The Maserati MC20 Cielo: A Bold Statement for a Revitalized Trident
For over a century, Maserati, the storied Italian marque, has navigated a kaleidoscope of eras, each defined by its unique vision under a succession of custodians. From its formidable Grand Prix machines of the 1930s to the elegant Gran Tourers of the 1950s and even the Ferrari Enzo-derived hypercar of 2004, the iconic trident emblem has symbolized diverse automotive achievements. Today, as Maserati embarks on its electrifying future and seeks to redefine its identity, a critical question emerges: what does that revered three-pointed badge truly represent in the present landscape?
The undeniable resurgence of Maserati in motorsport is central to this narrative. Gone are the days of mere historical inspiration; the Trident has staged a full-fledged comeback, deeply integrated into Formula E and GT2 racing, and producing exclusive track-focused machines like the MCXtrema. While the Grecale SUV will undoubtedly remain Maserati’s volume seller, this return to competitive circuits is injecting a much-needed dose of exhilaration and prestige back into the brand.
The MC20, an acronym for Maserati Corse 2020, heralded this transformative shift upon its debut three years ago. Developed in collaboration with the renowned racing specialist Dallara, its advanced carbon-fiber monocoque chassis was ingeniously designed for adaptability, accommodating coupe, spyder, and, eventually, pure electric variants. Crucially, this platform underpinned Maserati’s first true supercar in sixteen years, and it proved to be an exceptionally accomplished one.
Now, stepping into the open-air cockpit of the 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo, its drop-top sibling, reveals an entirely new dimension to the driving experience. While mechanically identical to its coupe counterpart, distinguished solely by its retractable hardtop, the Cielo offers an unparalleled connection to the charismatic twin-turbo V6 engine. This open-air configuration amplifies the sensory engagement without imposing significant performance penalties, all while preserving the inherent style and sophistication of the original design. The MC20 Cielo stands as the ideal vehicle to contend within the burgeoning supercar segment and, more importantly, as the definitive machine to sculpt the future trajectory of the Maserati brand.
Although the Cielo inherits the foundational carbon-fiber structure from the coupe, Maserati has meticulously reinforced it to counteract the inherent reduction in rigidity typically associated with open-top designs. This enhancement results in a weight increase of approximately 143 pounds – a remarkably modest figure, considering the inclusion of a sophisticated electro-mechanical folding roof mechanism that retracts in a mere 12 seconds. The innovative roof panel itself comprises a rigid metal structure integrated with an electrochromic glass panel. This intelligent glass can be precisely dimmed on command, allowing for effortless control over the ingress of natural light into the cabin, transforming the ambiance from bright sunshine to a more subdued, intimate setting.
From a visual standpoint, the distinctions between the Cielo and its coupe sibling are subtle. The roofline maintains remarkable continuity, with deviations primarily limited to a redesigned rear decklid and a small, aperture-like rear window. To accommodate the intricate mechanical underpinnings of the folding roof, Maserati has subtly repositioned the rear engine air intakes. Furthermore, a new “XX” style wheel design has been introduced as an optional upgrade, rounding out the discreet list of exterior refinements.
The specific paintwork on my test vehicle, a mesmerizing Acquamarina hue, is undeniably one of the most captivating colors I’ve encountered in years. Appearing as a delicate shade of blue from a distance, it transforms dynamically with shifting light conditions, thanks to its pearlescent finish, imparting an astonishing breadth of visual variation. Regrettably, this particular exquisite paint is exclusive to the Primaserie Launch Edition, a limited series of just 60 vehicles intended to showcase Maserati’s bespoke Fuoriserie customization program.
In line with the expectations of contemporary supercars, the MC20 Cielo can be extensively accessorized with an array of carbon fiber enhancements. However, my personal preference leans towards a more understated aesthetic for this particular Maserati supercar. By eschewing gratuitous aerodynamic appendages or superfluous styling flourishes, the MC20 Cielo projects an image of elegant simplicity. It is a car that possesses inherent beauty, one that requires no artificial adornments to command attention. While it may not possess the overtly flamboyant presence of a comparable Lamborghini or Ferrari, its design language speaks to a more enduring, timeless appeal.
The MC20’s introduction not only signified Maserati’s triumphant return to the motorsport arena but also debuted the marque’s revolutionary Nettuno engine. This 90-degree twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 is a marvel 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 brisk three seconds, with a top speed of 199 mph. This immense power is channeled to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Within the context of today’s supercar offerings, the Maserati MC20 Cielo’s twin-turbo V6 configuration can be considered somewhat conventional. Rivals such as the McLaren Artura and the Ferrari 296 GTB also feature V6 engines, but in a more exotic 120-degree configuration, which contributes to a more V12-esque exhaust note and often incorporates hybrid electric assistance. Even the considerably more accessibly priced Chevrolet Corvette Z06 boasts a brand-new, high-revving, naturally-aspirated V8.
However, the Nettuno engine is engineered for a remarkable degree of versatility, also serving as the heart of the Grecale Trofeo and GranTurismo Trofeo models. While it may not be the most exotic engine on the market in terms of configuration, it possesses an abundance of character. Its exhaust note deviates from the typical cadence of a standard 90-degree V6, offering a more effervescent, less overtly aggressive tone. This nuanced sound is, in many instances, beautifully complemented by the thrilling whoosh of its twin turbochargers, which often dominates the auditory landscape.
With the roof retracted, the distinct flutter of the turbochargers becomes audible the instant the accelerator is released, followed by a pronounced whistle as power is reapplied. While the Cielo is not overtly boisterous, its power delivery is impressively immediate, albeit with a discernible, characterful element of turbo lag. This engaging characteristic lends it a charmingly old-school feel, eschewing the instantaneous response of some modern rivals but rewarding the driver with exhilarating acceleration when the boost finally arrives.
Thanks to its closely ratioed gear selection, the MC20 effectively maintains its torque band across the gear changes. Even as 621 horsepower begins to feel less dominant in an era increasingly populated by hybrid powertrains, the Cielo’s on-road performance feels perceptibly quicker than its raw performance figures might suggest.
Distinguishing the Cielo from its coupe counterpart when navigating corners is virtually impossible. The chassis employs a sophisticated double-wishbone suspension setup at both the front and rear, complemented by adaptive dampers. This allows for a significant firming of the suspension in the aggressive Sport and Corsa driving modes, while still retaining remarkable compliance for daily driving comfort in the more relaxed GT setting.
While its suspension might not offer the same level of plushness as that found in a McLaren Artura, it remains exceptionally comfortable for everyday use and extended journeys. Furthermore, despite its advanced carbon-fiber structure and iconic butterfly doors, the relatively low sill height facilitates remarkably easy ingress and egress, enhancing its overall practicality.
The inherent versatility of the Maserati MC20 Cielo makes it an adept performer on the sinuous, challenging canyon roads of Southern California. It exhibits exquisite balance through tight turns, confidently deploying its considerable power upon exiting corners. Although its steering might not be the most communicative on the market, it is commendably quick and direct. This, coupled with an agile and tenaciously grippy front end, contributes to a driving sensation that belies the car’s actual weight, making it feel remarkably agile and light on its feet.
The optional carbon-ceramic brakes, a $10,000 upgrade, perform with a racecar-like intensity, demanding a substantial application of pedal force to engage fully. While this is perfectly manageable when accelerating spiritedly through mountain passes, it requires a period of adjustment for more sedate city driving. My particular test vehicle was also equipped with a $2,300 electronic limited-slip differential and a $5,500 set of 20-inch forged lightweight wheels, further refining its dynamic capabilities.
The interior of the Cielo builds upon the significant quality enhancements introduced with the MC20 coupe three years prior. My tester featured a striking two-tone Ice/Grey finish, accented with distinctive triangular stitching on the seat cushions and backrests. The dashboard artfully blends carbon fiber and suede trim, and seamlessly integrates two 10-inch screens dedicated to digital instrumentation and infotainment functions.
Much like its exterior, the MC20 Cielo’s interior design prioritizes a degree of minimalism, with the majority of vehicle controls consolidated 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 buttons.
While the interior is undeniably functional, it adopts a relatively conventional design approach. The free-standing infotainment screen positioned to the right of the steering wheel, though useful, feels somewhat like an afterthought in the overall cabin architecture. Unlike the enduring appeal of the rest of the car, the MC20’s technological suite may age less gracefully than its more avant-garde counterparts.
The 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo carries a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $262,695, inclusive of a $1,495 destination charge. However, with the addition of desirable, albeit costly, optional extras such as the $39,000 exterior carbon fiber package, the $10,000 carbon-ceramic brakes, and the $7,000 interior carbon fiber package, the as-tested price of my specific vehicle climbed to a substantial $339,700. Considering that a Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica Spyder begins at $239,000 and typically concludes its options list well under the $300,000 mark, the Cielo’s elevated pricing strategy could present a significant hurdle as it strives to establish a dominant presence within the highly competitive supercar segment.
Viewed holistically, however, the MC20 Cielo represents a formidable and compelling contender in the contemporary supercar landscape. It effortlessly checks all the essential boxes: striking aesthetics, formidable performance, and an exhilarating driving engagement. Nevertheless, given its considerable price point, the adoption of a V6 engine, while characterful, becomes a more challenging proposition to fully embrace, particularly when contrasted with competitors who are consistently pushing the boundaries of innovation with their advanced powertrain technologies. Furthermore, certain aspects of its interior technology integration fall slightly short when compared to the seamless execution found in comparable vehicles.
Despite these noted considerations, the MC20 Cielo embodies precisely the caliber of vehicle upon which Maserati should be focusing its strategic efforts. Its six-figure models, including the MC20 and the GranTurismo, serve as powerful platforms for the Italian brand to showcase its engineering prowess and design heritage. Thankfully, this strategic shift has allowed Maserati to leave behind less successful mass-market ventures. Maserati is unequivocally ushering in a new era, and the creation of thrilling automobiles like the MC20 Cielo is re-cementing the Italian marque’s esteemed position as a formidable player in the global automotive arena.
Ready to experience the future of Italian automotive excellence? Discover the Maserati MC20 Cielo and explore bespoke luxury at your nearest authorized Maserati dealership.
