Maserati: The Trident's Triumphant Comeback.
In honour of the 20th anniversary of the Trident's triumphant comeback to competition in 2004, following a 37-year absence, Maserati's racing vocation brings to life the MC20 Icona and MC20 Leggenda, two unique series.
The Maserati MC20 super sports vehicle was inspired by the MC12, which was initially released in road form and was destined to make its mark on the track by establishing a benchmark in GT championships. As Maserati's first model to feature the revolutionary V6 Nettuno engine, the 2020 halo car—completely made in Italy—spelled the start of a new era for the brand. Limited to only 20 units each, the MC20 special series takes design cues from the MC12 Stradale and the MC12 GT1 Vitaphone, respectively, and provides unique liveries and features.
Maserati fans will remember the MC12 Stradale, the previous generation's most famous sports car, when they see this year's MC20 Icona. The MC12 Stradale was a tribute to the 24 Hours of Daytona-winning Maserati Trofeo Light, the first vehicle to draw design cues from the 1959–1961, Maserati Birdcage Type 61.
Maserati MC20 Icona and MC20 Leggenda
The Blu Stradale and MC20 Icona Bianco Audace Matte liveries use specific elements from the Fuoriserie customising scheme, allowing for a more sophisticated level of customisation. Under the MC20 writing on the door, you can see the Italian flag emblem, and on the side of the livery, near the rear wheels, you can see the Maserati Fuoriserie badge in Bianco Audace.
The silver hubcaps have a blue Trident emblem that stands out against the chrome-plated wheels that feature the distinctive Trident design. Aside from the blue paint job on the brake callipers, other features include an auto-dimming mirror and a carbon fibre engine cover.
The MC20 Leggenda's name is steeped in history, as it showcases the same Nero Essenza and Digital Mint Matte livery as the acclaimed MC12 GT1 raced by the Vitaphone Racing team. That car set a record by winning three times and finishing second in the 24 Hours of Spa.
The MC20 Leggenda's exterior highlights include black brake callipers, trident wheels in Nero Lucido with Nero Opaco and Trident Digital Mint hubcaps, and the Trident emblem in yellow on the grille, doors, and C-pillar.
Racing interiors are a part of the Fuoriserie package for the two special series. These include lightweight 4-way monocoque racing seats with Trident embroidery on the headrest and the words "Icona" or "Leggenda," depending on the model. The central section of the seats is either Nero or Blu on a silver background for Icona or Nero on a silver background for Leggenda.
An emblem reading "ICONA. UNA DI 20" or "LEGGENDA. UNA DI 20" appears on the cover, placed over the powerful Nettuno engine.
Stylish Sonus Faber audio systems adorn the inside of the two vehicles as well. Carbon fibre interior packages, electronic limited-slip differentials (E-LSDs), suspension lifters, blind stop and rear cross path systems, and front and boot mats are some other features that are common to both variants.
Maserati MC20 Icona and MC20 Leggenda
Twenty years have passed since the MC12 GT1 began a glorious era for the Trident in motorsport. That legendary car won 27 FIA GT Championships, twice had its name added to the 24 Hours of Spa roll of honour, was part of six teams that won championships with Vitaphone Racing, five drivers won championships (two of which were FIA GT1 World Championships), and Maserati won two constructors' championships. The MC20 Icona and MC20 Leggenda commemorate this milestone.
Giorgetto Giugiaro created the MC12 Stradale, which made its debut in 2004 and is still Maserati's fastest production vehicle. Its 12-cylinder engine, which is derived from Ferrari (MC stands for "Maserati Corse" and 12 refers to the V12), allowed it to reach a top speed of 330 km/h and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds. Only fifty of them were produced.
Today, the MC20 Icona and MC20 Leggenda commemorate the tale of those victories and a car that embodied Maserati's athleticism and DNA committed to greatness, as if symbolising a handoff from one generation to the next.