Mastretta MXT

Mastretta MXT
Overview
Manufacturer Mastretta
Also called MXT
Production 2011-Present
Designer Daniel Mastretta
Body and chassis
Class Sports car
Body style Super Coupé
Layout MR layout
Powertrain
Engine 2.0 L Turbocharged GDI I4
Transmission 5-speed manual
Dimensions
Length 3,900 mm (153.5 in)
Width 1,790 mm (70.5 in)
Height 1,150 mm (45.3 in)
Curb weight 900 kg (1,984 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor Mastretta MXB

The MXT is an automobile produced by the Mexican car manufacturer Mastretta. It is the first car that Mastretta has designed without any foreign input. The MXT is based loosely on the Lotus Elise and entered production on January 1, 2011. It has received national and international attention for being almost entirely produced and designed in Mexico.[1]

History

Prototipo Cero

The MXT Prototipo Cero (Spanish for Prototype Zero) was the third automotive development by Mastretta and succeeded MXB and MXA kit-cars. The name "MXT" comes from Mastretta and Mexico as well as a reference to its Transverse engine configuration.

The Prototipo Cero was developed between 2004 and 2007, and was powered by a modified uprated Volkswagen inline-4 115 hp (86 kW) engine that is also used in the still-produced fourth generation Jetta. The increased power allowed the vehicle to reach 200 km/h (124 mph) however Mastretta decided the vehicle needed a more powerful engine. Production was originally set to begin in the first quarter of 2008 but the vehicles release was postponed while Mastretta entered negotiations with several automobile manufacturers from which to acquire a more powerful engine.[2]

Pre-production version

Rear view of the Mastretta MXT at the British International Motor Show.

On July 22, 2008, the Mastretta MXT was presented at the British International Motor Show, held in London. Although the model shown was the prototype version, the company revealed that the final production version would be significantly different and specifications regarding the production model would unveiled soon.

In 2009 Mastretta revealed the specifications and equipment to be equipped on the 2011 production MXT.

Standard features were planned to include racing bucket seats and seatbelts, Hella xenon headlights, ABS brakes, an SRS airbag system, 17 inch magnesium wheels, digital board instruments, Borla exhaust, an LCD display based digital MP3 and CD player entertainment system and automatic climate control system. The vehicles security and safety features were specifically designed to surpass EU crash and safety standards and the vehicle was confirmed by lead designer Daniel Mastretta to already be undergoing tests to qualify for European quality and safety standards in 2009.

The 2011 serial-production MXT will be powered by a [3] 2.0 litre inline-4 with more than 240 hp (180 kW), turbocharger and aftercooling allowing it to reach over 230 km/h (143 mph) on top speed.[4]

Three years after its first appearance on Automóvil Panamericano, the 2011 production model MXT debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show on September 30, 2010. The MXT entered production on January 1, 2011 at Mastretta's new factory in Mexico State with an expected 2011 production of 150 units. Around 70% (105 cars) will be exported to Europe and the United States, and 45 will remain for national sales (only in Mexico).

Production version

The 2012 Mastretta MXT was officially introduced to the international motoring press at the Los Angeles motor show in November 2011. In production, it is constructed on a tube-frame monocoque chassis, using double wishbone suspension pieces front and rear, carrying coil springs and monoshocks. Carbon-fiber body elements and aluminum elements in the chassis contribute to a low curb weight of 930 kg.[5] The engine is Ford's Duratec in-line 4-cylinder, with an announced power output of 250 PS (184 kW) and 348Nm of torque connected to a 5-speed manual gearbox.[6]

Origin

Daniel Mastretta commented in London:[1]

“ We needed to create a great car because Mexico has no tradition of sophisticated sports car manufacturing. It is most important that our customers are delighted by the new MXT. That’s what we aimed to do from the first drawing of the car, but we also want to make our country proud of the MXT and to show the world what we can do. ”

Prices

Price for the MXT start at $58,000 USD depending on options, and the equivalent in Euros, Mexican Pesos and British Pounds. Sales began in early 2011 in the United Kingdom and Mexico, followed by other international destinations, such as France and the U.S.[3]

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 "The Auto Channel: Mexican Sportscar Mastretta MXT Launch Set to Spice Up British International Motor Show". Retrieved July 30, 2008.
  2. ↑ "Run for the border: Mexico's 2008 Mastretta MXT mid-engine exotic". Retrieved July 30, 2008.
  3. 1 2 Jeremy Korzeniewski. "London 2008: Mastretta MXT will be Mexico's first homegrown car". Retrieved July 30, 2008.
  4. ↑ "Mastretta MXT specifications". Mastrettacars.com. 2010-11-19. Retrieved 2010-11-28.
  5. ↑ Mitani, Sam (November 16, 2011). "2012 Mastretta MXT - 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show". Road & Track.
  6. ↑ Garrett, Jerry (November 18, 2011). "Mastretta MXT: A Mexican Lotus?". The New York Times.
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