The Maserati MC20 Cielo: A Timeless Trident Ascendant in the Modern Supercar Pantheon
For a century, Maserati has navigated a kaleidoscope of identities, its iconic trident emblem adorning everything from roaring Grand Prix machines of the 1930s to the elegant GTs of the 1950s and even the earth-shattering Ferrari Enzo-derived hypercar of 2004. In the dynamic automotive landscape of 2023 and looking ahead to 2025, as the brand pivots towards an electrified future, the pressing question remains: what does the Maserati trident truly signify today? The answer, I’ve found over a decade immersed in this industry, lies not just in heritage, but in audacious innovation and an unwavering commitment to the soul of driving.
Our current era is inextricably linked with a resurgence of Maserati’s motorsport pedigree. Gone are the days of merely drawing inspiration from past glories. The trident is back on the track, with significant involvement in Formula E and GT2 racing, alongside the production of exclusive, small-batch track-focused machines like the MCXtrema. While the Grecale SUV undoubtedly remains the volume seller, it’s this palpable return to competitive racing that injects a vital surge of excitement and relevance back into the brand’s narrative.
The MC20, its name a poignant acronym for Maserati Corse 2020, heralded this strategic shift upon its debut three years ago. Developed in collaboration with the esteemed racing specialists at Dallara, the MC20’s sophisticated carbon-fiber monocoque chassis was ingeniously engineered for adaptability, capable of embracing coupe, spyder, and, crucially for the future, a battery-electric variant. More importantly, it marked a triumphant return to the supercar segment after a 16-year hiatus, delivering a machine that was not merely good, but truly exceptional.
Now, in late 2023, I find myself at the helm of its open-top counterpart: the 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo. While mechanically it shares its underpinnings with the coupe, distinguished solely by its ingenious retractable metal and glass roof, the Cielo injects an entirely new dimension into the driving experience. It offers an unparalleled connection to its characterful V6 heart without compromising the dynamic prowess or the inherent elegance of its fixed-roof sibling. The MC20 Cielo is, without question, the opportune vehicle for a burgeoning supercar market and the definitive statement piece for Maserati’s future.
The Cielo, while fundamentally utilizing the coupe’s carbon-fiber structure, benefits from strategic reinforcement to counteract the inherent reduction in torsional rigidity associated with a convertible. This structural enhancement results in a modest weight increase of 143 pounds – a surprisingly low figure, considering the integration of a complex mechanism that orchestrates the roof’s descent in a mere 12 seconds. The electrochromic glass panel within this retractable roof is a marvel of engineering, allowing for adjustable cabin opacity and direct control over the ingress of natural light, a feature that significantly enhances the sensory experience.
Aesthetically, the divergence between the Cielo and its coupe predecessor is subtle. The roofline remains virtually identical, with the primary visual distinctions found in a redesigned rear decklid and a small, re-sculpted rear window. To accommodate the intricate mechanical ballet of the folding roof, Maserati has strategically repositioned the rear engine air intakes. The introduction of a new “XX” style wheel option further rounds out the concise list of exterior refinements.
The specific Acquamarina paint adorning my test vehicle is, quite simply, one of the most captivating hues I’ve encountered in years. What initially appears as a light blue reveals a mesmerizing depth, shifting and transforming under varying light conditions thanks to its pearlescent finish, offering a constant visual dynamism. This exquisite color, unfortunately, is exclusively reserved for the Primaserie Launch Edition, a limited run of just 60 vehicles designed to showcase Maserati’s bespoke Fuoriserie customization program.
In line with contemporary supercar design philosophies, the MC20 Cielo offers an extensive menu of optional carbon fiber embellishments. However, my personal preference leans towards a more restrained application, allowing the car’s inherent sculptural beauty to take precedence. By eschewing gratuitous aerodynamic appendages or superfluous styling flourishes, the MC20 Cielo projects an image of unpretentious sophistication. It’s a car that commands attention through its understated elegance rather than ostentatious displays, presenting a timeless aesthetic that transcends the ephemeral trends of competitors like Lamborghini and Ferrari.
While the MC20’s debut signified Maserati’s strategic return to motorsport, it also served as the grand unveiling 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 scant three seconds, with a theoretical top speed of 199 mph. This formidable output is masterfully managed and delivered to the rear wheels via a precise eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
When juxtaposed with the current crop of hypercars, the Maserati MC20 Cielo’s twin-turbo V6 appears, on the surface, perhaps more conventional. Rivals such as the McLaren Artura and Ferrari 296 GTB also employ V6 configurations but opt for a more exotic 120-degree layout, which contributes to a more V12-esque exhaust note, often augmented by sophisticated hybrid powertrains. Even the significantly more affordable Chevrolet Corvette Z06 boasts a groundbreaking, high-revving naturally aspirated V8.
However, the Nettuno engine’s true brilliance lies in its remarkable versatility. It not only powers the MC20 but also finds its way into the heart of the Grecale Trofeo and the GranTurismo Trofeo. While it may not possess the exotic allure of some of its contemporaries, it exudes an abundance of character. Its exhaust note deviates from the typical 90-degree V6 timbre, offering a more effervescent, less overtly aggressive tone. Yet, this nuance is often beautifully overshadowed by the thrilling whoosh of its twin turbochargers.
With the top retracted, the symphony of the turbos becomes an integral part of the auditory experience. A delightful flutter accompanies throttle lift-off, transitioning into a more pronounced whistle under acceleration. While the Cielo isn’t an exhaust note behemoth, its power delivery is undeniably potent, manifesting after a brief, yet charmingly old-school, moment of turbo lag. This slight delay, a welcome nod to a more analog era of performance, is rewarded with a surge of dramatic acceleration that feels all the more potent for its earned arrival.
The tightly spaced gear ratios ensure that the MC20 remains firmly within its optimal power band as you cycle through the gears. While 621 horsepower might seem modest in an era increasingly dominated by hybrid powertrains, the Cielo’s on-road presence and perceived acceleration consistently exceed its impressive statistical benchmarks.
On a winding road, the Cielo’s dynamic behavior is remarkably difficult to distinguish from its coupe sibling. The chassis is meticulously composed, featuring a double-wishbone suspension at both the front and rear, complemented by adaptive dampers. These dampers offer a significant stiffening in the aggressive Sport and Corsa modes, while retaining a commendable level of compliance for comfortable daily driving in the more relaxed GT setting.
While the suspension might not offer the ethereal suppleness of a McLaren Artura, it provides ample comfort for daily commutes and extended journeys. Furthermore, despite its advanced carbon-fiber monocoque construction and signature butterfly doors, the relatively low sill height facilitates remarkably easy ingress and egress, a crucial factor contributing to the Cielo’s everyday usability.
The inherent versatility of the Maserati MC20 Cielo shines through as it effortlessly tackles the challenging, sinuous canyon roads of Southern California. The car exhibits exquisite balance through tight turns, confidently deploying its considerable power on corner exits. Though the steering might not be overflowing with communicative feedback, it is exceptionally quick and direct. When coupled with an agile and tenaciously grippy front end, the result is a machine that feels considerably lighter and more nimble than its on-paper specifications might suggest.
The optional $10,000 carbon-ceramic brakes, while providing immense stopping power akin to a race car, require a substantial pedal input to engage effectively. This characteristic is perfectly suited for spirited driving on an open road but demands a period of acclimatization for smoother modulation in urban environments. My test vehicle was further enhanced by an optional $2,300 electronic limited-slip differential and a set of $5,500 20-inch forged lightweight wheels, options that further refine its already exceptional performance envelope.
Stepping inside the Cielo, one immediately notices the significant strides Maserati has made in cabin quality and execution, building upon the foundations laid by the original MC20. The interior of my tester featured an elegant two-tone Ice/Grey finish, accented with striking triangular stripes adorning the seat cushions and backrests. The dashboard artfully blends carbon fiber and suede trim, housing two 10-inch screens that serve as the digital instrument cluster and infotainment hub.
Much like its exterior, the MC20 Cielo’s interior prioritizes a clean and functional design. The majority of vehicle controls are integrated within the centrally mounted touchscreen. The carbon fiber center console is a visual highlight, housing an updated drive mode selector and essential physical buttons, a welcome tactile counterpoint to the digital interface.
While the interior is undeniably functional and beautifully crafted, its overall execution leans towards conventionality. The floating screen positioned to the right of the steering wheel, while aesthetically interesting, feels somewhat like an afterthought in an otherwise cohesive design. In contrast to the enduring allure of the rest of the vehicle, I suspect that the MC20’s technological interface might be the element that ages most rapidly.
The 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo commands a starting price of $262,695, inclusive of a $1,495 destination fee. However, the addition of desirable, yet 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 pack – pushed my specific tester’s total to a considerable $339,700. When considered alongside competitors like the Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica Spyder, which begins at $239,000 and typically tops out below the $300,000 mark, the Cielo’s elevated price point presents a notable challenge as it strives to carve out its unique niche within the competitive supercar landscape.
However, when assessed as a complete package, the MC20 Cielo stands as a formidable contender in the contemporary supercar arena. It exudes style, possesses exhilarating power, and delivers a profoundly thrilling driving experience, ticking all the essential boxes. Nevertheless, given its significant price tag, the adoption of a relatively conventional V6 powertrain becomes a more pertinent point of consideration, particularly as rivals increasingly push the boundaries with innovative hybrid and electrified powertrains. Furthermore, some of the interior technology, while functional, doesn’t quite possess the seamless integration found in some of its comparable rivals.
Despite these minor reservations, the MC20 represents precisely the kind of halo product that Maserati should champion. Six-figure vehicles like the MC20 and the GranTurismo serve as crucial showcases for the Italian marque’s engineering prowess and design sophistication. Thankfully, the brand has embraced this direction, leaving behind the less impactful mass-market ventures of the past. Maserati is undeniably embarking on a new era, and exhilarating machines like the MC20 Cielo are unequivocally re-establishing the Italian brand as a vital and respected player in the supercar domain.
If the allure of the Trident’s revitalized spirit and the prospect of experiencing such a refined Italian masterpiece captivate your imagination, we invite you to explore the world of Maserati further. Discover the current lineup, learn about bespoke customization options, and connect with authorized dealers to schedule your personal encounter with automotive excellence. Your journey into the heart of Maserati innovation awaits.
