Maranello Chassis: Range, Classes and How to Choose the Right One
Maranello Racing Kart was founded in 1999 and brought its own range of chassis to market. Today they are designed, assembled and distributed worldwide, with a factory team racing at the highest level and feeding what it learns on track back into the production chassis. But “Maranello” is not a single chassis: it is a whole range, from Mini to KZ shifter, and the right choice depends on your class even before your personal taste.
In this guide from an official Maranello dealer, we explain how the range is structured, what really changes from one model to another and how to choose the right chassis. With real data and no fluff.
In short Choose a Maranello chassis starting from your class: MK3 for OK and OK Junior; MK1, MK3 KZ or MK4 for KZ and KZ2; MK3 DD2 for Rotax DD2; MK2 for Mini. Driving style and track come next.
Who Maranello Kart are
Maranello Racing Kart was founded in 1999 and specialises in the production and worldwide distribution of kart chassis and components. Its philosophy has stayed consistent over the years: chassis that prioritise stability, consistent behaviour and easy setup.
You will find these features across the whole racing range: the Sniper system to adjust caster and camber from the front without removing the stub axle, the FL/2.0 bearing carriers on the rear and Ven braking systems. Details that translate into fast, repeatable setup on track.
A boutique kart maker, with real results
In the chassis world, Maranello is a niche manufacturer compared with the big industrial groups: a specialist constructor, active since 1999, building smaller numbers with great care.
In recent years it has focused firmly on KZ, the premier class of karting and the true “F1 of karting”, with powerful 125 cc shifter engines. It is the class where the best drivers compete, and where a result speaks louder than a thousand words.
And the results have come. In September 2026 at Le Mans, in the FIA Karting KZ World Championship, Daniel Vasile took Maranello onto the third step of the podium, while Angelo Lombardo finished second in KZ2 Masters.
Back in October 2025, at the Franciacorta circuit, Angelo Lombardo became KZ2 Masters World Champion with Maranello: a win that also brought the brand the FIA Karting team title in the class. In the same year Giuseppe Palomba finished third in the FIA Karting European Championship KZ (second at the Mülsen round).
And in June 2026, at round three of the ACI Karting Italian Championship in Sarno, Maranello took pole position in KZ2.
The Maranello range, model by model
The Maranello Kart chassis range covers Mini, direct drive/OK, KZ and DD2, with frames and configurations specific to each class. In summary:
MK2: Mini. A frame with Ø28 mm tubes and a dedicated wheelbase (950/1010 mm): the chassis designed for Mini classes and younger drivers.
MK3: the all-rounder. A frame with Ø30 mm tubes: the reference for the OK class (and OK Junior), also available in KZ and direct-drive versions. Progressive, stable and forgiving: the “easiest” one to drive.
MK1: built for shifters. A stiffer frame with Ø32 mm tubes, developed for the KZ class, where you need structure and grip under the torque of a shifter engine.
MK4: the KZ evolution. A frame with mixed Ø30/32 mm tubes: the latest evolution for KZ, balancing stiffness and free rolling.
The racing models are CIK-FIA homologated. Always check the homologation form for your class and the current homologation cycle, because it is updated periodically.
OK, KZ, DD2: why the chassis changes with the class
A chassis is not universal: it is built around the type of engine and class. In direct-drive classes (OK, OK Junior) the engine has no gearbox and drive is direct, so you need a frame that generates grip progressively. In shifter classes (KZ, KZ2) the engine delivers much more torque and needs a stiffer structure: that is why Maranello uses larger-diameter tubes. The Rotax DD2, with its two-speed engine and chainless drive to the axle, needs a dedicated configuration: in the Maranello range the reference is the DD2 30/30 frame derived from the MK3 platform.
In other words: the first thing that decides which Maranello is right for you is not you, it is the class you race in.
How to choose between Maranello chassis
Three steps, in this order:
Start from the class. OK/OKJ → MK3. KZ/KZ2 → MK1, MK3 KZ or MK4. DD2 → dedicated MK3 DD2. Mini → MK2. This is the first filter, and it is not negotiable.
Then your driving style. After the class, look at configuration, adjustments and track: MK3 OK, MK3 KZ and MK3 DD2 share the logic of the Ø30 mm platform, while the MK1 KZ uses Ø32 mm tubes and the MK4 KZ a mixed Ø30/32 mm frame.
Finally, the track. Consider the track and the grip level: the setup must be adapted to real conditions, rather than choosing a chassis just because a professional driver uses it.
Golden rule: the right chassis is the one homologated for your class and suited to your level, not the one used by the champion you admire. A well-driven MK3 beats a “nobler” chassis driven badly.
Frequently asked questions
Which Maranello chassis is for the OK class?
The MK3, with a Ø30 mm frame: progressive turn-in, a stable rear end thanks to the FL/2.0 bearing carriers and quick setup with the Sniper system. It is Maranello's reference chassis for OK and OK Junior, and the most intuitive one to drive.
What is the difference between the Maranello MK1 and MK3?
The tube diameter: MK1 Ø32 mm, MK3 Ø30 mm. The MK1 is stiffer and was developed for the KZ shifter class; the MK3 is more versatile and is the reference for direct-drive classes (OK).
Does Maranello make chassis for Mini?
Yes, the MK2: a frame with Ø28 mm tubes and a dedicated wheelbase (950/1010 mm), designed for Mini classes and younger drivers.
Are Maranello chassis CIK-FIA homologated?
Yes, the racing models are CIK-FIA homologated. The homologation form should be checked for your class and the current homologation cycle, because it is updated periodically.
Where can I buy a genuine Maranello chassis?
From an official dealer, so you get the right chassis, spare parts and support. TKS RaceLab is an official Maranello dealer: you will find the chassis in our Chassis shop →
🏁 Looking for a Maranello chassis? As an official Maranello dealer, TKS RaceLab selects chassis from the range and gives honest advice on the right class. 👉 Go to the Chassis shop → · Maranello MK3 OK →
Conclusion
Maranello's strength is consistency: a range built around the racing classes, with a philosophy of stability and consistency that makes it one of the benchmarks in competitive karting. Choose starting from your class, then your level, and you will have a chassis that works with you instead of against you.
Information checked against official Maranello Kart, FIA Karting and ACI Sport sources.
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Read also: Maranello MK3 OK vs Formula K Dragon EVO3 OK → · Rotax MAX EVO: classes, power and how to choose the right engine → · Kart sprocket and gear ratio →
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Author: Sergio, TKS RaceLab | Published: 2 July 2026 | Updated: 4 October 2026
TKS RaceLab is the Italian online store dedicated to karting: spare parts, accessories and everything you need to get on track. With Arrive & Drive you arrive at South Garda Karting (Lonato), Franciacorta, Cremona or Ala and find your kart ready to go. No hassle, just driving.
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