The new track-only Maserati Project24 is based on the MC20 with an 81kW boost.
There have been plenty of track-only hypercars to come out of Italy in recent years with Pagani, Ferrari and Lamborghini all getting in on the action, but now it’s Maserati’s turn with its new Project24.
Maserati does actually have previous experience in creating extreme, track-only versions of its supercars. In 2006 the Italian brand released the MC12-based Versione Corse, which was designed solely for race track use. Like that car, the new Project24 combines components from a road car (this time the MC20 supercar) with racing car technology.
The Modena-based firm says the Project24 “inherits the specifications of the Maserati MC20, enhancing it with technical specifications that have advanced even further”. The changes are significant, because starting with the MC20-derived 3.0-litre V6 Nettuno engine Maserati has upgraded the unit’s twin turbochargers to take power up to 544kW.
This is sent to the rear wheels only through a six-speed sequential racing gearbox with paddle shifters, rather than the MC20’s eight-speed automatic transmission. A racing clutch with a limited-slip mechanical differential both feature, without the option of the electronic limited-slip differential in the MC20.
Beneath the all-new carbon-fibre body there are a number of shared components with the MC20. Maserati has significantly reduced the weight, with the Project24 targeting a sub-1250kg kerbweight, making it more than 250kg lighter than the MC20. This weight reduction is aided by carbon-fibre panels, polycarbonate windows and a stripped-out interior.
Downforce has clearly been given priority on the Project24 too, with a central fin running back from the roof to the huge rear wing, an aggressive rear diffuser and a large splitter at the front. Air is also channelled through the front grille onto the sloping bonnet, which should further push the Project24 into the tarmac. Both the front and rear spoilers are also adjustable to suit different tracks and configurations.
The exterior tweaks don’t stop there as there are unique forged 18-inch aluminium centre-lock rims wrapped in slick tyres. Underneath the wheels, Maserati has also fettled the brakes. Now there are ‘racing calipers’ with Brembo carbon-ceramic ventilated racing discs and a bespoke brake cooling set-up. The suspension is a double-wishbone configuration with adjustable damping and adjustable front and rear anti-roll bars.
The Project24 boasts a typically focused racing car cabin. There are racing seats (a passenger seat is optional if you really want to save weight), while the racing pedal box and steering wheel are adjustable. A six-point safety belt is standard and there’s a carbon-fibre steering wheel. To keep up to date with your lap times, a telemetry recording can be specified as an option, as can an in-car camera to record your laps. Just like a real endurance racing car there are also air jacks mounted in the floor to make tyre swapping easier.
Maserati will offer track-specific experiences and support for each Project24 buyer, as well as a “unique range of services”. Pricing hasn’t been announced.
Alastair Crooks