Three exotic offerings from the Geneva Motor Show
Of all the gloss and glitter seen at the Geneva Motor Show, the Maserati MC-12 Stradale stood out. It was a preview of a production car to be built in low volume and ready for customers in Europe later this year.
The jaw-dropping design was developed in a wind tunnel and based on an idea of design house Giugiaro.
Highly efficient aerodynamics and high-speed stability were of primary importance for the MC-12 designers and engineers. As a result of wind tunnel and real-world testing, an enclosed underbody and huge, two-metre carbon-fibre rear wing were fitted to help keep the car glued to the road at high speed.
Nestled behind the MC-12's two seats is the mid-engined six-litre, naturally aspirated 60-degree V12. With quad cams, the V12 pumps out an incredible 465kW at 7,500rpm and 652Nm at 5,500rpm.
The MC-12 uses a version of the Cambiocorsa electronic-clutch six-speed manual, a Ferrari-developed transmission that does away with a clutch pedal. Instead, the driver uses paddles mounted behind the steering wheel to change gears.
