Maserati has unveiled first details of the GranTurismo MC Corse Concept, which proposes the Trident reviving its popular one-make 'Trofeo' series as well as turning the car into a GT3 class customer car.

Maserati has unveiled first photographs and details of the dramatic GranTurismo MC Corse Concept, which proposes the Trident reviving its popular one-make 'Trofeo' series as well as turning the car into a GT3 class customer car.

Developed around the news GranTurismo S, which has 433 bhp and 490 Nm torque, the MC Corse Concept is a pure racer, which will revive the popular Maserati Trofeo, that ran from 2003-2006. The 4.7-litre V8-engine has been upgraded with a new under bonnet air intake system, featuring a high performance conical intake, and a pure racing-developed Tubi exhaust (with new racing catalytic convertors) which branches into a rear box with dual exits; along with a new ECU they help to boost its power to 450 bhp (330.9 kW) and 510 Nm of torque. New air vents sliced into the car's long, flowing bonnet drags air into and out of the engine bay, while the new front lower spoiler arrangement also maximises air intake.

The GranTurismo's aerodynamics and handling capabilities have been improved with a wider track, new front spoiler arrangement, a new rear splitter, miniskirts under the door, and a slightly enlarged integrated boot lip spoiler. The MC Corse Concept also features comprehensively revised single-setting suspension with new Sachs shockabsorbers and large 18x12 (front) and 18x13 (rear) Speedline race wheels shod with slick Dunlop tyres. Bigger Brembo-sourced mono-block racing brake calipers, bells and larger steel rotors feature and the bodywork has been cut at the front to feed extra air in and out of the front brakes.

Inside, the car has a pure racing cockpit, stripped bare of all the GranTurismo's usual luxuries. An FIA specification integrated welded rollcage helps improve chassis stiffness, which has undergone considerable weigh saving. Sparco has provided the seat, steering wheel and multi-point harnesses. The production version's steering wheel-mounted gearchange paddles are retained. The driver's usual instruments though are replaced with a new race-style digital LCD data reader and the auxiliary switches are located in a cluster on the centre tunnel. A dedicated wiring system, data logger and safety devices complete the changes.

The Trofeo Maserati Europe, which ran for four years from 2003 to 2006, was deemed a big all-round success. It was an excellent training ground for drivers with ambitions to race in the GT categories and a showcase for sponsors thanks to the useful media coverage, as well as presenting the opportunity of organising "taxi-drive" events, to exhibit the cars and the possibility to invite individual sponsors to the season's various events. All races were held on European's most prestigious circuits, in addition to the Maserati World finals, and were combined with other top class motor racing events such as the FIA GT Championship and FIA World touring Car Championship. Several endurance races lasting an hour each further heightened the spectacle. When the series swapped mounts from the Coupé to the GranSport for the final two years, the redundant fleet of Coupé racers were shipped to Brazil where they formed a popular one make series. The GranSport was also developed by Maserati Corse to full FIA GT3 specification and was campaigned by a couple of teams in the inaugural FIA GT3 Championship as well as in national series'.

Maserati GranTurismo MC Corsa Concept - Technical Specifications

Engine: V8
Displacement: 4,691 cc
Maximum power: 330.9 kW (450 HP)
Maximum torque: 510 Nm at 4,750 rpm
Weight/power ratio: <4.2 Kg/KW (<3.1 Kg/HP)
Body: In composite material. Windscreen and rear and side windows in Lexan.
Chassis: In welded steel with integral rollcage structure, FIA approved
Interior: Backward-set driving position, with racing seat, dashboard and control console in carbon throughout. 6-point seat-belt compatible with HANS protection system.
Electrical system: Specific, with data acquisition system.
Fuel tank: 100 lt, with carbon safety structure, FIA approved.
Brakes: Steel discs, front Ø 380 mm, rear Ø 313 mm, without ABS.
Wheels: Front: 12”x18”
Rear: 13”x18”
Tyres: Front: 285/650/18
Rear: 315/690/18
Weight: < 1,400 Kg