Maserati's 540kW 'Project24 MCXtrema' Unveiled, Only 62 To Be Produced

Unveiled at The Quail, this limited-edition track-only supercar, previously known as Project24, drew the eyes of enthusiasts, collectors, and connoisseurs alike.

From the iconic 250F in the 1950s to the luxurious Quattroporte in the 1960s and the dominating MC12 GT1 in the 2000s, Maserati has remained a formidable player in the performance car industry.

Now, Maserati is charting a new chapter with the MCXtrema, a groundbreaking concept that combines the brand's heritage with its forward-looking vision. The journey began with Project24, a behind-the-scenes codename for an exclusive series of super sports cars. Just 62 units of this new car are to be produced.

The MCXtrema takes specifications of the MC20 but elevates them to new heights through advanced technical innovations. This includes a re-engineered V6 Nettuno engine with new turbochargers, an advanced suspension system, carbon-fibre brakes, racing-specific tyres, and FIA-approved safety features for a secure racing experience.

The MCXtrema's origins trace back to 2020 with the introduction of the MC20, marking Maserati's return to high-performance machines after 15 years. An heir to the MC12, the MC20 impressed with its carbon-fibre monocoque, butterfly doors, and a bespoke 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine named Nettuno, producing 463kW and 730Nm of torque.

Developed in collaboration with Maserati Corse and Centro Stile Maserati, Project24 brought together engineers, designers, and drivers to create an automobile that met the brand's standards. Drawing inspiration from Maserati's racing heritage, especially the MC12 Versione Corse - Project24 was designed to excel on the track.

The anticipation for Maserati's track-focused hypercar grew in 2022. Originally planned for a Monterey Car Week unveiling in August 2023, the official name, MCXtrema, was revealed ahead of schedule on August 1st, 2023. This name reflects the car's fierce nature and its link to the MC20 and Maserati's racing legacy.

The MCXtrema's design, shaped by Maserati Centro Stile, strikes a balance between beauty, functionality, and aerodynamics. Its exterior, derived from the MC20, boasts aggressive aerodynamics with three intersecting contours defining its silhouette. The front features a bold splitter and aerodynamic channels, while the rear showcases an adjustable wing, central fin, and sculpted diffuser.

Aerodynamics were meticulously optimised to excel on different sections of a racetrack, ensuring peak performance. The ultralight carbon fibre chassis contributes to exceptional performance and handling, while the suspension system with new double-wishbone geometry and kinematics guarantees optimal tyre-road contact.

The MCXtrema's twin-turbo V6 Nettuno engine, enhanced with new turbochargers and a racing exhaust, delivers 540kW and 730Nm of torque. A six-speed sequential gearbox, rear-wheel drive system, and mechanical limited-slip differential further enhance performance.

Inside, the MCXtrema's minimalist design focuses on the driver's needs. Safety is prioritised with a protective cage in a single-seater cockpit layout.

The MCXtrema is a testament to Maserati's legacy and innovation, pushing the boundaries of performance. All 62 units are already sold out, with deliveries beginning in early 2024 through Maserati's Fuoriserie custom-building program. In this new era, the MCXtrema stands as a symbol of Maserati's dedication to crafting extraordinary automobiles.