MASERATI IN THE NEWS 
6-Liter Maserati to Compete in FIA GT
A new six-litre Maserati debuted in a test format at Fiorano, driven by race
test driver Andrea Bertolini. The car will participate in the 2004 FIA GT championships.
The car with the moniker MCC will make a public debut at Geneva in addition
to a new Maserati GT car code named MCS.
Photos courtesy of Ferrari S.p.A. Web site.
Maserati is stepping up their racing investment in a big way
for 2004. There will be at least three active programs this year.
The 2004 schedule for the Vodafone-sponsored Trofeo European Circuit
has already been announced. The Trofeo is based on the Maserati Coupe
Cambiocorsa, this series has 26 cars and began Maserati's return to racing
after a 47 year absence.
Built by Maserati
Corse, the racing arm of the Maserati Factory, the Trofeo Light marks
the
return of the Trident to racing in the US. The
Trofeo Light has undergone many modifications from last year’s
Trofeo in Europe. In addition to the dry weight reduction from 1370 kg
down to 1150 kg, the Trofeo Light also boasts an increase in bhp to 430
at 7000 rpm, from the 413 of the standard Trofeo. Additionally, the Trofeo
Light gets improved brakes, engine cooling, suspension and improved aerodynamics
from widened fenders, a splitter and an adjustable rear spoiler. It has
been ratified for use in the Italian GT Championship (CSAI National Trofeo
Category). Scuderia Maserati of Washington plans the North American debut
of the Trofeo Light for the opening round of the American Grand-Am; the
Daytona 24 Hours, January 31 - February 1, 2004.
Finally, after a year of rumors, Maserati unveiled their 620 bhp, 5992
cc, 12 cylinder entry for the prestigious FIA GT race series. Maserati
calls it MCC, short for Maserati Corse Competizione. It makes extensive
use of carbon fiber body and chassis to come in at 1100 kg.
After its official introduction at Geneva this year you can expect
full MCC participation in the 2005 FIA GT schedule. Maserati plans to
introduce their MCS, their newest road going Granturismo car at the same
time. That should generate a great deal of excitement and maybe a little
controversy. Will Maserati provide big brother Ferrari a little competition?
Click on the images
below to view at full size.

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