The 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo: A Bold Statement for a Reborn Trident
For over a century, Maserati has navigated shifting automotive tides, its iconic trident emblem signifying diverse eras of performance and luxury. From its early dominance in Grand Prix racing to the elegance of 1950s GTs and the audacious hypercars of the 2000s, the meaning of “Maserati” has constantly evolved. As the legendary Italian marque embarks on its electrified future, the question arises: what does the trident truly represent today?
The answer, it seems, lies at the racetrack and in the heart of a stunning new supercar. Maserati’s resurgence in motorsport isn’t just a nostalgic nod to its glorious past; it’s a full-throttle comeback. Active participation in Formula E and GT2 racing, alongside the development of exclusive track-focused machines like the MCXtrema, injects a palpable sense of excitement back into the brand. While the Grecale SUV remains a crucial volume seller, it’s these halo cars that truly define Maserati’s aspirational core.
The MC20, an acronym for Maserati Corse 2020, marked the genesis of this transformation three years ago. Collaborating with renowned racing engineering specialist Dallara, Maserati developed a cutting-edge carbon-fiber monocoque chassis. This versatile platform proved foundational, adaptable for a coupe, a convertible variant, and ultimately, a future battery-electric model. Crucially, it birthed Maserati’s first supercar in over a decade and a half, and it was exceptionally good.
Now, we have the pleasure of experiencing the open-air embodiment of this vision: the 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo. While mechanically identical to its coupe sibling, the Cielo introduces a captivating new dimension. Its innovative electrochromic glass roof, a marvel of engineering, transforms the driving experience. This feature allows for an unparalleled connection with the car’s characterful V6 engine, all while maintaining the coupe’s inherent stylistic elegance and dynamic prowess. The MC20 Cielo arrives at a moment when the supercar landscape is vibrant and evolving, perfectly positioned to both compete and set a definitive tone for Maserati’s future direction.
The Cielo’s carbon-fiber monocoque, while sharing its DNA with the coupe, undergoes strategic reinforcements to compensate for the structural implications of its open-top design. This meticulous engineering results in a weight increase of just 143 pounds – an impressively minimal figure, especially considering the integration of a complex folding roof mechanism that retracts in a mere 12 seconds. The roof itself is a sophisticated piece of technology, combining a rigid metal structure with an electrochromic glass panel. This glass can be electronically dimmed, allowing occupants to precisely control the amount of natural light flooding the cabin, from bright and airy to intimately shaded.
From a visual standpoint, the Cielo and its coupe counterpart remain remarkably consistent. The roofline flows seamlessly into the redesigned rear decklid, which now features a small rearward-facing window. To accommodate the intricate roof mechanism and maintain aerodynamic integrity, Maserati repositioned the engine air intakes, a subtle yet significant engineering adjustment. The addition of new “XX” style wheels further distinguishes the Cielo’s visual palette, rounding out the minimal yet impactful exterior enhancements.
The specific hue adorning my test vehicle, a captivating “Acquamarina” paint, is nothing short of mesmerizing. It initially appears as a soft light blue, but under varying light conditions, its pearlescent qualities come alive, revealing a spectrum of subtle shifts and highlights that imbue the car with an almost liquid dynamism. This particular paint, however, is exclusively available for the limited “Primaserie Launch Edition,” of which only 60 units are slated for production, underscoring Maserati’s commitment to its bespoke Fuoriserie customization program.
In an era where many modern supercars lean towards gratuitous aerodynamic appendages and ostentatious styling cues, the MC20 Cielo stands apart. I personally find it more appealing when this Maserati is presented in a more restrained, elegant fashion. The absence of overt, over-the-top aero elements and superfluous detailing allows its inherent beauty and masterful proportions to shine. It projects an image of understated sophistication, a car that commands attention through its inherent design rather than aggressive adornments. While it may not possess the immediate visual shock value of some Italian rivals, its timeless elegance offers a different, perhaps more enduring, form of allure.
The MC20’s introduction heralded Maserati’s renewed dedication to motorsport, and with it came the debut of the revolutionary “Nettuno” engine. This 90-degree, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 is a masterpiece of engineering, producing a formidable 621 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. In the Cielo, this potent powerplant propels the car from 0 to 60 mph in a mere three seconds, with a breathtaking top speed approaching 200 mph. Power is delivered exclusively to the rear wheels through a slick-shifting eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Viewed within the broader context of contemporary supercars, the MC20 Cielo’s twin-turbo V6 might appear somewhat conventional. Competitors like the McLaren Artura and Ferrari 296 GTB also utilize six-cylinder configurations, but often in more exotic 120-degree layouts, which contribute to more V12-like exhaust notes, and frequently incorporate hybrid powertrains. Even the significantly less expensive Chevrolet Corvette Z06 boasts a sophisticated, high-revving, naturally-aspirated V8.
However, the Nettuno engine’s true brilliance lies in its remarkable versatility. It serves as the heart for not only the MC20 but also the Grecale Trofeo SUV and the GranTurismo Trofeo. While not the most exotic on paper, it possesses an abundance of character. Its exhaust note deviates from the typical rumble of a 90-degree V6, offering a more effervescent, less overtly aggressive tone. Yet, the captivating whoosh of its twin-turbochargers often commands the auditory landscape, creating a symphony of performance.
With the roof retracted, the Cielo truly comes alive. The moment you lift off the accelerator, the turbos emit a delightful flutter, followed by a sonorous whistle as you reapply power. While the exhaust note itself isn’t overwhelmingly loud, the sheer force of the acceleration is undeniable, building with a charming degree of lag that harks back to a more analog era of performance. This characteristic, while lacking the instant immediacy of some rivals, rewards the driver with a dramatic surge of power that is immensely satisfying.
Fortunately, the finely-tuned, closely spaced gears ensure that the MC20 maintains its momentum and stays within its potent boost band as you navigate through the gear changes. Even as power figures continue to escalate with the proliferation of hybrid supercars, the Cielo feels remarkably potent on the road, often exceeding its impressive statistical benchmarks.
It’s nearly impossible to discern any significant difference in handling dynamics between the Cielo and its coupe counterpart when traversing challenging bends. The chassis employs a sophisticated double-wishbone suspension setup at both the front and rear, complemented by adaptive dampers. This allows for a substantial stiffening of the suspension in the aggressive Sport and Corsa modes, while conversely, the GT setting provides a compliant and comfortable ride suitable for everyday commuting or extended journeys.
While the suspension might not possess the same plushness as that found in a McLaren Artura, it strikes an excellent balance between sporty engagement and long-distance comfort. Furthermore, despite its advanced carbon-fiber construction and distinctive butterfly doors, the MC20 Cielo’s relatively low sill height makes ingress and egress surprisingly straightforward, significantly enhancing its day-to-day usability.
The inherent versatility of the Maserati MC20 Cielo is readily apparent when navigating the sinuous, demanding roads of Southern California’s canyons. The car exhibits a beautiful, composed balance through tight turns, confidently deploying its considerable power as you exit corners. Although the steering might not be the most talkative, it is undeniably quick and direct. Coupled with an agile and tenacious front end, these attributes contribute to a driving sensation that belies the car’s actual weight, making it feel remarkably nimble and responsive.
The optional carbon-ceramic brakes, an investment of $10,000, offer performance that is akin to race cars. They demand a substantial application of pedal force to achieve maximum deceleration. While this characteristic is perfectly suited for spirited driving on open roads, it requires a period of adjustment for more sedate city driving. My particular test vehicle was further enhanced by a $2,300 electronic limited-slip differential and a $5,500 set of lightweight 20-inch forged wheels, options that undoubtedly contribute to its exceptional dynamic capabilities.
Stepping inside the MC20 Cielo, one is immediately struck by the significant advancements in interior quality and execution compared to its predecessor. The cabin is finished in an elegant two-tone Ice/Grey scheme, accented with stylish triangular stitching on the seat cushions and backrests. The dashboard artfully blends carbon fiber and Alcantara trim, seamlessly integrating two 10-inch screens that serve as the digital instrument cluster and infotainment hub.
Much like its exterior, the MC20 Cielo’s interior design prioritizes a clean, uncluttered aesthetic. The majority of controls are managed through the centrally mounted touchscreen, with the exposed carbon-fiber center console housing the updated drive mode selector and a select few essential physical buttons.
While the interior is undeniably functional and presents a high level of craftsmanship, it leans towards a more conventional execution for a supercar of this caliber. The floating infotainment screen, positioned to the right of the steering wheel, feels somewhat like an afterthought in an otherwise cohesive design. It’s here, perhaps, that the MC20’s technology might age less gracefully than the car’s timeless styling and exhilarating mechanicals.
The 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo carries a base price of $262,695, inclusive of a $1,495 destination charge. However, as is often the case with high-performance exotics, the addition of desirable options can significantly elevate the final price. My meticulously specified tester, featuring a $39,000 exterior carbon fiber package, $10,000 carbon-ceramic brakes, and a $7,000 interior carbon fiber package, commanded a total of $339,700. When considering that a Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica Spyder, a direct competitor, starts at $239,000 and typically tops out below $300,000, the Cielo’s premium price point presents a notable challenge as it endeavors to establish its unique identity within the fiercely competitive supercar arena.
Viewed in its entirety, however, the MC20 Cielo is an undeniably formidable entrant into the supercar segment. It excels in the fundamental pillars of automotive desirability: it is breathtakingly stylish, ferociously powerful, and exhilarating to drive. These are the core ingredients that define a true supercar. Yet, given its substantial price tag, the somewhat conventional nature of its V6 powertrain becomes a more pronounced talking point, especially when juxtaposed against competitors who are pushing the boundaries with innovative hybrid and electric technologies. Furthermore, certain aspects of the interior technology feel less integrated and refined than what one might expect in comparable vehicles.
Despite these acknowledged drawbacks, the MC20 represents precisely the kind of halo vehicle Maserati should be championing. Its six-figure models, like this MC20 Cielo and the recently introduced GranTurismo, provide the Italian marque with an invaluable platform to showcase its engineering prowess and design heritage. Thankfully, these exquisite machines are now firmly in the spotlight, allowing Maserati to leave behind the missteps of more mass-market ventures. Maserati is undeniably entering a new and exciting era, and thrilling automobiles like the MC20 Cielo are instrumental in re-establishing the iconic Italian brand as a true and respected player in the global supercar landscape.
Are you ready to experience the future of Italian automotive excellence? Discover the Maserati MC20 Cielo and explore a new dimension of driving passion by visiting your nearest authorized Maserati dealer today.
