The track-only hypercar is a curious breed. Here are cars that can’t be raced, but also can’t be used on the road (unless they undergo very expensive modifications), yet are touched (sorry) by some of the richest people in the world. Think Ferrari FXX K, Lamborghini Essenza SCV12, Pagani Huayra R, Aston Valkyrie AMR Pro, McLaren 720S GT3X, Porsche 935, etc. Clearly, the billionaire track toy is a niche worth targeting, and that’s exactly what Maserati is aiming for with its latest creation, the Project24.
Described by its manufacturer as the car that “takes the brand’s no-holds-barred performance to a new level of on-track adrenaline”, the Project24 uses an evolution of the MC20’s Nettuno V6. Where this car had to make do with 620bhp, the upgraded turbos here mean a whopping 740bhp. Which should be more than enough for a car that weighs less than 1250kg dry. And it remains rear-wheel drive. Plus, of course, the Project24 comes with all the race-ready kit to handle that phenomenal power – and make every day at the track feel like a real test session. It has Brembo CCMR brakes, fire extinguisher, FIA-spec cage and fuel tank, six-speed sequential with racing clutch and locking differential, Lexan windows, on-board air jacks, adjustable racing shocks (actually adjustable everything about the suspension), slick tires and a mega aero package . This is the real deal, no doubt.
Furthermore, thanks to the work of Centro Stile Maserati, the Project24 is also designed to look absolutely sensational. It’s built from a carbon tub (which we’ll assume was also developed from the MC20) and features carbon panels, but it doesn’t look like any other Maserati – good job putting on the big badge, really. And let’s not pretend that design isn’t important when choosing the next bit of exotica for the portfolio. Maserati reckons the car is “something never seen before” from the brand, which we won’t argue with – the MC12 looks a hundred years old in comparison – “combining beauty with true sporting ability to make it an instant classic collector’s item.”
Which seems like a good time to talk about availability. Despite the name, Maserati will actually build 62 Project24s, promising each customer “a unique range of services, including track-specific experiences and state-of-the-art support.” Which, to be honest, sounds a lot like the packages offered with the alternatives, but then the popularity is clear – why wouldn’t Maserati follow suit? Since the car is still in testing – Project24 is the development name for now – we probably won’t see the Maserati crashing track days and causing havoc on Instagram feeds IRL this year. But it also doesn’t seem too far off. And who wouldn’t want to spend their jackpot on a 740bhp Maserati that looks like it?
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