The 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo: A Testament to Italian Automotive Excellence at a Pivotal Moment
For over a century, Maserati, the venerable Italian marque, has navigated a dynamic automotive landscape, its iconic trident emblem adorning vehicles that have spanned the spectrum from fierce Grand Prix contenders of the 1930s to elegant Gran Tourers of the 1950s, and even a Ferrari Enzo-derived hypercar in the early 2000s. In its present quest to redefine its identity as it embraces an electrified future, one paramount question emerges: what does the Maserati brand truly signify today?
The answer, for enthusiasts and industry insiders alike, lies not just in a rich heritage, but in a renewed commitment to the very essence of performance and prestige. The year 2023 marks a significant resurgence for Maserati in the realm of motorsport. Gone are the days of mere nostalgic nods to its racing past; the Trident is now actively engaged in high-octane disciplines such as Formula E and GT2 racing, alongside the production of exclusive, small-batch racing machines like the MCXtrema. While the pragmatic Grecale SUV undoubtedly remains Maserati’s volume seller, this bold return to the track is injecting a palpable sense of excitement and desirability back into the brand’s DNA.
The MC20, an acronym that stands for Maserati Corse 2020, heralded this strategic shift three years prior to its public debut. Developed in close collaboration with the renowned racing engineering firm Dallara, the MC20’s innovative carbon-fiber monocoque platform was ingeniously conceived with remarkable modularity, capable of being adapted for coupe, spyder, and, in due course, a fully electric variant. Crucially, this meticulous engineering resulted in Maserati’s first true supercar in sixteen years, and a remarkably compelling one at that.
Now, with the advent of its open-top sibling, the 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo, the driving experience is elevated to an entirely new stratum. While mechanically identical to its coupe counterpart, distinguished only by its retractable hardtop crafted from metal and electrochromic glass, the Cielo introduces an unparalleled sensory dimension. It offers an intimate connection with the characterful Nettuno V6 engine, all while preserving the coupé’s inherent elegance and without any discernible compromise in dynamic prowess. The MC20 Cielo emerges as the opportune vehicle to compete in a burgeoning supercar market and the definitive machine to sculpt the future trajectory of the Maserati brand.
Despite the addition of its sophisticated folding roof mechanism, the Cielo’s structural integrity is meticulously maintained. Maserati has reinforced the inherent carbon-fiber monocoque – a testament to advanced automotive engineering – to precisely compensate for any potential reduction in rigidity typically associated with convertible architectures. This results in a mere 143-pound increase in overall weight, a remarkably modest figure considering the inclusion of the complex electro-hydraulic system that retracts the roof in a mere 12 seconds. The innovative roof itself seamlessly integrates a solid metal structure with an electrochromic glass panel. This advanced glass can be dynamically dimmed or brightened at the touch of a button, offering precise control over the amount of natural light flooding the cabin, a feature that significantly enhances the sensory experience of open-air driving.
Visually, the distinction between the MC20 Cielo and its fixed-roof progenitor is subtle, a deliberate choice that preserves the inherent aesthetic purity of the MC20 design. The roofline remains virtually indistinguishable, with the primary visual alteration residing in a re-engineered decklid and a small, elegantly integrated rear-facing window. To accommodate the necessary mechanical adjustments beneath the skin, Maserati has artfully repositioned the rear engine air intakes. Furthermore, a new design option for the wheels, referred to as “XX” style, joins the existing palette, rounding out the minimal yet impactful exterior refinements.
The specific tester’s Acquamarina paint is a standout feature, an exquisite hue that has captivated my attention. At first glance, it presents as a delicate shade of light blue, but under varying light conditions, its pearlescent properties reveal a mesmerizing spectrum of subtle color shifts, imbuing the car with an extraordinary depth and visual dynamism. Regrettably, this particular paint finish is exclusively available for the Primaserie Launch Edition, a limited production run of just 60 vehicles meticulously crafted to showcase Maserati’s bespoke Fuoriserie customization program.
In common with many contemporary supercars, the MC20 Cielo offers an extensive array of optional carbon fiber embellishments. However, my personal preference leans towards a more understated application of these materials, allowing the car’s intrinsic design to take center stage. By eschewing overly aggressive aerodynamic appendages or superfluous styling flourishes, the MC20 Cielo presents itself as a car of profound simplicity yet undeniable elegance, a machine that radiates inherent beauty without the need for ostentatious additions. While it may not possess the flamboyant visual aggression of a comparable Lamborghini or Ferrari, its appeal lies in a more timeless and sophisticated aesthetic.
The MC20’s debut not only signified Maserati’s strategic re-entry into the world of motorsport but also served as the unveiling of the revolutionary “Nettuno” engine. This marvel of engineering is a 90-degree, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, meticulously calibrated to deliver a formidable 621 horsepower and a substantial 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 of 199 mph. This prodigious output is efficiently managed and delivered to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, ensuring rapid and seamless gear changes.
Within the competitive landscape of modern supercars, the Maserati MC20 Cielo’s twin-turbo V6 powertrain, while exceptional, can be considered relatively conventional. Rivals such as the McLaren Artura and Ferrari 296 GTB, while also employing V6 configurations, adopt a more exotic 120-degree architecture, lending them a more V12-esque exhaust note and, in many cases, the integration of electric motors for enhanced performance and efficiency. Even the significantly more accessible Chevrolet Corvette Z06 boasts a cutting-edge, high-revving, naturally aspirated V8.
However, the Nettuno engine’s true brilliance lies in its remarkable versatility, a crucial characteristic that enables it to also power other Maserati models, including the Grecale Trofeo and GranTurismo Trofeo. While it may not boast the exotic configuration of some competitors, it is infused with an abundance of character. Its exhaust note deviates from the typical timbre of a 90-degree V6, offering a more effervescent and less overtly aggressive sound. This nuanced acoustic profile is further complemented by the thrilling whoosh of its twin-turbochargers, which often dominates the auditory experience.
With the roof retracted, the distinctive flutter of the turbochargers becomes audible the moment the accelerator is released, followed by a captivating whistle as power is reapplied. While the Cielo is not excessively loud, its power delivery is impressively potent, exhibiting a subtle yet engaging amount of turbo lag. This characteristic harks back to a charmingly old-school approach, lacking the instantaneous throttle response of some of its more modern rivals but rewarding the driver with dramatic bursts of acceleration once the turbos spool up.
The closely ratioed gear ratios ensure that the MC20 effectively maintains its boost pressure as the driver progresses through the gears. Although 621 horsepower might seem modest in an era of increasingly prevalent hybrid powertrains, the Cielo’s on-road performance genuinely feels quicker and more exhilarating than its statistical figures might initially suggest. This is a testament to its finely tuned drivetrain and chassis integration.
When navigating winding roads, it is virtually indistinguishable from its coupe counterpart. The suspension system, featuring double wishbones at both the front and rear in conjunction with adaptive dampers, allows for a significant firming of the ride in the more aggressive Sport and Corsa modes. Crucially, it retains a commendable level of compliance for daily driving and longer journeys when set to the more comfort-oriented GT mode.
While the suspension might not offer the same level of plushness as found in a McLaren Artura, it remains sufficiently comfortable for everyday use and extended excursions. Furthermore, despite its advanced carbon-fiber structure and distinctive butterfly doors, the relatively low sill height facilitates remarkably easy ingress and egress, enhancing the car’s overall practicality and usability as a genuine road car.
The inherent versatility of the Maserati MC20 Cielo allows it to confidently tackle the most demanding of Southern California’s twisty canyon roads. It exhibits exquisite balance through tight technical sections and confidently deploys its considerable power out of corner exits. While the steering system may not be the most talkative, it is undeniably quick and direct. Combined with an agile and tenacious front end, this results in a car that feels significantly lighter and more dynamically endowed than its physical specifications might suggest.
The optional carbon-ceramic brakes, an investment of $10,000, perform with racecar-like efficacy, requiring a substantial application of pedal force to achieve maximum deceleration. While this is perfectly suited for spirited driving on open roads, it necessitates a period of acclimatization for smoother city driving. My test vehicle was also equipped with a $2,300 electronic limited-slip differential and a $5,500 set of lightweight 20-inch forged wheels, further enhancing its performance envelope.
The interior of the Cielo builds upon the significant quality enhancements introduced with the original MC20. My tester featured a sophisticated two-tone Ice/Grey finish, accented by subtle triangular stitching on the seat cushions and backrests, adding a touch of bespoke elegance. The dashboard expertly blends carbon fiber and Alcantara trim, housing two 10-inch displays that serve the crucial functions of digital instrumentation and infotainment.
Echoing its exterior design philosophy, the MC20 Cielo’s interior maintains a relatively uncluttered aesthetic, with the majority of controls intuitively integrated within the central touchscreen interface. The center console, presented as a striking piece of exposed carbon fiber, houses an updated drive mode selector and a select number of essential physical controls.
While the cabin is undoubtedly functional and aesthetically pleasing, it leans towards a more conventional design language. The seemingly detached floating screen positioned to the right of the steering wheel, while offering a clear view, can feel like a somewhat secondary addition rather than an integral part of the design. In contrast to the enduring allure of the rest of the vehicle, the technological elements within the MC20 may prove to be the aspects that age less gracefully.
The 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo commands a starting price of $262,695, which includes a $1,495 destination fee. However, the inclusion of desirable optional extras, such as the $39,000 exterior carbon package, $10,000 carbon-ceramic brakes, and the $7,000 interior carbon fiber package, pushed the final price of my specific tester to a considerable $339,700. Considering that a Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica Spyder begins at $239,000 and typically concludes its option list well below the $300,000 mark, the Cielo’s elevated price point presents a significant consideration as it strives to establish a definitive presence within the competitive supercar segment.
When viewed in its entirety, however, the MC20 Cielo stands as a formidable contender in the supercar arena. It effortlessly blends striking aesthetics with formidable power and an undeniably thrilling driving experience, ticking all the essential boxes for a vehicle in this elite class. Nevertheless, given its substantial price tag, the more conventional V6 engine configuration becomes a more challenging proposition to fully embrace, especially when one considers the innovative powertrain advancements being pioneered by its direct competitors. Furthermore, certain interior technological integrations may not feel as seamlessly executed as those found in comparable vehicles from rivals.
Despite these minor reservations, the MC20 represents precisely the kind of halo vehicle that Maserati should be championing. Its six-figure models, such as the MC20 and the GranTurismo, serve as crucial platforms for the Italian brand to unequivocally demonstrate its engineering prowess and design excellence. Thankfully, Maserati has embraced this strategy, leaving behind the less impactful mass-market ventures of the past. Maserati is undeniably embarking on a new era, and compelling, exhilarating vehicles like the MC20 Cielo are instrumental in re-establishing the Italian marque as a preeminent force in the automotive world.
If you’re captivated by the blend of Italian artistry, exhilarating performance, and open-air driving pleasure, the 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo warrants a closer look. We invite you to connect with a Maserati dealership near you to explore bespoke configuration options and schedule your personal test drive of this exceptional supercar.
