Car of the Day - 2006 Maserati GranSport MC Victory

Car of the Day - 2006 Maserati GranSport MC Victory

Maserati released a special limited edition version of the GranSport in 2006 to celebrate its success in winning the 2005 FIA GT Manufacturers’ Cup with the MC12. It was really a double celebration though and a fitting way to celebrate the imminent end for one of the most important models in Maseratis history. The GranSport was introduced in 2004 and evolved from the Ferrari developed 3200GT of 1998, the lineage, along with the Quattroporte re-established Maserati and their success means the world now has the truly sublime GranTurismo.

The MC Victory was launched at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. With a production run of 180 individually numbered cars it can be considered the most special of the road going GranSports .The Maserati designers did their utmost to tie the look and feel of the GranSport to the MC12. The most obvious feature being the Maserati Racing Blue paint work and the blue interior that features blue carbon-fibre seats - this is a very blue car. The seats are not the only nod to the carbon-fibre MC12 either as the Victory received unique front and rear spoilers in the same material. As with the MC12 the Italian flag is attached to the front fenders.

Driving dynamics and aerodynamics were a focus for the Maserati engineers. A unique front splitter increased load at high speed Steering was tuned to provide a more direct and precise feel with increased stability at high speeds. Mechanically the car remains standard.

The interior combines blue leather and Alcantara with the blue carbon fibre seats to provide a very Maserati environment.

Rod Halligan