Cover Maserati MC20
Maserati MC20
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With the Maserati MC20, the Italian luxury car manufacturer puts itself on equal footing with supercar brands
In the automobile kingdom, Maserati is a standout brand that boasts a long, illustrious history dating back to 1914, but it has had its fair share of ups and downs. The past decade has been a quiet one but since the beginning of last year, Maserati seems to have returned to form, firing on all cylinders so to speak.
The Italian luxury car manufacturer now has a formidable line-up of game-changing models. One recent surprise is the Maserati MC20, a carbon fibre-bodied supercar that came out of the blue in 2022. It has been a long wait for this model, which is a follow-up to the limited-edition MC12 that Maserati unveiled in 2004. The latter, a super sports car meant for racing, had shared its carbon fibre chassis with the Ferrari Enzo. The new MC20 has nothing to do with Ferrari, but it will go into GT2 racing later this year.
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The Maserati MC20 is a true masterpiece of Italian engineering and design. This sports car is designed to provide a thrilling driving experience, with a combination of power, precision and style that is sure to turn heads on the road. Starting with the exterior, the MC20 has a sleek and aerodynamic design that is sure to catch the eye of any car enthusiast. The front of the car features Maserati’s iconic trident grille, which is flanked by sharp, angular headlights.
Clean, flowing and elegant design lines give it a sense of motion even when standing still. The rear of the car is equally striking, with a large diffuser and dual exhaust tips that give the car a sporty and aggressive look. Its lightweight carbon fibre monocoque body not only looks sleek and aerodynamic, but also helps to improve performance.
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Equally impressive is the MC20’s interior. The cabin is fitted with high-quality materials, including Alcantara and upholstery carbon fibre accents. The craftsmanship is top-notch, with every detail of the car executed to the highest standard. The driver’s seat is figure-hugging yet comfortable and supportive, providing a perfect driving position.
With a touchscreen display and intuitive controls, the car’s infotainment system is easy to use. There is a large digital instrument cluster that provides all the information you need at a glance. Accommodation is decent, seating two with ample room for both driver and passenger, making it comfortable for long trips as this super sports car leans toward being a grand tourer.
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The MC20’s Nettuno V6 engine is a brand-new, in-house design using a unique Formula One-inspired pre-chamber combustion system, which helps to increase efficiency and reduce emissions. This V6 is designed with a 90-degree V-angle, with a dry sump lubrication system to reduce friction and increase performance.
This mid-mounted 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine produces 621 hp and 730Nm of torque and is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission driving just the rear wheels. With a 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds, it is one of the fastest production supercars on the market. Reaching a heady top speed of 325 km/h puts the MC20 in the supercar club.
Featuring advanced suspension and braking systems, the MC20 has excellent handling and stability. The car’s suspension comes from Bilstein, with double wishbones at the front and a multi-link rear suspension. The car’s carbon-ceramic brakes are from Brembo, featuring large, cross-drilled rotors and six-piston calipers at the front, and four-piston calipers at the rear.
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Thanks to its lightweight design, the car’s handling is precise and responsive, making it a joy to drive on winding roads. While it labours a little in the city, the MC20’s advanced engine, transmission, suspension and braking systems synergise to deliver a truly superb driving experience once on the open roads and on the track.
We are also happy to learn of the MC20’s all-electric version is in development. The car will have a three-motor, all-wheel-drive electric powertrain that should have a range of over 300 km on a single charge. Performance should be significantly better than the petrol-powered MC20.
For now, the V6-powered MC20 is an excellent choice because it has superb performance and handling to thrill even the most hardcore enthusiast, but for those who must have the EV version, expect it in 2024.
Credits
Photography: Lorenzo Marcinno and Roberto Carrer
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