test drive should be remembered.
If you own a Maserati MC12, you don’t really want to appear in public. No, as a rule, the person does not even want at least strangers to gain knowledge of such possessions. And supercar dealers with a corresponding portfolio advertise their vehicles, but are reluctant to deal with such high-end gems.
Fortunately, there are also enthusiasts like Roman Wieser from R.W. Exclusive Cars in Papenburg, which bring even the rarest collector’s cars from the air-conditioned hall onto the street – where they belong, after all.
So that there are no misunderstandings: Wieser not only has cars in its inventory that cost a million dollars. There is also a high-powered X5 for a moderate six-figure amount among the bolides, which, however, mostly come from Ferrari, Lamborghini or McLaren. However, a Maserati MC12 is a special jewel even for the people of Papenburg. The specialist dealer not only markets the Stradale version, but also the Corse version intended for motorsport events – road approval is not usually granted here.
Either way – you almost never see an MC12 on public roads. It was Maserati’s weapon for Fia GT racing. It is based on the Ferrari “Enzo Ferrari” (named after the company founder) including the modified Tipo F140 engine with 12 cylinders and in this case a displacement of six liters. Maserati only built 37 homologation vehicles for the road and 12 to 14 examples (depending on the source) named Corse for events such as track days. With 632 hp, however, the MC12 Stradale ranks 28 hp below the Enzo – the Ferrari should not lose its crown after all.
However, the MC12, which Michael Schumacher was also involved in setting up, is a real downforce monster. On the track, this is rewarded with fast lap times thanks to high cornering performance. Huge rear spoiler, monstrous diffuser and generally sophisticated aerodynamics characterize the MC12. Countless ventilation slits, beads and ducts show that the technicians must have thought long and hard about how the air flows onto the car. That’s why the exotic Italian, in contrast to the Enzo, possibly only runs “more than” 330 km/h – according to the wording in the data sheet. It is registered with a top speed of 351 km/h, which is probably less due to the small additional output. But in the end: speculation. Especially since the gear ratio of the MC12 should differ from that of the Enzo.
But how high the potential for longitudinal and lateral performance with the MC12 may be, it will not be explored here and today. Even if the most experienced driver were at the wheel – fast laps would fail because of the tires alone. Just like the vehicle, they are absolutely original, so they are 18 years old. And with them, even a normal ride without too dynamic inserts becomes an adventure.
No matter, first peel into the partially leather sports seats with the pronounced cheeks – works better than expected. The somewhat stubborn four-point belts are more of a hurdle. Putting them on is not the problem, but they are difficult to adjust. Be that as it may, it doesn’t look really suitable for everyday use. After all, an MC12 is an exceptional car.
But then. Ignition on with the somewhat precarious-looking key (in general, the interior design also seems rather careless), press the blue start button – the twelve-pointer snorts to life. The unit apparently comes from a time when the EU had not intervened so severely in sound design and imposed volume requirements. In addition, the six-liter screams almost right next to the heads of the passengers. Crazy loud, crazy cool. Pull the paddle, the first gear of the automated six-speed box mechanically engages audibly. The carbon racer rolls cautiously onto the road and is initially given a few kilometers of moderate run-out to warm up the 11.5 liters of engine oil. It goes without saying that this unit pumps its lubricant to the liners via a dry sump system. The risk of the oil film tearing off under high lateral acceleration would be too high.
But the MC12 doesn’t really get fire anymore, it has stood still for a long time and the 19-inchers of the 345 class are desperate to transmit the concentrated torque (652 Newton meters at 5500 revolutions). Already a bit too much speed built up hastily – and the static friction says goodbye. Narrow roads curb the urge to go as fast as possible. After all, not a single scratch should come to the 2.10 meter wide beast worth several millions.
Yet. Enjoying the angry, dull-sounding 65-degree twelve-cylinder also works quite well with a personal speed range that ends on this side of the 6000 tours. You should also be careful with the load. Logically, the highly bred four-valve engine could cheer up to 7500 tours and really march forward. But that’s not what it’s all about, it’s more about the feeling of actually controlling an MC12.
If it were all about dynamics, the effort to get this homologation model for a ride would be wasted effort. The racer, which weighs around 1.5 tons, needs about eleven seconds for its speedometer to reach the 200 km/h mark. That was fast in 2004. Today, however, cars undercut seven seconds in this discipline. And they only cost a fraction of what you have to spend on an MC12.
Crazy thought – would an MC12 be conceivable for everyday use? If money was a secondary factor, at least upkeep wouldn’t be the problem. However, the dimensions pose certain challenges. The Italian is not only over two meters wide, but also well over five meters long, which in combination with the sparse clarity (there is no rear window to look through) could lead to some problems. The MC12 easily masters obstacles such as speed bumps on the road. The lifting system raises the chassis sounding a bit tired with a grumpy note, but still impeccable after 18 years.
Perhaps the occasional ride would be the compromise. Outrageously expensive collector’s cars should also be driven instead of just sitting in air-conditioned showcases. This appeal applies not only to MC12 owners, but to all owners who are in similar price ranges. And to be honest – it would be nice to be able to marvel at super rare cars from time to time.
