Monaco is a name and a place synonymous with fast cars. Between the obscenely wealthy residents and high-profile races like the Monaco Grand Prix and the Monte Carlo rally, the tiny Mediterranean principality probably has more horsepower per acre than any other place on earth. The glitz and glamor has left little room for industry, however, so the high performance machinery regularly seen on the boutique and casino-strewn streets of Monte Carlo has all been imported. All those Ferraris and Aston Martins may, however, face some stiff competition soon from a homegrown enterprise launching a Monaco-made supercar of its own.
The Monte Carlo Automobile ALA 50 was unveiled by His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco in celebration of his 50th birthday this past March. Not unlike Bugatti or Spyker, the new Monegasque supercar (seriously, that's what you call someone from Monaco) revives the name of the principality's first automaker, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this month. As expected, the chassis and bodywork (looking something like a cross between a Mosler and a GM EV-1) are constructed entirely of carbon fiber, while motivation comes from a 650hp V8 built by two F1 engine gurus. MCA hopes to campaign the car with three Monegasque drivers at Le Mans in 2010. We'll be watching.
[Source: Supercars.net]
GM shrinks Volt's gas tank, range drops from 600 to 360 miles
MINI dealers to sell Alfa Romeos in the U.S.
Honda to reveal OSM open-top concept in London
With crisis looming, GM may unveil Volt for 100th anniversary
Next BMW M5 will nix V10 in favor of twin-turbo V8
In the Autoblog Garage: 2009 Lincoln MKS
Track Test: 2008 Roush 427R Trak Pak Mustang
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Porsche Cayman S
First Drive: 2009 Chevrolet Traverse
In the Autoblog Garage: 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Retractable Hard Top
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
John Johnson @ May 12th 2008 7:45PM
Without reading, I looked at the pic and my first raction was "Maserati?"
AntBee @ May 12th 2008 8:06PM
Moi aussi!
But this thing is hideous!
why not the LS2LS7? @ May 12th 2008 8:10PM
I was unaware Monaco created the Maserati MC12.
Zane @ May 12th 2008 10:07PM
You took the words right outta my mouth.
JD @ May 12th 2008 8:21PM
Hm, looks pretty boring, actually. Like a cross between the VW Nardo coupe, and an early 90's race car. I think the old school wheel skirts and solid wheels are a bit odd, but aside from that, looks like a pretty normal supercar. If that's possible.
Bruxell @ May 12th 2008 8:21PM
Yup, that's a bad amalgam of disparate supercar cliches, that is...
Carman060 @ May 12th 2008 8:22PM
Looks a llllooottt like the Factory GT from the Burnout series of video games. If you've played them you'll notice the similarities.
http://ps2.ign.com/dor/objects/708573/burnout-revenge/images/burnout-revenge-20050820074719152.html?page=mediaFull
KA @ May 12th 2008 8:29PM
I wonder what chassis it has.. possibly a monocoque chassis?!
AntBee @ May 13th 2008 9:05AM
HA!
tankd0g @ May 12th 2008 9:21PM
Who would want to do any manufacturing in on of the most expensive plasces to put a building on earth?
Soccer Mom @ May 12th 2008 10:12PM
Cool, I didn't know Monaco is a home country of recycled vehicles, Maserati in this case. I should visit that scrap yard one day. Perhaps, I can find parts for my Yugo.
fizzandpop @ May 12th 2008 11:36PM
So that's where my old Supra went.
hydrogenvodka @ May 13th 2008 1:00AM
What an ugly back wheel cover for that MC12... and what about that paintjob? Holy cow, thats fugly.
Ed @ May 13th 2008 7:35AM
That's pretty cool. Yes it does look pretty much a souped up Maserati. The wheel covers are cool. Looks like an 80s/90s racing car, which probably means it has hella good aerodynamics.