Currently reading: Maserati's Enzo no match for Ferrari's

Maserati’s spectacular new MC12 supercar is both slower and more expensive than the Ferrari Enzo on which it is based.

The Trident’s new track car for the street marks a return to the dramatic styling of the long-tail Le Mans Group C racers of the ’80s.

The MC12’s race-shaped proportions lead to its huge 5.1m length – up 440mm over the Enzo – while the wheelbase jumps by 150mm to 2800mm. A massive 2m-wide rear wing and small spoiler in the upper tail section of the body produce more downforce than the Ferrari’s adjustable spoiler.

Maserati claims 205mph for the MC12, against the Enzo’s 217mph, and admits it’s slightly slower against the clock: 0-62mph takes 3.8sec, versus 3.7sec. Both are powered by the 6.0-litre V12 developed for the Ferrari, though the Maser’s 623bhp is 27bhp down on the Enzo. Maserati claims 1335kg for the MC12, 30kg lower than its in-house rival.The longer body necessitated a Maserati-specific carbonfibre chassis and body, while the push-rod wishbone suspension follows the Enzo’s.

Maserati originally planned a small batch of 25 MC12s costing £475,000 (£50,000 more than the Enzo), but now plans to build a further 25 next year.

Add a comment…