At the final Grand Prix before Maserati retired from international racing, the Italian manufacturer debuted the most powerful variant of the familiar 250F yet; the 250F T2 'V12'. Piloted by French works driver Jean Behra, it sported a brand new V12 engine. The sophisticated unit featured twin overhead camshafts and 24 spark plugs, and displaced just under 2.5 litre. On the Maserati test-bench, it produced a staggering 320 bhp at 12,000. The V12 had to be slightly toned down to keep the rear tyres in one piece. Behra's car could be very easily recognised by the low profile interrupted only by a pair of bumps on the engine cover to clear the two batteries of Weber carburettors. At its only appearance, the 250F T2 'V12' impressed in practice but dropped back in the race after a pit stop for fresh tyres and eventually retired with lubrication issues. This was not the last appearance of the beautiful V12 engine as it was later used in the Tipo 64 sports racer and the Grand Prix winning Cooper T81.
Although sold by Maserati less engine, the ex-Behra machine once again features a V12. We ran into the car last year at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and have compiled a 12-shot gallery to illustrate a detailed history of the most powerful car of F1's 2.5 litre era.
In a fortnight the New York International Auto Show will open its doors. One of the highlights could very well be the Lexus LF-Gh Concept. To build excitement, the Japanese manufacturer has released these two teaser shots.

Enjoy the links:

1957 Maserati 250F T2 'V12' - Images, Specifications and Information

2011 Hyundai Blue2 Concept - Images, Specifications and Information

2011 Lexus LF-Gh Concept - Images, Specifications and Information