Maserati’s New Project24 Is A Track-Only Hypercar With 730 HP

Maserati surprised us all when it announced it’s working on a track-only hypercar based on the MC20, called Project24 that will be produced in just 62 units. The special hypercar is a spiritual successor to the racing version of the Enzo-based Maserati MC12 celebrating the Trident brand’s rich motorsports heritage.

Maserati has released three official sketches to preview its upcoming hypercar. The body panels are made of carbon fiber combined with a few components from natural fibers. The connection to the MC20 is evident only from the shape of the greenhouse, with everything else appearing to be bespoke. Even the windows are unique to the Project24 since they are made of Lexan for weight-saving purposes.

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Not limited by regulations for road-going vehicles, the designers at Centro Stile Maserati went for extreme looks with thin LEDs on the bumpers, an F1-style splitter, large openings on the bonnet, extended side sills, a new kind of flying buttresses, racing mirrors, and a massive rear wing that is connected to a central fin. The rear end also gets LED taillights inspired by the trident emblem, high-mounted dual exhaust pipes, and a racing-spec diffuser.

Maserati says that the front and rear aero are “multi-adjustable”, producing high levels of downforce. Finally, the center-lock 18-inch forged aluminum wheels with special aero covers were specifically designed for the Project24, and come fitted with slick tires.

The Interior of a Racecar

We didn’t get to see sketches of the cabin yet, but we expect a spartan, motorsport-like atmosphere. Just like a racecar, the Project24 gets an FIA-homologated roll cage, fire extinguisher, and a special fuel tank. It will also feature a carbon-fiber multi-function steering wheel with an integrated display, a racing seat for the driver with a six-point harness, gearshift paddles, adjustable pedal box, adjustable steering column, air conditioning, a data acquisition system, and switches for adjusting the ABS and the traction control. Optional features include an extra seat for the passenger, a “driving performance optimization” display, a rear-view camera display, an in-car camera, telemetry recording, and tire pressure monitoring.

A Track-Focused Setup

The Project24 is sharing the lightweight carbon-fiber monocoque chassis with the MC20 but benefits from a series of track-focused upgrades, better suited to its new role. The twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 dry-sump Maserati Nettuno engine here produces 730 hp (544 kW / 740 PS), a healthy increase compared to the 621 hp (463 kW / 630 PS) of the road-going MC20. The higher output in combination with the lower weight which is less than 1,250 kg (2,756 pounds), results in a power-to-weight ratio of 1.69 kg/hp.

Power is transmitted to the rear axle through a six-speed sequential gearbox, with a racing clutch and a mechanical limited-slip differential completing the motorsport-inspired setup. The double wishbone suspension is specifically tuned for the track with adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars. The hypercar also benefits from Brembo CCMR ventilated brakes with racing calipers and a bespoke brake cooling system.

Maserati didn’t reveal pricing for the Project24, but we guess that the 62 units will be sold out pretty soon. The owners of the track-only hypercar will gain access to a range of services including track-specific experiences and support, like in other similar programs from rival automakers.