Maserati Returns to Racing (Again) with Upcoming MC20
Short for ‘Maserati Corse 20,’ MC20 will debut at the end of May in Italy to start brand’s new era.
Almost 110 years ago, Maserati emerged into the automotive world, mainly through engine building. It wouldn’t be until 1926 when the first car with the famous Trident badge rolled up to that year’s Targa Florio to take the top of the podium. The company would rack up a few more wins, including the 1939 and 1940 editions of the Indianapolis 500, before withdrawing in the wake of the Guidzzolo tragedy at the 1957 Mille Miglia.
Back in 2012, the company returned to racing through the MC12. And now, at the end of May, the Trident will race with support from Modena once more, in the form of the upcoming MC20.
The MC20, whose logo adorns the sail of the Maserati Multi 70 trimaran, is short for “Maserati Corse 20.” Like the Tipo 26, the name represents the year of the car’s arrival on the world’s stage. It also is the first car of the company’s “Era of the Modena” road map.
The MC20’s origins go back to the MC12, a limited-production car aimed at the FIA GT Championship. That car was based on the Ferrari Enzo and was campaigned from 2004 through 2010 in the aforementioned series, as well as in Italian GT, Super GT, and the American Le Mans Series. Though it all, the car won 22 races and 14 championships.
In this decade, the MC20 picks up where the MC12 left off, and then some. The mid-engine car is expected to be powered by an “advanced electric powertrain,” which will make its debut in the new versions of the GranTurismo and GranCabrio. That’s right: the MC20 is Maserati’s third electric car and its first racing EV.
Until it hits the track, though, the MC20 (specifically, its logo) is hitting the high seas. The Maserati Multi 70 is currently competing in the RORC Caribbean 600, a 600-nautical mile competition starting and ending in Antigua, circumnavigating 11 Caribbean islands all the while.
“I am proud to represent the Trident Brand worldwide and am honored that the trimaran Maserati Multi 70 has been chosen for the launch of the new MC20 logo.” said team captain Giovanni Soldini. “I can’t wait to test drive the car and to attend the big May event in Modena.â€
Photos: Maserati
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