Maserati MC20 Cielo Review: A Timeless Icon for a Modern Era
For over a century, Maserati, the illustrious Italian marque adorned with the Trident, has navigated a landscape of shifting identities and ownership. From its roaring success in the 1930s Grand Prix circuit to the elegant GTs of the 1950s, and even its daring foray into hypercar territory with the Ferrari Enzo-derived MC-12 in 2004, the meaning of the Maserati trident has been a dynamic entity. Today, as the brand charts a course toward electrification, the critical question remains: what does this prestigious emblem truly represent in the current automotive epoch?
The year 2023 marks a significant resurgence for Maserati in the realm of motorsport. Gone are the days of merely referencing a glorious racing heritage; the Trident is back in full force. With active participation in Formula E and GT2 racing, alongside the creation of exclusive, small-batch track machines like the MCX-trema, Maserati is rekindling its competitive spirit. While the Grecale SUV undoubtedly serves as the brand’s volume driver, its renewed commitment to the track injects a vital sense of exhilaration back into the marque.
The MC20, an acronym for Maserati Corse 2020, served as the harbinger of this strategic pivot three years ago. Conceived in collaboration with the esteemed racing engineering firm Dallara, the MC20’s cutting-edge carbon fiber monocoque was ingeniously designed for versatility, capable of accommodating coupe, spyder, and eventually, a fully electric variant. More importantly, it delivered Maserati’s first true supercar in sixteen years, and it was a resounding success.
counterpart, distinguished solely by its retractable hardtop crafted from glass and metal, the Cielo elevates the driving experience to an entirely new stratum. It fosters an intimate connection with its characterful V6 engine, all while preserving the coupe’s inherent style and poise. The MC20 Cielo is, without question, the opportune contender in a burgeoning supercar market and the definitive machine to define Maserati’s forward-looking trajectory.
The Cielo, while leveraging the coupe’s established carbon fiber architecture, undergoes structural reinforcement by Maserati to compensate for any potential loss in rigidity inherent in a convertible design. This meticulous engineering results in a weight increase of a surprisingly modest 143 pounds. This incremental gain is remarkably efficient, considering the inclusion of a sophisticated mechanism that retracts the roof in a mere 12 seconds. The innovative roof system integrates a lightweight metal structure with an electrochromic glass panel, offering adjustable opacity. This allows for precise control over cabin illumination, from full transparency to complete shade, on demand.
From a visual standpoint, the transition from coupe to Cielo introduces subtle yet impactful refinements. The roofline maintains a striking resemblance to its closed-top sibling, with the primary differentiation found in a re-engineered decklid and a diminutive rear-facing window. To accommodate the underlying mechanical alterations necessary for the retractable roof, Maserati strategically repositioned the engine air intakes. Furthermore, a new “XX” style wheel design joins the optional customization palette, completing the understated exterior enhancements.
My particular test vehicle was finished in the captivating Acquamarina paint, a hue I consider one of the most exquisite I’ve encountered in recent memory. Initially appearing as a serene light blue, its pearlescent finish dynamically shifts and shimmers under varying light conditions, imbuing the car with a rich tapestry of visual depth and character. Regrettably, this extraordinary color is exclusive to the Primaserie Launch Edition, a limited production run of just 60 units designed to showcase Maserati’s bespoke Fuoriserie customization program.
In keeping with contemporary supercar trends, the MC20 Cielo offers an extensive array of optional carbon fiber embellishments. However, my personal preference leans towards a more minimalist aesthetic for this particular Maserati supercar. By eschewing overly aggressive aerodynamic appendages and superfluous styling flourishes, the MC20 Cielo presents itself as a car of understated elegance and sophisticated simplicity. It possesses an innate ability to captivate without the need for ostentatious additions. While it might not possess the flamboyant presence of its direct rivals from Lamborghini or Ferrari, its design language exudes a far more enduring and timeless appeal.
Beyond its visual allure, the MC20’s introduction also heralded the debut of Maserati’s groundbreaking Nettuno engine. This 90-degree, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 is a masterpiece of engineering, generating 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 mere three seconds, with a breathtaking top speed of 199 mph. All this prodigious power is channeled to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, ensuring lightning-fast gear changes.
In the grand theater of modern supercars, the Maserati MC20 Cielo’s twin-turbo V6 presents a refreshingly conventional, yet immensely satisfying, proposition. Competitors such as the McLaren Artura and Ferrari 296 GTB also feature V6 configurations, albeit with a more exotic 120-degree layout that often evokes a V12-like exhaust note, frequently augmented by electric powertrains. Even the considerably more accessible Chevrolet Corvette Z06 boasts a brand-new, high-revving, naturally aspirated V8.
However, the Nettuno engine’s inherent versatility sets it apart. It also serves as the heart of the Grecale Trofeo and GranTurismo Trofeo, demonstrating its adaptable nature across Maserati’s diverse model range. While it may not be the most exotic engine on the market, it possesses an abundance of character. Its audible signature deviates from the typical cadence of a 90-degree V6, offering a more effervescent and less overtly aggressive tone. This is further enhanced by the captivating auditory experience of its twin-turbochargers, which often dominate the soundscape.
With the top retracted, the subtle flutter of the turbos as you lift off the accelerator and their resonant whistle upon reapplication of throttle creates an engaging symphony. While the Cielo isn’t excessively loud, its power delivery is notably potent, arriving with a surge following a brief period of turbo lag. This characteristic, while charmingly reminiscent of older performance cars, imbues the acceleration with a dramatic intensity that rewards the driver.
The carefully calibrated, closely spaced gear ratios ensure that the MC20 remains within its optimal power band as you shift through the gears. Even as 621 horsepower begins to feel somewhat modest in an era of increasingly powerful hybrid supercars, the Cielo’s on-road performance consistently belies its statistical output, feeling significantly quicker than its numbers suggest.
On winding roads, the Cielo’s handling is remarkably akin to its coupe sibling. The sophisticated double-wishbone suspension at both the front and rear, coupled with adaptive dampers, allows for a significant stiffening in the dynamic Sport and Corsa modes, while the more forgiving GT setting provides a level of comfort suitable for daily driving and extended journeys.
While the suspension might not possess the same silken ride quality as that found in a McLaren Artura, it remains exceptionally compliant for everyday use and longer excursions. Furthermore, despite its advanced carbon fiber structure and iconic butterfly doors, the relatively low sill height facilitates remarkably easy ingress and egress, significantly enhancing the car’s overall usability and practicality.
The Maserati MC20 Cielo’s inherent versatility allows it to effortlessly conquer the demanding, serpentine canyon roads often encountered in regions like Southern California. It exhibits superb balance through tight turns, confidently deploying its formidable power on corner exits. Although the steering might not be the most garrulous in its feedback, its swift and direct nature, combined with an agile and tenaciously grippy front end, creates a driving sensation that feels considerably lighter than its objective specifications might indicate.
The optional carbon-ceramic brakes, a significant $10,000 investment, offer racecar-like stopping power that requires a deliberate and substantial application of pedal force. While this is perfectly suited for spirited driving on open roads, it necessitates a period of adaptation for more sedate urban commuting. My specific tester also featured 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 test vehicle featured a sophisticated two-tone Ice/Grey finish, accented by distinctive triangular stitching on the seat cushions and backrests. The dashboard masterfully blends carbon fiber and suede trim, and prominently displays two 10-inch screens responsible for digital instrumentation and infotainment duties.
Much like its exterior, the MC20 Cielo’s interior adopts a relatively minimalist approach. The majority of vehicle functions are controlled via the centrally mounted touchscreen. The exposed carbon fiber center console houses an updated drive mode selector and a few essential physical buttons, maintaining a clean and uncluttered aesthetic.
While the cabin is undeniably functional, its overall design feels somewhat conventional. The floating screen to the right of the steering wheel, in particular, seems somewhat of an afterthought, lacking the seamless integration found elsewhere. Unlike the enduring artistry of the car’s exterior and mechanicals, the MC20’s technological suite may not age as gracefully as its more timeless design elements.
The 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo carries a base price of $262,695, inclusive of a $1,495 destination fee. However, with the addition of substantial optional packages, such as the $39,000 exterior carbon pack, the $10,000 carbon-ceramic brakes, and the $7,000 interior carbon-fiber pack, my meticulously specified tester reached a total of $339,700. Considering that a Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica Spyder, a direct competitor, starts at $239,000 and typically concludes its optioning process below the $300,000 mark, the Cielo’s elevated price point presents a notable challenge as it strives to establish its niche within the fiercely competitive supercar segment.
Viewed in its entirety, however, the MC20 Cielo stands as a formidable and compelling entrant into the supercar arena. Its captivating design, immense power, and exhilarating driving dynamics fulfill all the essential criteria one expects from a vehicle of this caliber. Nevertheless, given its considerable price tag, the conventional nature of its V6 powertrain becomes a more pronounced point of consideration, especially when contrasted with the innovative powertrains being pioneered by its rivals. Furthermore, certain aspects of its interior technology, while functional, may not quite match the seamless integration found in comparable vehicles.
Despite these minor reservations, the MC20 represents precisely the kind of vehicle Maserati should be championing. Six-figure models like the MC20 and the GranTurismo serve as powerful platforms for the Italian brand to showcase its engineering prowess and design acumen. Thankfully, Maserati has embraced this strategy, leaving behind less impactful mass-market endeavors. The brand is unequivocally embarking on a new era, and exhilarating machines such as the MC20 Cielo are once again solidifying Maserati’s position as a distinguished and influential player in the world of high-performance automobiles.
Embark on your own Maserati journey. Explore the MC20 Cielo and discover the pinnacle of Italian automotive artistry and performance at your nearest authorized Maserati dealership.
