The 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo: A Bold Rebirth for the Trident
For over a century, Maserati has been a marque synonymous with passion, performance, and unparalleled Italian style. Through fluctuating fortunes and various custodians, the iconic trident emblem has adorned vehicles ranging from legendary Grand Prix racers of the 1930s to sophisticated grand tourers of the 1950s, and even the awe-inspiring Enzo-based MC20 hypercar in the mid-2000s. In today’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape, as the brand embarks on a significant push towards electrification, a critical question arises: what does the Maserati trident truly represent now?
This inquiry is particularly pertinent when considering Maserati’s recent trajectory. While in past years, the brand often seemed content to draw inspiration from its glorious racing heritage, the current era marks a full-fledged resurgence. Maserati’s active participation in Formula E and GT2 racing, alongside the creation of exclusive, small-batch track machines like the MCXtrema, underscores this renewed commitment. Even with the Grecale SUV serving as the volume leader, the return to the racetrack injects a palpable sense of excitement and prestige back into the Maserati name.
The MC20, an acronym for Maserati Corse 2020, serves as the vanguard of this exciting shift, having debuted three years prior. Developed in close collaboration with the renowned racing engineering firm Dallara, its advanced carbon-fiber monocoque chassis is a testament to ingenious modular design, capable of forming the foundation for coupe, spyder, and ultimately, fully electric variants. Crucially, this platform has enabled Maserati to produce its first truly compelling supercar in over a decade and a half.
Now, at the helm of the open-air variant, the 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo, a new dimension of the driving experience unfolds. While mechanically identical to its coupe sibling, distinguished only by its innovative retractable hardtop, the Cielo offers an unprecedented connection to its characterful V6 engine. This unique feature allows drivers to savor the exhilarating soundtrack and visceral feedback of the powertrain without any discernible compromise in handling dynamics, all while preserving the coupe’s inherent elegance and undeniable charm. The MC20 Cielo emerges as a perfectly timed entrant into a thriving supercar segment and the definitive machine to articulate Maserati’s forward-looking vision.
The Cielo, while sharing the coupe’s fundamental carbon-fiber structure, benefits from strategic reinforcement to counteract any potential rigidity compromises inherent in a convertible configuration. This meticulous engineering results in a mere 143-pound increase in overall weight – a remarkably small figure, especially considering the inclusion of a sophisticated electro-hydraulic roof mechanism that retracts and deploys in a mere 12 seconds. The roof itself is a marvel of modern automotive design, featuring a composite metal structure integrated with an electrochromic glass panel. This innovative glass can be tinted at the touch of a button, offering precise control over the amount of natural light entering the cabin and enhancing the sensory experience on the go.
From a visual standpoint, the similarities between the Cielo and its coupe counterpart are striking. The roofline remains virtually unchanged, with the most significant divergences manifesting in a redesigned decklid and a subtly integrated rearward-facing window. To accommodate the revised mechanical architecture beneath the skin, Maserati has artfully repositioned the engine air intakes. Additionally, a new “XX” style wheel design has been introduced to the options list, completing the minor exterior enhancements that distinguish the Cielo.
The specific launch color on my test vehicle, dubbed Acquamarina, is nothing short of spectacular. Initially appearing as a sophisticated light blue, its pearlescent finish interacts dynamically with changing light conditions, revealing subtle shifts in hue and an astonishing depth of color. This mesmerizing paint is exclusively available on 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 trends, the MC20 Cielo offers an extensive palette of carbon fiber embellishments. However, my personal preference leans towards a more restrained approach, allowing the car’s inherent design to command attention. By eschewing overt aerodynamic appendages and superfluous styling flourishes, the MC20 Cielo presents itself as a car of sophisticated simplicity and timeless elegance. While it may not possess the overt theatricality of some Italian rivals, it exudes an enduring style that transcends fleeting fashion.
The MC20’s pivotal role in signaling Maserati’s triumphant return to the world of motorsport is intrinsically linked to its 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 MC20 Cielo, this potent powerplant propels the car from 0 to 60 mph in a mere three seconds, with a breathtaking top speed reaching 199 mph. Power is channeled to the rear wheels through a slick-shifting eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
When juxtaposed with the avant-garde powertrains of its contemporaries, Maserati’s twin-turbo V6 appears refreshingly conventional. Competitors such as the McLaren Artura and Ferrari 296 GTB, while also employing V6 configurations, opt for more exotic 120-degree architectures, which contribute to a more V12-esque exhaust note and, often, the integration of electric motors. Even the significantly more accessible Chevrolet Corvette Z06 boasts a groundbreaking, naturally aspirated V8 designed for high revs.
However, the Nettuno engine’s true brilliance lies in its remarkable versatility. It serves as the heart not only of the MC20 but also powers the Grecale Trofeo and GranTurismo Trofeo models. While it might not boast the exotic displacement or cylinder count of some rivals, it possesses an undeniable character. Its exhaust note deviates from the typical timbre of a 90-degree V6, offering a more spirited, less overtly aggressive tone. Yet, much of the auditory experience is dominated by the captivating whoosh of its twin-turbochargers.
With the roof retracted, the symphony of the Nettuno engine becomes even more engaging. The turbos flutter enticingly with each lift of the throttle and emit a distinct whistle as power is reapplied. While the Cielo isn’t excessively loud, its acceleration is potent, following a brief but noticeable moment of turbo lag. This characteristic evokes a charmingly old-school sensation, offering a rewarding surge of power that, while lacking the instantaneous response of some modern rivals, delivers a dramatic and exhilarating experience.
The closely spaced ratios of the eight-speed transmission ensure that the MC20 remains firmly within its boost range as the gears are shifted. Even as the benchmark of 621 horsepower begins to feel less astronomical with the proliferation of hybrid supercars, the Cielo delivers a real-world performance that feels even more potent than its impressive statistics suggest.
In the realm of dynamic performance, the Cielo is virtually indistinguishable from its coupe counterpart. The chassis, featuring double wishbones at both the front and rear complemented by adaptive dampers, allows for significant stiffening in the Sport and Corsa driving modes, while maintaining a surprisingly compliant and comfortable ride in the more relaxed GT setting, making it suitable for extended journeys.
While the MC20’s suspension might not offer the same level of plushness as found in a McLaren Artura, it remains exceptionally comfortable for daily commuting or longer road trips. Furthermore, despite its advanced carbon-fiber construction and distinctive butterfly doors, the relatively low sill height significantly eases ingress and egress, enhancing the car’s overall usability and practicality.
This inherent versatility enables the Maserati MC20 Cielo to tackle winding canyon roads with an effortless grace. The car exhibits a beautifully balanced demeanor through tight corners, confidently deploying its considerable power out of apexes. While the steering, though quick and direct, may not be the most communicative, it is perfectly complemented by an agile and tenacious front end, creating the illusion of a car that is considerably lighter than its specifications might imply.
The optional carbon-ceramic brakes, a substantial $10,000 investment, offer racecar-level stopping power that demands a firm pedal application. While this is perfectly suited for spirited driving on open roads, it requires a period of adjustment for navigating slower urban environments. My test vehicle was also equipped with a $2,300 electronic limited-slip differential and a $5,500 set of lightweight 20-inch forged alloy wheels, further enhancing its performance envelope.
The interior of the MC20 Cielo represents a significant evolution in Maserati’s commitment to cabin quality, building upon the advancements introduced with the original MC20. My tester featured a sophisticated two-tone Ice/Grey finish, accented by distinctive triangular stitching on the seat cushions and backrests. The dashboard artfully blends carbon fiber and suede trim, and seamlessly integrates two 10-inch displays to manage digital instrumentation and infotainment functions.
Mirroring its exterior philosophy, the MC20 Cielo’s interior prioritizes a clean and uncluttered aesthetic. Most of the vehicle’s controls are logically consolidated within the central touchscreen interface. The center console, presented as a striking piece of exposed carbon fiber, houses an updated rotary dial for selecting driving modes alongside a judicious selection of essential physical buttons.
While the interior is undeniably functional and impeccably crafted, it adopts a rather conventional approach. The floating infotainment screen, positioned to the right of the steering wheel, can feel somewhat like an afterthought. In contrast to the timeless appeal of the car’s exterior and powertrain, the MC20’s technological integration might age less gracefully than other aspects of the vehicle.
The 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo carries a starting price of $262,695, inclusive of a $1,495 destination fee. However, as is often the case with high-performance exotics, optional extras can substantially elevate the final figure. The extensive carbon fiber exterior package alone adds $39,000, the carbon-ceramic brakes are $10,000, and the interior carbon fiber package commands an additional $7,000. Consequently, my well-appointed test vehicle tipped the scales at an impressive $339,700. Considering that a Lamborghini Huracán Tecnica Spyder begins at $239,000 and can be optioned to a figure just shy of $300,000, the MC20 Cielo’s premium pricing strategy presents a notable challenge as it seeks to establish its distinct identity within the fiercely competitive supercar arena.
Viewed in its entirety, however, the MC20 Cielo stands as a formidable contender in the exotic car segment. It effortlessly checks all the requisite boxes: striking aesthetics, exhilarating performance, and a captivating driving engagement. Nevertheless, given its substantial price tag, the more conventional nature of its V6 powertrain becomes a more pronounced point of consideration, particularly when juxtaposed with competitors who are pushing the boundaries of innovation with cutting-edge hybrid and electric drivetrains. Furthermore, some of the interior technology, while functional, may not feel as seamlessly integrated as those found in direct rivals.
Despite these minor reservations, the MC20 represents precisely the kind of vehicle Maserati should be championing. Six-figure flagships like the MC20 and the GranTurismo empower the storied Italian brand to showcase its engineering prowess and design flair. Thankfully, Maserati appears to have decisively left behind the missteps of its mass-market past, exemplified by vehicles like the Ghibli. Maserati is firmly entrenched in a new, exciting era, and captivating machines like the MC20 Cielo unequivocally reaffirm the Italian marque’s status as a legitimate and vital player in the automotive pantheon.
Experience the future of Italian performance. Explore the 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo and discover a new benchmark in automotive excellence.
