At the Paris Motor Show in 2002, the Maserati Trofeo, of which only 30 were made - all for racing only, was presented as the model with which the Modena-based, Italian company would make its official return to motor racing.
The following year in 2003, the Trofeo was the centrepiece of a monomarque championship of seven races, run on the most prestigious circuits in Italy, Great Britain, Germany, France and Spain. Two events, in Italy and Britain, were held in conjunction with the local Formula 1 Grand Prix, and four were mini-endurance events, combined with the FIA GT Championship. The last race was held with the traditional "Finali Ferrari" racing days.
There were 26 cars on the starting grid (four other were kept back as stand-bys), and it was possible to enter two drivers for mini-endurance events. The Trofeo race cars were prepared and run directly by Maserati, thus guaranteeing technical equality and similar performance.
Before being presented in Paris, the car was put through an intense test programme, beginning in June 2002. It made its debut at Fiorano with Luciano Burti, and the tests continued in Imola with Luca Badoer and Fabrizio Giovanardi. Luca Badoer took the wheel of the Trofeo again in Fiorano and Mugello, then Fabio Babini tested the car at Vallelunga. Even Michael Schumacher had a chance to try the car out on September 8 at the Nürburgring and he announced that he was satisfied with the level of competitiveness achieved.
The Maserati Trofeo was based on the V8-powered Coupé Cambiocorsa with power increased to 413 bhp at 7,000 rpm and giving torque figures of 340 lb ft at 4,500 rpm. Other changes made to the standard road car were primarily designed to reduce weight and increase safety. Those changes included an upgraded brake system incorporating huge Brembo discs, specific uprated damper and suspension settings, a safety 100 litre petrol tank, Sabelt racing bucket seat, safety roll-over bar and cage, larger wheels (9" x 18" front, 10" x 18" rear), Pirelli racing slick tyres, an aerodynamic kit including a high-mounted rear wing, and a specially modified engine management unit.
The Trofeo was a significant 550 pounds, around 15% lighter than the standard Coupe. |
