Maserati MC20 creates wild 730 hp Project 24 circuit car

Maserati on Friday unveiled for the first time a wild circuit car that the company is preparing based on the MC20 supercar.

Currently code-named Project24, the circuit car was not developed to meet racing regulations. As a result, the design is extreme to say the least.

Underneath the custom-made carbon fiber body is the same Dallara-developed carbon tub as the MC20, but here an FIA-approved roll cage has been added. The engine is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, taken from the MC20, but with output raised to 730 hp from the MC20's 621 hp. The major upgrade is a new turbo.

Other features include a six-speed sequential transmission with paddle shifters, adjustable aero, adjustable suspension, lightweight Lexan windows, Brembo brakes, and 18-inch forged wheels with center locks.

The Maserati is still under development, but is expected to have a dry weight of less than 2,755 pounds.

Maserati plans to offer a complete program around Project24. This will include a driver instruction course, track experience, and logistical support.

Project 24 will be produced in limited numbers, but Maserati has not revealed how limited production will be. Maserati also has not revealed when the car will actually go on sale.

Although not yet confirmed, the "24" in the car's code name may suggest that Project 24 is a test bed for a racing version of the MC20 planned to compete in 24-hour events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona.

Prior to the MC20's unveiling, Maserati said it planned to race the car and that it was a "natural evolution" of the previous MC12, which competed in FIA GT in the 2000s. With Ferrari leaving the GT class of the World Endurance Championship next year to focus on Le Mans' premier hypercar racing car class, it is possible that Maserati will introduce the MC20 GT racer to fill the void.