Now, Hubert Haupt, entrepreneur and former driver in Germany’s Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters racing series, has become the first driver to put a Maserati MC 12 Versione Corse through its paces on a regular street.
Haupt drove the MC 12 on a series of test laps on Italy’s Adria Raceway, and later secured the first-ever approval to drive the car on public roads. Taking charge of this level of power and race technology out amongst other drivers is no small responsibility, so Haupt selected tyres he was confident would handle his MC 12 well – the Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT, in dimensions of 315/30 ZR 19 on the front axle and 325/35ZR19 (106Y) XL on the rear.
As for his decision to buy the first of the only 12 of the 1.2-million-euro supercars that will ever be made, car aficionado Haupt explains: "Having the ‘number one’ is something very special. You can hardly refuse an offer like this. The MC12 is absolutely a super sports car." Haupt is no stranger to Dunlop products either – the tyremaker is exclusive tyre supplier to the DTM series.
Dieter Seibert, who is responsible for marketing, motor sports, and tuning at Dunlop Germany, commented "this vehicle represents pure fascination. With the utmost in driving enjoyment and extravagant driving performance in the field of motor sports, we are naturally on the scene with the brand Dunlop and our products. Our current motto, ‘In Touch with the Road,’ could hardly be depicted more concretely, because what is required here is the highest level and greatest possible sportiness in connection with safety."
Last year, the MC 12 Competizione brought Maserati the brand and driver world championship titles in the FIA GT long-distance series. The racing version used in the series, boasting 630 HP, had to undergo drastic power restrictions due to the racing regulations. The current Versione Corse, with its 755 HP, accelerates to 200 kilometres per hour in 6.4 seconds. The driver has a six-gear Cambiocorsa gearshift similar to those used in racing at his fingertips, and most of the aerodynamic parts also come from the racing version.
