Why No Headlight Covers on Maserati MC12 & Ferrari FXX?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the absence of headlight covers on the Maserati MC12 and Ferrari FXX, exploring potential aerodynamic implications, design choices, and the differences between racing and regular models. Participants express curiosity about the reasoning behind this design decision in the context of high-performance vehicles.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether headlight covers could improve aerodynamics or aesthetics, suggesting that their absence might indicate a performance hindrance.
  • Another participant speculates that the design of the enclosure might be intended to deflect airflow, potentially benefiting performance without the need for covers.
  • A participant notes that Ferrari employs wind tunnels, implying that the lack of headlight covers is a deliberate design choice rather than an oversight.
  • There is a claim that most images of the Maserati MC12 show it with headlight covers, particularly in racing versions, leading to speculation about aesthetic preferences among owners.
  • One participant confirms that racing versions of the MC12 come with headlight covers, while regular versions do not, mentioning a modification made by an owner to add covers to their vehicle.
  • A humorous suggestion is made that Maserati may have intentionally omitted the covers to limit the car's speed compared to the Ferrari Enzo, hinting at possible internal politics between the brands.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and impact of headlight covers, with some suggesting aerodynamic benefits and others noting aesthetic choices. There is no consensus on the reasons behind the design decision, and multiple competing perspectives remain.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the differences between racing and regular models, indicating that the presence of headlight covers may depend on the specific version of the vehicle. The discussion also highlights the potential influence of brand politics on design choices.

David Laz
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I'm no fluid dynamics/aerodynamics expert, but the uncovered headlights on the Maserati MC12 and the Ferrari FXX just irk me... it just feels like having a plastic cover over them would be a better aerodynamic solution if not a cosmetic improvement. However the fact they're not there in the first place makes me believe they'd be hindering performance if they were there.

Anyone able to explain to me why Ferrari/Maserati don't have headlight covers on these 2 ultra high performance cars?

here are some links to see what I'm talking about if you are unfamiliar with these cars.
http://img339.imageshack.us/my.php?image=44037picture004123225looo0.jpg
http://img339.imageshack.us/my.php?image=44050picture007123216lojc0.jpg
http://img441.imageshack.us/my.php?image=30329img7875122483lo2c6tp4.jpg
http://img150.imageshack.us/my.php?image=fxxdsc001812c5e154fkc9.jpg
http://img441.imageshack.us/my.php?image=674302828590b122499lo2cod3.jpg
 
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I don't know about the 2nd, more glaring, example. The close-ups of the first model are intriguing. It appears to me that the enclosure might be designed to deflect airflow past the opening. If so, it wouldn't hurt anything. Also, the lights are small enough that they might not make a noticeable difference with an engine like that providing the motivation.
Thanks for the great pix. :cool:
 
The guys at ferrari have wind tunnels, soooo I don't think it was an omission on their part.
 
Most pictures of the Maserati that I've found do have headlight covers. All of the racing versions seem to. Maybe they're easy to remove, and some people think it looks better without them :confused:.
 
Hmmm you're probably right. And yeah now that I've checked all the MC12 Corsa pics I have do have headlight covers on em.

For those interested there are hundreds of awesome HQ pics at http://www.jabbasworld.net/index.php just click on the 'Car Gallery' -> 'Ultimate Picture' board.
 
Digging around a little more, it looks like all of the racing versions come with headlight covers, but the the regular ones do not. Some guy decided to pay a company (Edo) 100k Euros to modify his MC12. That included the addition of headlight covers. They apparently sell these covers separately now.

Maybe Maserati left the covers off to keep the car from going as fast as the Enzo :rolleyes:. I wouldn't be surprised with Ferrari's politics...
 

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