Mastretta MXT History

Development of the MXT prototype began in 2004, initially using a modified Volkswagen straight-four before the team shifted to a turbocharged Ford Duratec unit. The finished concept was unveiled on July 22, 2008, at the British International Motor Show in London — a deliberate choice of debut venue signalling Mastretta's export ambitions from the outset. The production-specification 2012 model was formally introduced to the international press at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2011.

Production began on January 1, 2011, at Mastretta's factory in the State of Mexico, making the MXT the first car completely designed and manufactured in Mexico without foreign engineering input. The car is built around a steel tube-frame monocoque chassis with double-wishbone suspension at all four corners, coil springs, and monoshocks. Carbon-fibre body panels and aluminium chassis elements keep the kerb weight to just 930 kg (approximately 2,050 lb). The mid-mounted, turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-litre Ford Duratec inline-four produces 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp) and 348 N·m (257 lb·ft) of torque, channelled through a 5-speed manual gearbox to the rear wheels. Claimed top speed exceeds 230 km/h (143 mph).

Mastretta priced the MXT from approximately US $58,000 and planned to sell roughly 70 % of output in export markets — principally the United Kingdom, France, and the United States — with 30 % retained for Mexico. The car attracted significant media attention as proof that a Latin American country could originate a sophisticated, internationally competitive sports car. Production ended in May 2014, after which Mastretta ceased vehicle manufacturing. The MXT remains the defining achievement of the brand and a landmark in Mexican industrial history.