2024 Maserati MCXtrema

What we've previously known as Maserati's 'Project24' now has a name - and it rather straightforwardly tells you what this car is all about. The 2024 Maserati MCXtrema is a 724-horsepower, track-only race car that was bred to take over the baton from the MC12. It's dedicated to gentleman racers and enthusiasts who want an intense track toy, and since it's not approved for road use, the MCXtrema will only find a home with 62 buyers who can exercise it regularly at their local track. It's been developed for a highly select target audience at an even more exclusive price tag - it's a complete departure from the road-going MC20 it's based on.

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There's no word on an official release date for the Maserati MCXtrema, but since this car is still in development, it's not likely to arrive on buyers' doorsteps any time soon. A late-2024 arrival is reasonable.

At least half of the 62-strong production lineup is expected to come to the USA, but it's worth noting that all 62 are spoken for. We're not sure what the cost is to belong to this exclusive club of gentleman racers, but the automaker has said that the price of the Maserati MCXtrema will be a seven-digit figure, hinting that it would be under the $2-million mark.

Cars that have a similar singular focus include the Pagani Huayra R with its potent V12 engine. It puts out 838 hp and is also designed for the track - and it has an MSRP of over $3 million. Gordon Murray has done something similar with the T.50s Niki Lauda - and limited to only 25 examples, it's even more exclusive than other rivals.

It may share some elements and a naming structure with the MC20, but the new Maserati MCXtrema coupe is a different beast entirely. The basic shape is similar, but where the MC20 coupe has sleek curves and full haunches, the MCXtrema is all angles and severity. The automaker says that since it wasn't restricted by having to comply with the requirements of making it street-legal, they could create a whole new look that feeds off the heritage of racing.

The Trident logo and its symbolism feature heavily in the exterior design of the Maserati MCXtrema, and while the carmaker says the whole body can be drawn with three lines, it's easier to spot the significance in the elements along the bodywork. Seen from above, the scoops on the hood create a three-pronged element, which is repeated on the back of the car. The large rear wing is mounted on two struts but is also supported by the prominent shark fin, which creates a three-bladed look from the back. The fin aids stability, and the rear wing is adjustable.

The taillights are the most obvious use of the trident shape, with three slim bars lighting up at each corner, showcasing the proportions of the car perfectly. There's a sculpted rear diffuser that's almost understated in comparison to the rest of the aggressive back end. The MCXtrema also has a fully flat underfloor for enhanced airflow.

Aerodynamics has clearly been the main focus of the design. At the front, the nose of the MCXtrema is underscored by a severe front splitter to create high levels of downforce. The race car has a large air scoop on the roof and rides on bespoke 18-inch forged aluminum wheels with a center locking mechanism.

Available exterior colors for the Maserati MCXtrema haven't been made public, but with such a limited number of cars to be produced, it's likely that buyers will be able to customize the looks of their MCXtrema extensively.

Dimensions for the Maserati MCXtrema show it's longer and wider than the MC20, although they share a 106.3-inch wheelbase. But where the MC20 coupe is just under 184 inches in length, the MCXtrema stretches to 204.7 inches. Without accounting for the exterior mirrors, the MCXtrema is 80.5 inches wide. Height measurements will be interesting since the MC20 sits 48.2 inches tall, and the more extreme version will likely be even lower.

Keeping weight down is essential for race cars, so the 2024 MCXtrema has a dry weight figure of 2,866 pounds. The use of polycarbonate for the windscreen and side windows, as well as the carbon fiber monocoque, are responsible for the weight loss compared to the MC20.

The automaker notes that these figures are subject to change depending on the car's development, however.

The twin-turbocharged Nettuno V6 engine powering the Maserati MCXtrema makes around 100 horsepower more in this application than it does in the road-going MC20, thanks to new turbochargers. Power goes to the rear wheels via a six-speed sequential racing gearbox with a racing clutch, and through a limited-slip mechanical self-locking differential.

While Maserati says specs are 730 metric hp/ps and 538 lb-ft, the 540 kW figure translates to around 724 SAE hp. Maximum torque is available from 3,000 rpm, which should give the Italian race car a brutal 0-60 mph time. Considering the MC20 coupe manages it in just a hair over three seconds (according to independent tests - the automaker estimates quicker acceleration), the MCXtrema will likely improve on this substantially. And since it's been freed from the restrictions set for road-going cars, top speed will be higher than the 202 mph on the regular MC20.

The chassis and suspension setup of the MCXtrema has been designed to harness the power from the engine, and to this end, comes with motorsport-tuned double-wishbone suspension, four-way racing dampers, springs, and a stabilizer bar that can be adjusted for track use. Stopping power comes from carbon fiber racing brakes that have been optimized for hardcore usage, and the Maserati Corse traction control system and racing exhaust aid in helping it handle - and sound - like a track car.

There are no official mpg figures for the Maserati MCXtrema, and it's probably not relevant since no one will be allowed to drive it anywhere other than a race track. Still, if you're wondering what kind of fuel consumption a car like this manages, you can use the regular MC20 as a guide: with 110 hp less and a heavier body, that car earns EPA ratings of 15/25/18 mpg on city/highway/combined cycles.

We do know that the MCXtrema comes with an FIA-required 31.7-gallon fuel tank (15.85 gallons on the regular car), so you can keep doing laps for as long as possible.

Unlike the road car it's based on, the MCXtrema has an interior suitable only for racing. It's been designed around three core principles (there's that number again), namely minimalism, destructure, and driver immersion.

The first of these sees the interior stripped down to only the bare essentials - so bare, in fact, that a second seat for a passenger must be optioned on. The interior of the Maserati MCXtrema is contained within a safety cage, not just for protection but for added rigidity. The second principle ties in here as well, with 'destructure' talking to the "naked effect" inside the car - even the dashboard has been stripped of all unnecessary plastic, leaving just a crossbeam that is both purposeful and embodies a sporty aesthetic.

Despite the intensive stripping down, all driver contact zones get ergonomic pads to ensure comfort. The seat and driver's knee area are always protected.

As for driver immersion, the aim was to create a cockpit that embodies racing with everything ergonomically placed and with perfect symmetry for all instrumentation. This is to ensure the driver has maximum control. As such, the driver can adjust the pedal box and steering column if they need to, while visibility and positioning of various controls have been extensively researched.

The steering wheel is rendered in carbon and aluminum with a five-inch center display and the required buttons and rotary selectors for various system settings on track. Maserati wants the driver to have immediate access to settings pertaining to steering calibration, traction control, brake balance, and engine strategies so that they can cater their experience to their driving style, the track, or the weather. Lap time data, car parameters, and even the pit limiter can all be managed from the cockpit.

While you can get two seats in the Maserati MCXtrema, the standard fare is a single racing seat with a six-point seatbelt, safety nets, and an integrated safety roof hatch. And while comfort hasn't been interpreted as luxury here, passengers in the MCXtrema get air conditioning, UV reactive labels for instruments to show up in low light conditions, and an adjustable display.

Cargo space is entirely irrelevant in a track car, but rest assured a fire extinguisher is secured in the vehicle.