The 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo: A Breathtaking Open-Air Symphony for the Modern Enthusiast
For over a century, Maserati has navigated the intricate landscape of automotive evolution, bearing witness to numerous eras under diverse stewardship. From its pioneering Grand Prix machines of the 1930s to the svelte GT cars of the 1950s and even its formidable Enzo-based hypercar in the early 2000s, the iconic Trident emblem has embodied a spectrum of automotive ideals. Today, as the marque embarks on an ambitious transition into an electrified future, the pertinent question arises: what does Maserati truly represent in the contemporary automotive panorama?
The resurgence of motorsport has undeniably become a central narrative for Maserati in 2023. No longer content to merely draw inspiration from its illustrious racing lineage, the Trident has made a decisive and impactful return to the track. This renewed commitment is vividly demonstrated through its active participation in Formula E and GT2 racing, alongside the meticulous construction of limited-run performance vehicles like the MCXtrema. While the Grecale SUV may continue to be the brand’s volume seller, its invigorated presence in competitive motorsport serves as a potent catalyst, injecting a much-needed dose of excitement and prestige back into the Maserati identity.
The MC20, an acronym signifying “Maserati Corse 2020,” heralded the dawn of this pivotal shift three years prior to its initial unveiling. Conceived and developed in close collaboration with the esteemed racing engineering firm Dallara, the MC20’s advanced carbon-fiber monocoque chassis was ingeniously designed for modularity, readily adaptable to accommodate coupe, spyder, and, in the near future, a fully battery-electric powertrain. More significantly, this strategic endeavor resulted in Maserati’s first truly exceptional supercar in sixteen years.
It is now, precisely three years hence, that I find myself at the helm of its open-top counterpart: the 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo. While mechanically indistinguishable from its coupe sibling, save for the revolutionary retractable hardtop, the Cielo imbues the driving experience with an entirely new stratum of sensory engagement. This innovative roof design allows for an unparalleled connection with the characterful V6 engine, all while meticulously preserving the inherent elegance and aerodynamic integrity of the coupe. The MC20 Cielo emerges not only as an exceptionally competitive contender in the burgeoning supercar segment but as the definitive statement piece, setting the definitive tone for Maserati’s ascendant future.
While the Cielo meticulously retains the structural integrity of the coupe’s carbon fiber monocoque, Maserati has strategically reinforced the chassis to meticulously compensate for the inherent reduction in torsional rigidity typically associated with convertible variants. Consequently, the Cielo registers a mere 143-pound increase in weight, a remarkably modest figure considering the inclusion of a sophisticated electro-hydraulic mechanism capable of retracting the folding hardtop in a swift 12 seconds. This state-of-the-art roof system artfully integrates a lightweight metal structure with an electrochromic glass panel. This innovative glass can be precisely dimmed on command, offering unparalleled control over the amount of natural light flooding the cabin and allowing for dynamic atmospheric adjustment.
Visually, the distinction between the Cielo and its coupe predecessor is subtle, underscoring the cohesive design language. The roofline remains virtually identical, with the primary aesthetic differentiation manifesting in a redesigned rear decklid and a discreetly integrated rear-facing window. To accommodate the revised mechanical packaging necessitated by the retractable roof system, Maserati has judiciously repositioned the rear engine air intakes. Furthermore, a refined selection of newly introduced “XX” style wheels graces the options list, rounding out the limited yet impactful exterior enhancements.
The specific vehicle under review is resplendent in its “Acquamarina” paintwork, a hue that stands as one of the most captivating I have encountered in recent memory. At first glance, it presents as a delicate light blue, yet it possesses an uncanny ability to transform under varying lighting conditions, courtesy of its sophisticated pearlescent finish. This dynamic characteristic imbues the car with a remarkable depth and visual intrigue, offering a constantly evolving palette of subtle chromatic shifts. It is important to note that this exceptional finish is exclusively available for the Primaserie Launch Edition, a meticulously curated series of which Maserati intends to produce a mere 60 units, serving as a testament to their exclusive Fuoriserie bespoke customization program.
In alignment with the prevailing trends in contemporary supercar design, the MC20 Cielo offers a plethora of optional carbon fiber embellishments. However, my personal preference leans towards a more minimalist aesthetic for this particular Maserati supercar. By eschewing overtly aggressive aerodynamic appendages and superfluous styling flourishes, the Cielo presents itself as an embodiment of understated elegance. It projects an aura of effortless sophistication that requires no extraneous adornments to command attention. While it may not possess the ostentatious flamboyance of some of its Italian contemporaries from Lamborghini or Ferrari, its design possesses a far more enduring and timeless appeal, a quality that will undoubtedly resonate with discerning collectors.
The MC20’s momentous debut not only signaled Maserati’s triumphant return to the competitive arena of motorsport but also served as the premiere platform for its revolutionary Nettuno engine. This meticulously engineered 90-degree, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 is a powerhouse, meticulously calibrated to produce a formidable 621 horsepower and a commanding 538 pound-feet of torque. In the Cielo configuration, this potent powertrain propels the vehicle from 0 to 60 miles per hour in a scant three seconds, culminating in a breathtaking top speed of 199 miles per hour. The entire force of this mechanical marvel is artfully channeled to the rear wheels through an eight-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission, ensuring seamless and exhilarating gear changes.
When juxtaposed against the landscape of modern supercars, the Maserati MC20 Cielo’s twin-turbocharged V6 engine represents a refreshingly conventional, albeit exceptionally potent, approach. Competitors such as the McLaren Artura and Ferrari 296 GTB also feature six-cylinder configurations, yet they adopt a more exotic 120-degree layout, purportedly contributing to a more V12-esque exhaust note, not to mention the integration of electric assistance in their hybrid powertrains. Even the considerably more accessible Chevrolet Corvette Z06 boasts a groundbreaking, high-revving, naturally aspirated V8 engine.
However, the Nettuno engine’s inherent design philosophy necessitates a far greater degree of versatility, as it also serves as the beating heart of the Grecale Trofeo and GranTurismo Trofeo models. While it may not represent the pinnacle of exotic engine architecture currently available, it undeniably possesses an abundance of character. Its auditory signature deviates from the conventional resonance of a typical 90-degree V6; instead, it offers a more effervescent, less strident timbre. Ultimately, this nuanced sound profile becomes secondary, as the intoxicating rush of its twin-turbochargers predominantly dominates the acoustic experience.
With the top retracted, the symphony of turbocharger flutter becomes pronounced the moment one eases off the accelerator pedal, and a satisfying whistle erupts as power is reapplied. While the Cielo, by design, refrains from gratuitous acoustic augmentation, its power delivery is remarkably robust, albeit preceded by a discernible, yet charmingly traditional, hint of turbo lag. This characteristic, reminiscent of a bygone era of performance driving, rewards the enthusiast with a dramatic surge of acceleration once the boost threshold is breached, a characteristic that sets it apart from the instantaneous response of many of its contemporary rivals.
Crucially, owing to the finely-tuned, closely-spaced gear ratios within its transmission, the MC20 masterfully maintains its position within the optimal boost band as the driver cycles through the gears. While 621 horsepower may be gradually eclipsed by the increasing prevalence of hybrid powertrains entering the market, the Cielo consistently delivers a sensation of acceleration that surpasses its statistical performance figures, particularly when experienced on the open road.
In dynamic driving scenarios, the Cielo proves virtually indistinguishable from its fixed-head coupe counterpart. The chassis, a masterful blend of front and rear double-wishbone suspension architecture coupled with adaptive dampers, allows for a significant firming of the ride in the aggressive Sport and Corsa modes. Simultaneously, it retains a commendable level of compliance, ensuring a comfortable experience for daily commuting or extended journeys when set to the more relaxed GT mode.
While its suspension might not possess the same level of outright plushness as that found in a McLaren Artura, it remains sufficiently refined to offer a highly enjoyable experience for daily driving or undertaking longer road trips. Furthermore, despite its advanced carbon-fiber structural foundation and the dramatic allure of its butterfly doors, the MC20 Cielo’s relatively low sill height facilitates remarkably easy ingress and egress, a thoughtful consideration that significantly enhances its overall usability and practicality.
The inherent versatility of the Maserati MC20 Cielo is vividly demonstrated as it confidently navigates the serpentine contours of Southern California’s demanding canyon roads. The vehicle exhibits a delightful equilibrium through tight, technical turns, and it possesses the tenacious grip and precise power deployment necessary to exit corners with unyielding authority. While its steering feedback, though commendably quick and direct, may not be the most overtly communicative, it is impeccably complemented by an agile and tenaciously grippy front end. The synergistic interplay of these elements results in a car that feels remarkably lighter and more eager than its measured specifications might suggest.
The optional carbon-ceramic brakes, a notable investment at $10,000, perform with a racecar-like intensity. They require a substantial and deliberate application of pedal force to achieve maximum deceleration. While this characteristic is entirely appropriate and even desirable when tackling demanding ascents on a winding mountain pass, it necessitates a period of adjustment for drivers accustomed to the lighter pedal feel of more conventional braking systems in urban driving environments. My specific tester was also outfitted with a $2,300 electronic limited-slip differential and a $5,500 set of 20-inch forged lightweight wheels, further enhancing its dynamic capabilities.
The interior of the Cielo builds upon the significant quality refinements introduced with the original MC20 three years ago. The cabin presented in my test vehicle featured a sophisticated two-tone Ice/Grey finish, accented with distinctive triangular motifs adorning the seat cushions and backrests. The dashboard masterfully integrates carbon fiber and Alcantara trim, skillfully accommodating two 10-inch screens that serve distinct digital instrument cluster and infotainment functions.
Consistent with its exterior design philosophy, the MC20 Cielo’s interior embraces a relatively minimalist aesthetic. The majority of the vehicle’s controls are intuitively integrated within the central touchscreen interface. The center console is an exposed, artful piece of carbon fiber, housing an updated rotary dial for drive mode selection and a select few essential physical buttons.
While the interior is undeniably functional and exudes a premium ambiance, its overall design leans towards the conventional. The floating digital display positioned to the right of the steering wheel, while practical, feels somewhat like an afterthought in the grand scheme of the car’s sophisticated design. In contrast to the enduring appeal of the rest of the vehicle’s meticulously crafted elements, I suspect the MC20’s integrated technology suite may not age as gracefully as its more fundamental design attributes.
The 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo carries a base MSRP of $262,695, inclusive of a $1,495 destination fee. However, with the judicious selection of desirable, albeit costly, optional extras – such as the $39,000 exterior carbon fiber package, the aforementioned $10,000 carbon-ceramic brakes, and a $7,000 interior carbon fiber package – the total price of my featured tester climbed to an impressive $339,700. When considering that a Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica Spyder commences at a more accessible $239,000 and typically concludes its optioning process well below the $300,000 mark, the Cielo’s elevated price point may present a discernible challenge as it strives to establish its distinct niche within the highly competitive supercar segment.
Taken in its totality, however, the MC20 Cielo represents a formidable and compelling entrant into the rarefied atmosphere of the supercar market. It masterfully blends striking aesthetics, potent performance, and an exhilarating driving engagement, meticulously ticking all the essential boxes for automotive excellence. Nevertheless, given its substantial financial investment, the relative conventionality of its V6 engine configuration becomes a more scrutinized aspect, particularly when one considers the innovative powertrain advancements being championed by its direct competitors. Additionally, certain elements of its interior technological integration do not quite achieve the seamless refinement found in comparable vehicles within its class.
Despite these enumerated considerations, the MC20 embodies precisely the type of halo vehicle that Maserati should be championing. High-end models such as this, alongside the recently introduced GranTurismo, provide an unparalleled platform for the esteemed Italian marque to showcase its formidable engineering prowess and design sophistication. Thankfully, Maserati has wholeheartedly embraced this strategy, deliberately moving past less impactful mass-market endeavors. The brand is unequivocally entering a new and exciting era, and exhilarating machines like the MC20 Cielo unequivocally reaffirm the Italian manufacturer’s status as a preeminent and respected player in the global automotive landscape.
Are you ready to experience the future of Italian automotive excellence firsthand? Discover the unparalleled artistry and performance of the Maserati MC20 Cielo. Contact your nearest Maserati dealership today for a personalized consultation and to schedule your exclusive test drive.
