Maserati’s ultimate track cars flat-out at Navarra – car pictures of the week
Maserati builds a race version of its MC20 supercar, as well as a track-only hypercar that takes it to the next extreme. Here are shots from our test of both
We know Maserati’s supercars – the MC20, the GT2 Stradale and the MCPura that’s now in service – like the back of our hand here at evo. We’ve road-tripped and group tested them all over the UK and in Europe. What we’ve not yet had much time with, are the race and track versions. Until now. We went to Navarra to experience the entirely bespoke, £1million MCXtrema alongside the MC20 GT2 racer. These are our favourite shots from the test.
It’s easy to forget that the MC20’s are ripe bones for the basis of a track-only hypercar, or a high-level GT racer. But then, what would be better than a carbonfibre tub with a twin-turbo V6, with F1-spec combustion tech affixed to it?
If the Maserati MC20 GT2 is obviously a relation of the road car, broadly carrying over its silhouette and lighting, with the garnish of race car distension overlaid, the MCXtrema is an entirely different beast. Here is a bespoke coach build, entirely distinct in appearance and ethos to the MC20 on which it’s based. This dramatic form is part of what ought to justify it being twice the price of the MC20 GT2, even though they share a great deal under the skin.
Is it worth it? Find an excerpt of the test below, which you’ll be able to read in full in evo issue 348 (August), in shops on Wednesday 8 July. You can pre-order from Monday, or subscribe today to never miss an issue.
‘The elephant in the room, as my pragmatic side would say, is that the GT2 costs less than half as much as the MCXtrema while being at least as rewarding to drive, and eligible to race where the hypercar currently isn’t. But neither of these are rational purchases and they shouldn’t be viewed as such.
‘Simply as an object to behold, the MCXtrema is exquisite and extreme in the best way, and the driving experience absolutely backs that up. It’s brutal, intense and challenging without actually being intimidating, which is a very hard balance to strike. Plus, word on the grapevine is that with some third-party modifications, there’s a possibility it could be converted for road use. Now that would be quite something…’ – Yousuf Ashraf, evo senior staff writer
