The Maserati MC20 debuted for the 2022 model year as the Trident’s first mass-produced mid-engine supercar since the 1970s’ V6 Merak and V8 Bora. The MC12, which the Italian manufacturer produced in the early 2000s, was a racing-focused vehicle that the Ferrari Enzo primarily inspired. The MC20, on the other hand, has evolved into a distinctive supercar for the current day, with a shockingly powerful twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 dubbed Nettuno and some of the most incredible looks in the business wrapped around a carbon fibre monocoque.
A new hardtop convertible version of the MC20 named Cielo, or “sky” in Italian, is being added for 2023. It has a clever glass top that can be folded down in as little as 12 seconds at speeds under 55 kilometres per hour. In terms of design, the MC20’s beautiful appearance is unaffected by the inclusion of the detachable roof since it is also made of electrochromic glass that can change from transparent to opaque by pressing a button, similar to the windows of a Boeing 787.
The MC20 faces a menacing landscape that includes one of the last naturally aspirated V10 engines in history in the sublime Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica (starting at $239,000), as well as the cutting-edge hybrid technology of the McLaren Artura ($237,500) and Ferrari 296 GTB ($321,400). Competition in the supercar industry has never been more fierce. Chevrolet’s new Corvette Z06, which undercuts the whole supercar industry, offers many of the same driving sensations at a far lower price.
Maserati likely undervalues the Nettuno V6 that powers the MC20, but a quick eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission helps the car seem more potent than its numbers may indicate. The package excels under the correct conditions with startling acceleration and clumsy handling, so often lost among excessively computerized supercars that are forced to be toned down with driving aids for safety. Thanks to electrically adjustable shocks, the rock-hard-dampened suspension can happily ease up while remaining scary imaginatively, even on the smoothest roads.
The inside of the MC20 maintains the exterior’s clean, appealing lines and easily accommodates taller drivers and passengers. However, many of the cockpit’s contact areas are made of flimsy materials that detract from the clean design. Numerous components have been taken from the Stellantis parts bin. However, this helps to keep the MC20’s pricing cheaper than many of its rivals. Although the little front trunk (or “frunk”) provides no practical storage assistance, a small box is hidden behind the clamshell back hood of both the coupe and convertible.
A 10.3-inch horizontally oriented touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is tucked within the uncomplicated dash. The eight-speed DCT is controlled by paddle shifters positioned on the steering column, and a new set of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) will be available for both MC20 models starting in 2023. Drive modes are selectable using an electronic dial with push buttons for gear selection. Overall, the standard MC20 may seem a fantastic deal at the pricing point, but adding extra carbon fibre, bucket seats, or unique colours may rapidly introduce more severe competition into the discussion.
Performance: Maserati MC20
Officially rated at 621 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque by Maserati, the MC20’s twin-turbocharged Nettuno V6 may easily seem to understate those numbers due to observable turbo lag before the engine hits full throttle. The acceleration when those turbos spool up brings to mind a bygone era of supercar engineering in an age when electronically regulated wastegates and twin-scroll systems provided practically linear power delivery.
When the throttle is pushed hard, the MC20 snorts and screams, all blowoff valves, induction whoosh, and screeching tires attempting in vain to transmit that much power to the rear tires without sliding this 3,306-pound supercar a little sideways.
When driving aggressively, the traction control system’s seeming primitiveness may border on frightening, but fortunately, the car’s razor-sharp handling and carbon-ceramic brakes instil confidence when it’s most required. In contrast, the open-topped Cielo uses a modified suspension to compensate for its decreased structural stiffness and provides a comparable ride.
In contrast to some of the more potent, though anaesthetized, competitors, this emotional appeal makes the MC20 compelling. In addition, lowering the drive settings for softer suspension, lighter steering, and more accommodating throttle modulation still enables pleasant everyday driving. Although this is a flaming vehicle, it can rival a grand tourer like the Mercedes-AMG SL in performance on its gentlest grounds.
Fuel efficiency: Maserati MC20
The MC20 consumes gasoline more slowly thanks to employing a 3.0 litre V6, at least compared to the more common pace at which 621 horses guzzle premium. The official EPA ratings for the Nettuno engine are 15 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway for a combined 18 mpg. This wouldn’t be noteworthy in a “normal” automobile, but the MC20 does not exist in a universe of such vehicles.
These numbers are competitive with the 5.2-litre V10 in the Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica, which achieves 13 mpg in the city and 18 on the highway. However, the MC20 falls short of the McLaren Artura or Ferrari 296 GTB hybrid. Both vehicles use twin-turbo V6 engines; however, due to battery assistance, they achieve ratings of 39 MPGe and 60 MPGe, respectively (or 17 city, 21 highway, and 18 city, 22 highway when just considering gas engines).
Safety & Driver Support
Since all-out performance was initially more of a selling factor for the MC20, and many consumers are uninterested in such amenities, it had few safety and driver-aid technologies. A 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic warnings, blind-spot assist, and auto-dimming exterior mirrors are all part of Maserati’s new active safety suite, however, which makes its debut this year.
Except for the coupe’s standard blind spot and auto-dimming mirrors, many of the features are optional. Additionally, this ADAS system tends to generate notifications and excessive dinging, which might seem out of character for a supercar (though it may not be unpleasant for drivers who intend to cruise about town in said supercar). Adaptive cruise control is most likely a welcomed addition to vehicles, especially the Cielo, which rides comfortably enough to attract road excursions.
The MC20, like most supercars, hasn’t undergone testing by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), which is deducted from its rating in our review.
Comfort and Space
The MC20’s sleek form and covert centre console make the most of every inside space for a low-slung supercar. Taller drivers may be able to fit, but it will depend on your seat since the optional buckets severely restrict fore-and-aft movement and reclining options.
The Cielo’s interior is softer thanks to the improved suspension, and it seems more cozy when more sunshine rushes in, giving the car an airy, light vibe. Raising the ceiling creates more headroom and enhances the Nettuno engine’s musical accompaniment. Except for the considerable use of carbon fibre, the materials, particularly those from Corvette, seem inferior to the competitors at half or lower prices.
Infotainment: Maserati MC20
The 10.3-inch infotainment touchscreen on the MC20 is horizontally positioned and seems a bit small, but the open design makes choosing menus and pages relatively straightforward. Like the other Maserati vehicles, the MC20 does not use Stellantis’ obsolete UConnect operating system. This Maser runs on a Google-native OS, which is more straightforward and includes several Google services. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included.
Often, because the steering wheel partly obscures the readouts, a 10.3-inch gauge cluster that matches that behind the steering wheel makes it appear more extensive.
Choosing the driving mode and gears using the steering wheel buttons and centre console dial allows drivers to glance away from the road less, even if the column-mounted shift paddles virtually render the turn signals and windshield wiper controls worthless. Turning up the music in the MC20’s carbon-fibre cockpit may generate a harsh, tinny sound, and you can bet that any audio will need to be turned up loud to drown out the engine’s deafening noise.
Space for Cargo & Storage:
Storage was not a concern while developing the MC20, even though it does have a 3.53-cubic-foot trunk that is transversely located right behind the engine. With a stated size of over one cubic foot, the “frunk” under the impossible-to-open front hood contains only a manila envelope in storage.
The only option left is to keep perishable items in the passenger footwell since storing food in the rear cubby is difficult because engine heat flows almost insulated-free. Even if most MC20 buyers won’t use their car daily, it is much more helpful than a Mazda Miata or a Fiat X1/9.
Design: Maserati MC20
Maserati claims that the MC20 is a masterpiece of style and design. The seamless transitions between the original profile’s harsh edges and seductive curves are not lost by choosing the Cielo, which is essential. It is sufficient to note that the coupe and convertible’s modern but timeless lines draw attention to the heavy use of carbon fibre and perfectly mimic the appearance of contemporary supercars.
What makes the MC20 even more remarkable is that it stands out from the elite group of supercar rivals that are currently available on the market, including the futuristic 296 GTBs from McLaren and Ferrari and the sleek, oversquare Huracán Tecnica, both of which pay homage to the original 206 and 246 Dino models from the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The MC20: Is It Worth It?
The MC20 nevertheless draws attention everywhere it travels, even in areas where supercar sightings are commonplace, and Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and McLarens lose their allure. Heads will turn when you drive along Rodeo Drive or the Champs-Élysées. Value in this market is more about having fun than saving money, but the MC20 undercuts many of its rivals.
With a starting price of $217,000* (destination included), the basic model MC20 offers virtually all the performance and styling benefits without adding astronomically high optional fees. Although the Cielo price hasn’t been determined, you may anticipate it will be around $260,000 before options. Even at these exorbitant prices, things are far less costly than the Artura and Huracán and considerably below the $300,000 barrier presented by most Ferrari models. Tick the boxes, and things will get even more pricey.
The MC20 stands out from the relatively conventional hypercar crowd in many respects and is an old-school supercar you can purchase fresh and new. It’s an excellent bargain in those ways.
Editor’s note: Maserati has not yet finalized its price for 2023. Therefore, our calculations are based on projections.
How much does insurance for the Maserati MC20 cost?
If you’re genuinely set on purchasing one, be aware that insurance is not inexpensive. Though this averages all 50 states, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record may anticipate an annual premium of roughly $5,300 for an MC20 coupe. Comparatively, the Mercedes-AMG SL costs $5,000, the McLaren Artura costs $5,200, and the Chevrolet Corvette costs $3,273.
Maserati MC20 Generations
First Generation
2022 to Present
The Maserati MC20 was the Italian automaker’s first mid-engine vehicle to be produced in large quantities in forty years when it debuted in Italy in 2020. A tribute to Neptune, whose Trident has served as the brand’s logo ever since the Fountain of Neptune inspired the original Maserati Brothers in Bologna, this new supercar is exclusively powered by the 621-horsepower 3.0-liter “Nettuno” V6, despite its lineage dating back to the V6- and V8-powered Merak and V8-powered Bora of the 1970s. The MC20 made its North American debut as a coupe in 2022, and it will be back in 2023 with updated active safety systems and a brand-new Cielo convertible with an open top.
Verdict
The “Nettuno” twin-turbocharged V6 with 621 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque is hidden behind the Maserati MC20’s gorgeous exterior. Incredibly high straight-line speeds are made possible by a carbon-fibre monocoque chassis, supported by razor-sharp handling and powerful carbon-ceramic brakes. Driving the MC20 is an exciting experience that many more sophisticated rivals lack thanks to traction control, albeit Maserati’s broad use of Stellantis components means a plainer cabin than you’d expect. The MC20 still provides a wild good time, from the show-stopping design to the supercharged noise.
