Skip advert
Advertisement

First Maserati MCXtrema delivered: MC20-based track special hits Laguna Seca

Taking the eCoty-winning MC20 supercar as a base, Maserati has created a limited-run track car with a 720bhp twin-turbo V6

Revealed last year during Monterey Car Week, the first customer Maserati MCXtrema has now made its debut at this year's event, hitting Laguna Seca for its shakedown. Sold as a track-only, limited-run supercar based on the MC20, just 62 examples will be built, and in Maserati’s words, is ‘dedicated to a selected, highly discerning clientele,’ comprising ‘purist collectors and loyal customers of the brand.’

Advertisement - Article continues below

Like the regular, mildly less elitist MC20, it’s powered by a twin-turbo V6, with power increased to 720bhp compared with the source car’s 621bhp. That’s partly down to new turbochargers and fine tuning of the ignition system. Torque is quoted at the same 538lb ft figure as the road car.

> The Maserati MC20 GT2 Stradale is a stripped back, aero-honed Porsche 911 GT3 RS rival

Created in collaboration between the Maserati Centro Stile design and the engineering departments, the MCXtrema’s design references the MC12 supercar and racing car from the mid noughties. Without the need to follow racing or road car regulations, it enjoys expansive aero channels and air scoops for aerodynamic and cooling gain. 

As with the road-going MC20, the MCXtrema is built around a Dallara-engineered carbonfibre tub, with the reworked Nettuno V6 engine connected to a competition-level drivetrain. The Nettuno unit features a clever pre-combustion chamber system that increases both performance and efficiency, making it one of the most powerful V6 engines on sale in standard form. 

Inside, there’s a racing seat with a six-point harness (and a passenger seat is an option for driver coaching and/or entertaining friends and family) and a new steering wheel incorporating a five-inch display screen for lap times, pit communications and a multitude of settings. Power steering, traction control, brake balance and engine maps are all adjustable too. A fire extinguisher system and roof hatch, as per GT racing, have been added for safety.

Dampers are four-way adjustable and the MCXtrema is fitted with carbon racing brakes. A six-speed sequential gearbox powers the rear wheels through a mechanical locking differential. With carbon bodywork and carbon chassis, it’s quoted to weigh approximately 1300kg without fluids, compared with the sub-1500kg figure of the road going MC20 (dry figure, that is; we found it weighs considerably more with fluids).

This hyper aggressive aero-focused approach previews future iterations of the MC20, coming as an early glimpse at what was to come in the new MC20 GT2 Stradale.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

The Ariel Atom 4RR has a higher power-to-weight than a Bugatti Chiron
Ariel Atom 4RR
News

The Ariel Atom 4RR has a higher power-to-weight than a Bugatti Chiron

A wound-up Civic Type R engine makes Ariel’s latest model more powerful than the screaming Atom V8
3 Jul 2025
Caterham 310 Encore is the end of the line for the Ford 1.6
Caterham Seven 310 Encore
News

Caterham 310 Encore is the end of the line for the Ford 1.6

It’s goodbye and goodnight for the Caterham Seven 310, with the 25-strong run of 310 Encores serving as the final farewell
11 Jun 2025
The Aston Martin Valkyrie LM will let ten lucky buyers live the Le Mans dream
Aston Martin Valkyrie LM – front
News

The Aston Martin Valkyrie LM will let ten lucky buyers live the Le Mans dream

Aston Martin will build ten examples of the Valkyrie LM, a lightly fettled, unhomologated version of its Le Mans endurance racer
8 Jun 2025
Best track day cars 2025 – the thrill of driving in its purest form
Best track cars 2025
Best cars

Best track day cars 2025 – the thrill of driving in its purest form

Some of the world's most visceral, engaging track cars have emerged in recent times – these are our favourites
28 Apr 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

VW Golf GTI Clubsport for £6k off – Akrapovic exhaust effectively thrown in free
Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport deal
News

VW Golf GTI Clubsport for £6k off – Akrapovic exhaust effectively thrown in free

The Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport in Mk8.5 guise makes for a tempting prospect at the right price
3 Jul 2025
New 2026 Ferrari Amalfi revealed – physical buttons return in the 631bhp Roma replacement
Ferrari Amalfi front
News

New 2026 Ferrari Amalfi revealed – physical buttons return in the 631bhp Roma replacement

The Ferrari Amalfi picks up where the Roma left off, as a more capable, debugged super GT that’s finally brought back buttons
1 Jul 2025
Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI
Cheap sports cars
Best cars

Best used sports cars – proper performance cars for less than a new Golf GTI

With the sun shining and fuel prices palatable, now is the time to indulge your used sports car desires
1 Jul 2025