Although not new to the market, the Maserati MC20 remains one of the most desirable sports cars available today. The famous Italian brand is noted for the purity of its design ethos and the MC20 is probably the most expressive of the range. That’s the long way of saying that it is beautiful to behold.
The MC20 comes in various model variants but in this review the attention is on the Cielo version not least because of the innovative folding glass roof. At launch this was a ‘first of its kind’ and best-in-class thanks to thermal insulation, the opening and closing speed (just 12 seconds) and how it epitomises the best in technology.
Further, this model is equipped with a state-of-the-art electrochromic (smart glass) window that can instantly be transformed from clear to opaque at the touch of a button on the central screen. As such, the Maserati MC20 Cielo provides a multi-faceted driving experience: All-encompassing with the roof closed and opaque or a unique “sky feeling” when the roof is transparent or, when the weather allows and with the top down, the freedom of the road.
The Exterior
On this sports car nothing is superfluous; everything has its own function. The design ideal was to integrate all the demands of aerodynamics in an organic way as if the car had evolved naturally, if that makes sense. The only concession is the surprise effect of the butterfly doors, which also remain in the ‘spyder’ version of this car. These doors provide much easier access into and out of the cabin, as well as showing off the carbon fibre cockpit, the aerodynamics and the completely unmasked front wheel.
The bodywork design represents beauty and purity while the chassis and the carbon fibre underbody epitomise technology and extreme performance. The upper section of the car conveys aesthetically harmonious impressions; the lower section, with its bare carbon fibre, begins with the aerodynamic floor and is rather more aggressively designed, with sharp edges and corners; again, purity of function. The front grille is the linking feature between these two worlds. It combines a bare carbon fibre lower part with a body-colour top, and its form appears to consist of two components. The front wing lacks the three air vents that served as a signature feature of Maserati models, but would be pointless here as the engine is mid-mounted. However, they are taken back up in the channels set into the sides of the matching cover. Diamond-cut alloy wheels featuring a refined design finish the look off. Carbon fibre wheel rims will also be available, to ensure weight savings of 30kg in comparison to the standard version.
Power is derived from a ‘Nettuno’ 3.0 litre, six-cylinder twin-turbo engine that features a dry sump; always a classic solution on super sports cars). It can deliver 630bhp (639PS) and 730Nm of torque from 3,000 rpm. The soul of the engine, we learn, is the innovative pre-chamber combustion system featuring twin spark plugs. This technology is derived from Formula 1 and, at launch, was available for the first time on an engine destined for the road. The automatic transmission is an eight-speed oil-immersed Dual Clutch design with six power and two overdrive speeds to ensure emissions compliance.
As an optional extra, a system is available to raise the vehicle when running at low speeds, increasing ground clearance when traversing obstacles such as speed bumps or very steep inclines. The driver can activate the system by pressing the specific button on the steering wheel. When activated, the hydraulic system raises the front axle by 50 mm. The driver can then deactivate the system by pressing the button again. At this point, the car will return to the standard ground clearance.
This model also adds a wide range of Active Safety Systems. As well as the parking sensors, rear-view camera and blind spot monitoring there’s an autonomous emergency brake, traffic sign information and the Surround View 360° system, to help with parking manoeuvres using four extra cameras.
The Interior
On the inside, comfort and functionality are the watch words here.
Everything is highly streamlined, almost minimalist, with two 10 inch screens, one for the cockpit and the other, the ‘Maserati Touch Control Plus’ in a central position, slanted slightly towards the driver.
The tunnel is very plain, with no unnecessary ornamentation. It includes only the drive mode selector, two buttons for the gears, the power window controls and the infotainment volume control, and a space for a smartphone with wireless charging pad. All the other controls are located on the steering wheel, with the ignition button on the left and the launch control on the right.
Although the function of every component takes priority, the interior is skilfully styled with carbon fibre to act as a meeting point for lifestyle, performance and engineering. The carbon fibre in the interior is matte in finish, for a more tailored, fabric-like look. The steering wheel is taken from the standard MC20, although a thicker steering wheel, with ‘Alcantara’ covering, was chosen to maximise ergonomics and the all-important sporty ‘feel’. Only the essential buttons and switches remain intact, including, as mentioned, the Start and Launch Control buttons. A carbon fibre wheel with a blue engine start button is optional.
The easily accessible, generously sized paddle shifters set into the steering column are available in dark aluminium in the standard configuration, or in carbon fibre as part of the carbon fibre interior package. Another major new feature is the electrical steering adjustment system. Adding only 700 grams to the car's weight, this specification extends the angular movement of the steering wheel and makes its adjustment even more intuitive and precise.
The drive mode selector, positioned in the middle of the tunnel and easily accessible from the divine bucket seats, is now a digital touch device, showing the drive mode preset by the driver, suspension calibration management on its small screen. The Maserati MC20 Cielo offers five drive modes: WET (for when it rains; reigning in the power), GT (the everyday default), SPORT (for high traction conditions), CORSA (the most extreme setting) and ESC OFF (turns off all traction controls. Track only, we suggest). Each setting is identified by its own colour on screen.
The MC20 Cielo is equipped with the latest ‘Maserati Intelligent Assistant’ (MIA) multimedia system. The heart of MIA is the powerful Android Automotive operating system, which offers an innovative, high-performance user experience, fully customisable to the driver’s preferences and fully connected.
MHH International & Maserati
As mentioned, MHH International export Maserati vehicles from the UK to countries like Kenya, Ireland, New Zealand, the Caribbean and many other global destinations. Browse our website for the latest news and our current stock listings.
