Maserati are set to unveil a no-compromise performance, limited-edition road version of the GranSport Trofeo racer, the Trofeo MC8.

The famous Trident marque - now firmly part of Fiat Auto and aligned closely with Alfa Romeo - are keen to build on the success of the GranSport model which was introduced in Geneva last year. The GranSport itself is an 'extreme' version of the long-running Coupé, with harsher, more-aggressive looks, power from its Maserati 4.2-litre V8 engine raised to 400bhp, and with a host of subtle revisions such as revised gear ratios. The GranSport has swiftly become the one of the most sought after choices in the Coupé/Spyder range, and given the line-up a timely boost. The project received the green light last year while Maserati were still under the guidance of Ferrari, and so in effect the new car is a Maserati 'Challenge Stradale'.

MASERATI TROFEO MC8 - RACE BRED

For 2005 Maserati's popular Vodafone Trofeo Europa series made the switch to using a GranSport-based racer. The series, which had featured identical-specification Coupé-based racer cars, driven by 'gentleman' drivers, has grown in stature in just a few short years. The new model - dubbed the Trofeo GranSport - took the series' ideals forward a step as well as creating a much more visually aggressive racing car.

The Trofeo GranSport is built at the Maserati factory in Modena, on the same production line as the GranSport model, and is designed to offer the driver an easy-to-drive racing car, which is capable of stirring the emotions on the race track. The 4200cc V8 GranSport engine now produces 415bhp (up from 400bhp) and is coupled to the six-speed gearbox from the standard road car that allows the driver to make the most of the available power without compromising the torque.

The ride height of the GranSport Trofeo racer has also been reduced by 50mm, while significant weight saving has been achieved.

Although road going specials are usually derived from technology developed on the track, the Trofeo MC8 retains many aerodynamic features from the GranSport road car. Aerodynamically, the GranSport served as an excellent basis for the new GranSport Trofeo track car, with the front bumper in particular allowing for the development of a package capable of generating a higher aerodynamic load. Due to the new aerodynamics and recalibrated rear suspension, the GranSport Trofeo has far less understeer than the old Trofeo.
 

"The GranSport is a much more engaging drive with curves taken more cleanly and, it maintains a much higher speed than that of the [original] Trofeo," commented one Vodafone Maserati Trofeo Europa driver recently.

LIGHTER AND FASTER - ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE EDGE

Maserati have taken this well-sorted car to form the basis of a new 'no compromise' street-legal, road-racer. They have rigorously questioned GranSport owners' to ascertain if the market would be receptive to a further 'performance' step, particularly as many Coupé owners have traded-up to the GranSport. "I receive owner surveys and one of the questions was what would you change about the car and I outlined how I wish it was a little harder edged," commented one existing GranSport owner. " Apparently, I wasn't the only owner that felt that way. Hopefully they'll use the latest software on the gearbox and ceramic brakes."

The Trofeo GranSport's 415bhp output will be retained, as has the strong torque levels, a result of extensive development and improvement of the engine management software.  On the Trofeo Gransport racers, the new engine management, in combination with a new air intake filter, allowed for the rpm limiter to be raised to 7900 rpm.  

19-inch size alloy wheels enhance both handling and look, whilst significant weight has been lost (over 150kg) by stripping out much of the plush interior. Maserati have drawn on the experience they recently gained during the design and construction of the larger MC12 'Stradale' sportscar, so the new Trofeo MC8 model is being fitted with carbon-fibre framed racing seats, dashboard and door panels. Out will go the back seat bench, along with many of the cockpit's more opulent features. Carbon-fibre will also be extensively used around other points of the car to trim the weight still further. The Trofeo GranSport's Brembo braking set-up - which use new materials that are more resistance to fade - will be carried over onto the new car which is expected to be called the MC8 (Maserati Corse 8-cyl), a production run of 250 units is planned.