For over a century, Maserati has navigated a complex tapestry of automotive evolution, each chapter under different stewardship etching a distinct identity onto its iconic trident emblem. From the roaring engines of its 1930s Grand Prix contenders to the elegant GTs of the 1950s and the audacious hypercar born from a Ferrari Enzo platform in 2004, the meaning of Maserati has been a dynamic, often elusive, concept. As the legendary Italian marque embarks on its electrified future, a crucial question emerges: what does that trident truly represent in today’s high-octane automotive landscape?
The answer, as we stand in 2023, is unequivocally tied to a resurgence in motorsports. No longer content with merely drawing inspiration from its illustrious racing lineage, Maserati has executed a full-scale return to the track. Its significant involvement in Formula E and GT2 racing, coupled with the creation of exclusive, small-batch machines like the MCXtrema, signals a potent injection of excitement back into the brand. While the Grecale SUV undeniably remains the volume seller, it is this rekindled racing spirit, embodied by its halo vehicles, that truly redefines the Maserati experience.
The MC20, an acronym signifying Maserati Corse 2020, marked the vanguard of this transformative shift upon its debut three years prior. Developed in collaboration with the renowned racing engineering firm Dallara, its advanced carbon-fiber monocoque chassis possesses an inherent adaptability, readily poised to accommodate coupe, spyder, and, ultimately, pure electric variants. More significantly, this meticulous engineering delivered Maserati’s first truly compelling supercar in over a decade and a half.
Now, stepping into the open-air cockpit of its drop-top sibling, the 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo, offers a profound new dimension to an already exhilarating driving narrative. While mechanically mirroring its coupe counterpart, the Cielo distinguishes itself with a sophisticated retractable hardtop—a marvel of engineering that seamlessly integrates a metal structure with an electrochromic glass panel. This innovative roof mechanism, which transforms the cabin from enclosed to open in a mere 12 seconds, adds negligible weight (a remarkably scant 143 pounds) and allows the driver to curate the ambiance with adjustable light filtration. The Cielo doesn’t just offer a thrilling drive; it invites a deeper sensory connection with its potent V6 heart, all while preserving the coupe’s inherent elegance and dynamic prowess. This MC20 Cielo stands not only as a perfectly timed contender in the thriving supercar segment but also as a definitive statement of Maserati’s future aspirations.
Though the Cielo chassis utilizes the same core carbon-fiber architecture as the coupe, Maserati has strategically reinforced the structure to compensate for the inherent rigidity reduction in a convertible. The result is a surprisingly minimal weight penalty, a testament to sophisticated engineering that accounts for the complex folding roof mechanism. This electrochromic glass panel is a stroke of genius, allowing for instant adjustment of natural light ingress, from fully transparent to a deeply tinted privacy screen.
Visually, the transition from coupe to Cielo is remarkably subtle, a testament to Maserati’s design philosophy that prioritizes timeless form over fleeting trends. The roofline maintains an almost identical silhouette, with the most noticeable alterations confined to a redesigned decklid and a small, rearward-facing window. To accommodate the new roof’s mechanical intricacies, Maserati has discreetly repositioned the rear engine air intakes, a subtle but crucial engineering adjustment. The introduction of new “XX” style wheels further refines the exterior palette, rounding out a refreshingly concise list of visual enhancements.
My particular tester was cloaked in the breathtaking “Acquamarina” paint, a hue that truly deserves accolades. What initially appears as a sophisticated light blue reveals a captivating pearlescent quality, its chromatic shifts adapting dynamically to ambient light, bestowing an astonishing level of visual variety. This exquisite finish, however, is exclusively available for the Primaserie Launch Edition, a limited production run of just 60 units designed to showcase Maserati’s bespoke Fuoriserie customization program.
In an era where many supercars are adorned with aggressive aerodynamic appendages and ostentatious styling flourishes, the MC20 Cielo, in its purest form, excels through elegant restraint. While the option for extensive carbon fiber detailing exists, I found myself drawn to the car’s inherent simplicity. Eschewing superfluous add-ons, Maserati’s supercar presents a clean, sophisticated profile that needs no artificial embellishment to command attention. While it may not possess the overt drama of a Lamborghini or the intense focus of a Ferrari, the MC20 Cielo offers a more enduring, timeless allure.
The debut of the MC20 not only heralded Maserati’s return to the racing arena but also introduced the revolutionary “Nettuno” engine. This 90-degree, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 unleashes a formidable 621 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. In the Cielo, this prodigious power translates to a breathtaking 0-60 mph sprint in just three seconds and a top speed nudging 200 mph. Power is delivered exclusively to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, ensuring rapid and precise gear changes.
In the context of contemporary supercars, the MC20 Cielo’s twin-turbo V6 presents a refreshingly conventional approach. Competitors like the McLaren Artura and Ferrari 296 GTB employ more exotic 120-degree V6 configurations, often augmented with electric motors to achieve a V12-esque exhaust symphony. Even the considerably more affordable Chevrolet Corvette Z06 boasts a cutting-edge, naturally aspirated V8 designed for high revs.
However, the Nettuno engine’s inherent versatility is key to its strategy. It serves not only the MC20 but also powers the Grecale Trofeo and GranTurismo Trofeo models, demonstrating its broad applicability. While it might not boast the exotic engineering of some rivals, its character is undeniable. Its exhaust note deviates from the typical 90-degree V6 timbre, offering a more effervescent, less overtly aggressive tone. Yet, the intoxicating whoosh of the twin turbos often dominates the auditory experience, adding a layer of mechanical drama.
With the roof stowed, the symphony of the Nettuno engine truly comes alive. The rapid flutter of the turbos on throttle lift-off and their loud whistle upon reapplication create an engaging acoustic backdrop. While the Cielo isn’t excessively loud, its power delivery is notably potent, arriving after a brief, charmingly old-school moment of turbo lag. This characteristic, while lacking the immediate urgency of some modern rivals, rewards the driver with a dramatic surge of acceleration that is both thrilling and deeply satisfying. The closely spaced gear ratios ensure that the engine remains firmly within its boost band as you cycle through the gears. Even as 621 horsepower begins to feel modest in the face of an increasingly hybridized supercar landscape, the Cielo’s real-world performance sensation far surpasses its statistical figures.
From a dynamic perspective, the Cielo is virtually indistinguishable from its coupe stablemate. Its chassis, a sophisticated blend of double wishbones front and rear, is complemented by adaptive dampers. This allows for a significantly firmed-up ride in the Sport and Corsa driving modes, while retaining a plush, compliant character in the more sedate GT setting, ensuring comfort for daily commutes or extended journeys.
While the ride may not possess the silken smoothness of a McLaren Artura, it remains remarkably well-suited for everyday use. Furthermore, despite its exotic carbon-fiber construction and distinctive butterfly doors, the relatively low sill height facilitates surprisingly easy ingress and egress, enhancing the car’s overall usability.
The Maserati MC20 Cielo confidently navigates the winding canyon roads of Southern California, showcasing its exceptional versatility. Its balanced demeanor through tight corners allows for confident power application on corner exit, while its direct and responsive steering, coupled with an agile and grippy front end, creates an illusion of a car far lighter than its specifications suggest.
The optional $10,000 carbon-ceramic brakes, while exceptionally potent and befitting a racecar, require a substantial pedal input to engage fully. This characteristic is entirely appropriate for spirited driving but necessitates a slight adjustment for city driving. My tester was further enhanced by a $2,300 electronic limited-slip differential and $5,500 forged 20-inch lightweight wheels, contributing to its exceptional handling dynamics.
Stepping inside the Cielo reveals a cabin that builds upon the significant quality enhancements introduced with the original MC20. My tester featured a striking two-tone Ice/Grey interior finish, accented by distinctive triangular stripes adorning the seat cushions and backrests. The dashboard artfully blends carbon fiber and suede trim, neatly housing two 10-inch screens that manage the digital instrument cluster and infotainment functions.
Mirroring its exterior, the MC20 Cielo’s interior prioritizes a clean, uncluttered aesthetic. Most controls are integrated within the central touchscreen, with the carbon fiber center console housing an updated drive mode selector and essential physical buttons.
While the interior is undeniably functional, its design leans towards the conventional. The “floating” infotainment screen, positioned to the right of the steering wheel, feels somewhat like an afterthought. Unlike the enduring allure of the car’s exterior and mechanicals, it’s here that the MC20’s technology might show its age the most rapidly.
The 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo commences its journey with a base price of $262,695, inclusive of a $1,495 destination charge. However, the allure of bespoke customization, exemplified by optional features such as the $39,000 exterior carbon pack, $10,000 carbon-ceramic brakes, and a $7,000 interior carbon-fiber pack, propelled my tester’s final MSRP to a formidable $339,700. When juxtaposed with the Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica Spyder, which starts at $239,000 and rarely exceeds $300,000 with options, the Cielo’s elevated price point presents a significant consideration as it carves its niche within the hypercar segment.
However, when viewed in its entirety, the MC20 Cielo emerges as a truly formidable entrant. It delivers on the essential tenets of a modern supercar: striking aesthetics, exhilarating performance, and an engaging driving experience. Yet, given its premium pricing, the conventionality of its V6 powertrain becomes a more salient point of discussion, especially when considering the innovative hybrid powertrains increasingly prevalent among its rivals. Furthermore, certain aspects of its interior technology, while functional, do not quite reach the same level of seamless integration found in comparable vehicles.
Despite these considerations, the MC20 represents precisely the kind of halo vehicle Maserati should champion. Six-figure machines like the MC20 Cielo and the GranTurismo provide the Italian marque with a vital platform to showcase its engineering prowess and storied heritage. Fortunately, Maserati appears to be leaving behind less impactful ventures, focusing instead on these flagships that truly embody its spirit. Maserati is unequivocally ushering in a new era, and compelling automobiles like the MC20 Cielo serve to re-establish the iconic Italian brand as a preeminent force in the world of high-performance vehicles.
Are you captivated by the blend of Italian passion and cutting-edge engineering that the Maserati MC20 Cielo represents? Discover the latest offerings and explore bespoke customization options by visiting your nearest Maserati dealership or contacting our specialists to schedule your personal consultation and test drive today.
