Maserati re-entered racing with the legendary MC12. It was relatively successful with its motorsport ventures but most successful in making a soft spot in the hearts of hardcore enthusiasts. To appeal to those enthusiasts, Maserati has decided to celebrate the Maserati MC12 and MC12 GT1 with the Maserati MC20 Icona and Leggenda!
The Maserati MC20 Icona wears the livery of the MC12 and it will be the most recognisable for the ones who weren’t into motorsports back in the mid-2000s. The dual-tone paint uses Bianco Audace with Blu Stradale accents. This scheme instantly ties the Icona with the MC12 Stradale! The colour scheme reaches the wheels as well with a blue trident logo and blue brake callipers in contrast with the chrome-plated wheels. What’s more, the Maserati Furioserie logo is on either side of the car with each side also having Italian Tricolour. Quintessentially Maserati.
The Maserati MC20 Leggenda takes inspiration from a racing legend. The Maserati MC12 GT1 Racecar inspired the name. This livery adds Nero Essenza and Teal Digital Mint Matte Paints to the MC20 which looks radical and perfectly resembles the Vitaphone liveried racecar. There are black calipers behind the Leggenda’s black wheels. The yellow accents on trident logos on the front grille and C pillars and doors are meant to pay homage to the GT1’s Yellow Mirrors. However, Maserati leaving the Leggenda’s mirrors black remains a mystery.
Under the engine bay, there aren’t any mechanical changes so the Nettuno Twin Turbo V6 makes the same 620hp and 731Nm of torque. The most interesting comparison between the V12 Maserati MC12 and the MC20s is that the latter is quicker as it does 0-100 in 3.2 Seconds even after having half the cylinders. Oh, the automotive advancements. However, on both the models, you will find an Italian script which says “ICONA. UNA DI 20” or “LEGGENDA. UNA DI 20” depending on the model you get.
The interior of the Icona has blue Alcantara seats with silver accents to mimic the MC12 Stradale. The Leggenda has Black Alcantara Seats with Silver Accents to mimic the MC12 GT1. Although, in my honest opinion, having no interior other than seats would’ve been a better tribute. What do you think?
Production will be limited to just 20 units globally of the Leggenda and Icona respectively which will make them extremely appealing in the eyes of the collectors. The reason Maserati is sticking to the Number 20 is to correspond to 20 years to the date of the Maserati MC12 Stradale and GT1. They haven’t revealed the pricing but it is safe to assume it will command a premium over the standard MC20 Rs. 3.65 Crore Ex Showroom. To conclude, it is an appealing homage but with the Leggenda, we would’ve liked some more radical changes as it is doing the heavy lifting in terms of paying tribute to a thoroughbred racecar.