The 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo: A Triumphant Return for the Trident in the Modern Supercar Arena
For over a century, Maserati has navigated a complex and often exhilarating journey, its iconic trident badge adorning vehicles that have represented vastly different aspirations. From dominating the Grand Prix circuits of the 1930s to crafting elegant GTs in the 1950s and even producing a Ferrari Enzo-derived hypercar in 2004, the meaning of Maserati has evolved. As the venerable Italian marque pivots towards an electrified future, the pressing question remains: what does the trident signify for Maserati today?
In 2023, a resurgent Maserati is inextricably linked with motorsport. Gone are the days of merely drawing inspiration from its storied racing lineage; the Trident has executed a full-scale resurgence. With active participation in Formula E and GT2 racing, alongside the creation of exclusive, small-batch track machines like the MCXtrema, Maserati is unequivocally back on the competitive stage. While the Grecale SUV undeniably serves as the brand’s volume seller, it’s this renewed commitment to the racetrack that injects a palpable sense of excitement and performance back into the core of Maserati’s identity.
The MC20, an acronym for Maserati Corse 2020, heralded this significant shift upon its debut three years ago. Developed in collaboration with the renowned racing engineering firm Dallara, the MC20’s advanced carbon-fiber monocoque chassis was ingeniously designed for modularity, accommodating not only a coupe and a spyder variant but also paving the way for a future battery-electric iteration. More importantly, this platform delivered Maserati’s first true supercar in sixteen years, and it proved to be an exceptionally capable one
Now, at the helm of its open-top counterpart, the 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo, the driving experience transcends the already impressive coupe. Despite sharing the same fundamental mechanical underpinnings, with the primary distinction being a sophisticated retractable hardtop, the Cielo introduces a captivating new dimension. It fosters a profound connection with the car’s exceptionally characterful V6 engine, all while preserving the coupe’s inherent elegance and without any discernible compromises in handling dynamics. The MC20 Cielo stands as the opportune vehicle to not only compete in the flourishing luxury sports car market but also to unequivocally define the direction and promise of Maserati’s future.
While the Cielo largely inherits the coupe’s robust carbon-fiber structure, Maserati has judiciously reinforced it to compensate for the inherent reduction in rigidity associated with a convertible body style. This structural enhancement contributes to an increase in weight of approximately 143 pounds – a remarkably minimal figure when one considers the sophisticated mechanism responsible for retracting the roof in a mere 12 seconds. The Cielo’s innovative roof system ingeniously combines a rigid metal structure with an electrochromic glass panel. This advanced glass can be instantly dimmed or cleared on command, offering precise control over the amount of natural light flooding the cabin and enhancing the sensory experience.
From a visual standpoint, the distinctions between the Cielo and its coupe sibling are subtle. The roofline remains virtually identical, with modifications primarily concentrated on a redesigned rear decklid and a small, functional rear-facing window. To accommodate the necessary mechanical adaptations beneath the surface, Maserati has thoughtfully repositioned the engine air intakes. Furthermore, an appealing new option for wheel designs, dubbed “XX” style, further refines the exterior, completing the concise list of visual updates.
The specific “Acquamarina” paint adorning my test vehicle is, without hyperbole, one of the most captivating finishes I’ve encountered in recent memory. Initially appearing as a luminous light blue, it undergoes a mesmerizing transformation under varying light conditions, thanks to its deep pearlescent quality. This chromatic dynamism imbues the car with an almost chameleon-like presence, offering a constant sense of visual intrigue. Regrettably, this extraordinary hue is exclusive to the limited-production Primaserie Launch Edition, of which Maserati intends to produce only 60 units, serving as a striking showcase for the brand’s bespoke Fuoriserie customization program.
In alignment with the prevalent trends in the contemporary exotic car segment, the MC20 Cielo offers an extensive array of optional carbon fiber enhancements. However, my personal preference leans towards a more understated aesthetic for Maserati’s supercar. By eschewing ostentatious aerodynamic addenda or superfluous styling embellishments, the MC20 Cielo presents itself as a vehicle of profound simplicity and inherent elegance. It possesses a distinctive allure that requires no artificial enhancements to command attention. While it may not possess the overt theatricality of a comparable Lamborghini or Ferrari, its design language speaks of a far more enduring and timeless sophistication.
The MC20’s debut not only marked Maserati’s triumphant return to the world of motorsport but also introduced the brand’s groundbreaking “Nettuno” engine. This 3.0-liter, 90-degree twin-turbocharged V6 is a powerhouse, delivering a formidable 621 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. In the Cielo, this potent engine propels the car from 0 to 60 mph in a mere three seconds, with a top speed reaching an exhilarating 199 mph. This prodigious power is expertly channeled to the rear wheels through a responsive eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Within the context of today’s high-performance car market, the Maserati MC20 Cielo’s twin-turbo V6 configuration, while potent, presents a comparatively conventional approach. Many of its direct competitors, such as the McLaren Artura and the Ferrari 296 GTB, also feature six-cylinder engines but employ a more exotic 120-degree V-configuration, which contributes to a richer, more V12-esque exhaust note, often complemented by the integration of electric motors. Even the considerably more accessible Chevrolet Corvette Z06 boasts a bespoke, high-revving, naturally-aspirated V8.
However, the Nettuno engine is engineered for a remarkable degree of versatility, also finding its way into the more accessible Grecale Trofeo and GranTurismo Trofeo models. While it may not be the most exotic powerplant available, it possesses an abundance of character. Its auditory signature deviates from the typical rasp of a 90-degree V6; instead, it offers a more effervescent, less aggressive tone. This distinction, however, is largely academic, as the intoxicating whoosh from its twin turbochargers frequently commands the sonic landscape.
With the roof retracted, the turbochargers emit a delightful flutter upon throttle release, followed by a pronounced whistle as acceleration resumes. While the Cielo is not an overly boisterous machine, its surge of power is delivered with undeniable authority, preceded by a subtle, almost charming, hint of turbo lag. This characteristic lends it an engaging, slightly old-school feel, eschewing the instantaneous, almost digital responsiveness of some modern rivals in favor of a more dramatic and rewarding crescendo of acceleration when it truly arrives.
Crucially, thanks to its meticulously calibrated, closely spaced gear ratios, the MC20 maintains its robust boost pressure throughout the gear changes. While 621 horsepower might seem modest in an era where hybrid supercars are becoming increasingly prevalent, the Cielo possesses an on-road immediacy and exhilaration that often surpasses its objective performance metrics.
In dynamic driving scenarios, it becomes nearly impossible to discern the Cielo from its coupe counterpart when navigating challenging corners. The chassis benefits from a sophisticated double-wishbone suspension system at both the front and rear, augmented by adaptive dampers. This setup allows for a significant firming of the suspension in the assertive Sport and Corsa driving modes, while still retaining remarkable comfort suitable for daily commuting in the more relaxed GT setting.
While the suspension might not offer the same level of plushness found in a McLaren Artura, it remains remarkably compliant, making it perfectly viable for everyday use and even longer touring excursions. Furthermore, despite its advanced carbon-fiber construction and distinctive butterfly doors, the relatively low sill height facilitates effortless ingress and egress, significantly enhancing its overall practicality and usability as a luxury grand tourer.
The inherent versatility of the Maserati MC20 Cielo is vividly demonstrated on the sinuous, winding canyon roads of Southern California. It exhibits superb balance through tight turns and confidently deploys its considerable power on corner exits. Although the steering might not be the most communicative in its class, it is commendably quick and direct. When paired with an agile and exceptionally grippy front end, the result is a car that perceptibly feels lighter and more nimble than its statistical weight might suggest.
The optional $10,000 carbon-ceramic brakes, while offering immense stopping power akin to those found in dedicated race cars, require a substantial initial pedal input to engage effectively. This characteristic is perfectly suited for spirited driving on open roads but demands a period of acclimatization for more sedate city driving. My particular test vehicle was also outfitted with a $2,300 electronic limited-slip differential and a $5,500 set of lightweight 20-inch forged wheels, further enhancing its performance credentials.
The interior of the Cielo builds upon the significant improvements in material quality and fit-and-finish first introduced with the original MC20. My test car featured a sophisticated two-tone Ice/Grey interior scheme, accented by distinctive triangular stitching on the seat cushions and backrests. The dashboard masterfully blends carbon fiber and suede trim, elegantly integrating two ten-inch digital displays that serve as the primary instruments and infotainment interface.
Similar to its exterior, the MC20 Cielo’s interior design philosophy emphasizes a relative simplicity, with the majority of vehicle controls managed through the centrally-mounted touchscreen. The central console is a striking, exposed piece of carbon fiber, housing an updated drive mode selector and a select few essential physical buttons.
While the interior is undeniably functional, it adopts a rather conventional approach in its execution. The seemingly detached “floating” screen to the right of the steering wheel, while offering immediate access, feels somewhat like an afterthought in an otherwise cohesive design. Unlike the timeless elegance of the car’s exterior and powertrain, I suspect the MC20’s integrated technology suite might not age as gracefully as the rest of its compelling package.
The 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo commences its pricing at $262,695, inclusive of a $1,495 destination fee. However, the addition of several substantial optional packages, such as the $39,000 exterior carbon fiber pack, the $10,000 carbon-ceramic brakes, and the $7,000 interior carbon fiber pack, brought my specific tester’s total to an impressive $339,700. Considering that a Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica Spyder has a starting price of $239,000 and typically tops out well under the $300,000 mark, the Cielo’s elevated price point could indeed present a strategic challenge as it endeavors to secure a prominent position within the highly competitive supercar for sale landscape.
When evaluated holistically, however, the MC20 Cielo emerges as a formidable contender in the rarefied supercar arena. It is undeniably stylish, possesses prodigious power, and delivers a profoundly thrilling driving experience, ticking all the essential boxes for enthusiasts. Nevertheless, given its substantial price tag, the relative conventionality of its V6 engine configuration becomes a more salient point of consideration, particularly when juxtaposed with competitors who are pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation with advanced hybrid powertrains. Furthermore, certain aspects of its interior technology integration, while functional, are not quite as seamlessly executed as those found in comparable vehicles.
Despite these acknowledged drawbacks, the MC20 represents precisely the kind of vehicle that Maserati should be prioritizing. Its six-figure creations, such as the MC20 Cielo and the GranTurismo, provide the Italian brand with an invaluable platform to showcase its engineering prowess and design philosophy. Thankfully, this focus has led to the brand leaving behind less impactful, mass-market endeavors like the Ghibli. Maserati is unequivocally embarking on a new era, and exhilarating automobiles like the MC20 Cielo are instrumental in re-establishing the Italian marque as a truly significant and respected player in the automotive luxury segment.
As the automotive landscape continues its rapid evolution, Maserati’s commitment to crafting cars that stir the soul is more critical than ever. The MC20 Cielo, with its blend of visceral performance, captivating design, and the promise of open-air motoring, stands as a testament to this dedication.
If the allure of Italian automotive excellence and a driving experience that transcends the ordinary speaks to you, now is the opportune moment to explore what the 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo, or other exceptional Maserati models, can offer. Discover the heritage, performance, and sheer joy of driving a Trident-badged masterpiece. Contact your local Maserati dealership or visit MaseratiUSA.com today to arrange a personal consultation and experience the future of Italian performance firsthand.
