Maserati refers to it as 'the beast'
Maserati has revealed its new MC20-derived MCXtrema track car at this year’s Monterey Car Week, held in California.
The car, described by Maserati itself as a “veritable beast,” is solely certified for track use and has no type approval to be driven on the road. Just 62 examples will be made for “purist collectors and loyal customers” of the Italian brand.
Maserati says the hardcore model, which is “dedicated to the excellence of gentleman drivers and racing car enthusiasts,” will offer “fine design and mind-blowing performance.”
The Italian company revealed the car at The Quail, in Monterey, on Friday, August 18, before displaying it over the weekend. It was one of a number of new luxury vehicles revealed over the course of Monterey Car Week, with the Aston Martin DB12 Volante and the Zenvo Aurora hypercar also among the debutants.
Unique aerodynamics and styling
Although the MCXtrema is clearly related to the MC20, there are significant differences between the cars, with the engineers freed from the shackles of type approval. The MCXtrema has a much sharper nose, for example, with very different lights and a pronounced aerodynamic splitter, not to mention the much squarer rear end.
The rear light signature is very different, too, although the exhaust outlets for the V6 ‘Nettuno’ engine are in much the same position. However, they’re housed in a gaping grille that sits beneath a massive aerodynamic rear wing structure, while air scoops to feed the 3-litre engine are mounted on the roof.
But while the relationship between MC20 and MCXtrema is visible on the outside, the interiors of the two cars are nothing alike. Maserati has stripped the cabin right back for track use, and there’s no central touchscreen. Instead, drivers get an F1-like cockpit with a skeletal seat and a five-point racing harness.
Maserati has also included an F1-style ‘yoke’ in place of the standard MC20 steering wheel, complete with switchgear for performance-related functions.
720bhp from V6 engine
Perhaps the most important aspect of the MCXtrema’s performance, though, is the engine. The basis might be the same 3-litre V6 petrol engine as the MC20, but it has been tuned to produce 720bhp – around 100bhp more than the MC20.
Officially, Maserati is yet to announce any performance figures, but it’s likely the 62 MCXtrema models will be significantly faster than the already-rapid MC20.
More than that, the MCXtrema is also designed to signpost a new direction for the Maserati brand, which is looking to reinvent itself in the eyes of consumers.
“Maserati MCXtrema was created with the aim of offering an incredibly exclusive product that can set a new paradigm for our track cars,” said Maserati CEO Davide Grasso. “The project is dedicated to a selected clientèle who are particularly attentive to distinctive details, ranging from the most refined and innovative design to exceptional performance. MCXtrema embodies the sporting spirit typical of Maserati’s DNA, a declaration of a new pathway for our brand, devoted to superlative manufacturing and able to stand out in the world of luxury engine production with uncompromising performance.”
On a product offensive
Of late, Maserati has been on a product offensive, launching several new models in the past few years. Not only has the brand brought out the MC20 coupé and MC20 Cielo roadster models, but it has also released a new SUV called the Grecale, which is designed to rival the Porsche Macan and Range Rover Velar. Other recent launches include the new GranTurismo coupé, which is set to be joined by the GranCabrio convertible.
Maserati is yet to announce how much each of the 62 MCXtrema models will cost, but they are expected to be considerably more expensive than the MC20, with prices possibly stretching past the £1 million mark. Each of the 62 cars is also expected to be made to order, with customers offered various personalisation and specification options.
- If you enjoyed reading about the limited-edition Maserati MCXtrema, you might like to check out the even more exclusive Lotus Type 66
- Have a read of our review of the stunning Maserati MC20 Cielo
- You should check out the Pininfarina B95 open-topped electric hypercar, too
Keyword: Maserati reveals hardcore MCXtrema track-only car in California with 720bhp