The Maserati MC20 Cielo: A Bold New Chapter for an Iconic Italian Marque
For over a century, Maserati has navigated a landscape of evolving automotive ambitions, transitioning from the raw power of 1930s Grand Prix machines to the elegant GTs of the 1950s, and even venturing into the realm of hypercars with the Ferrari Enzo-derived MC12. Throughout these transformations, the signature Trident emblem has embodied diverse interpretations of automotive excellence. As the company embarks on a significant shift towards an electrified future, a crucial question emerges: what does the Maserati trident truly signify in the contemporary automotive panorama?
The narrative of Maserati in 2023 is inextricably linked to its resurgence in motorsport. While in recent years, inspiration was drawn primarily from a storied racing legacy, the Trident has now made a decisive return to competitive arenas. The brand is actively engaged in Formula E and GT2 racing, alongside the production of limited-run track-focused machines like the MCXtrema. Although the Grecale SUV undeniably remains Maserati’s volume seller, this revitalized commitment to performance on the track injects a palpable sense of excitement back into the marque.
The MC20, an acronym for Maserati Corse 2020, heralded this strategic pivot upon its debut three years prior. Developed in collaboration with the esteemed racing engineering firm Dallara, the MC20’s sophisticated carbon-fiber monocoque chassis was meticulously engineered with future adaptability in mind, readily accommodating coupe, convertible, and eventually, all-electric variants. Crucially, this foundational engineering resulted in Maserati’s first truly exceptional supercar in sixteen years.
Fast forward to the present, and I find myself at the helm of its open-top counterpart, the 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo. While mechanically identical to its coupe sibling, distinguished solely by its retractable hardtop crafted from metal and electrochromic glass, the Cielo elevates the driving encounter to a new stratum of sensory engagement. It offers an unadulterated connection to its potent V6 powerplant without compromising the dynamic prowess or inherent elegance that defined the coupe. In essence, the MC20 Cielo arrives as the opportune vehicle to contend within a burgeoning supercar segment and the definitive machine to articulate Maserati’s forward-looking vision.
The structural foundation of the Cielo, while leveraging the coupe’s carbon-fiber architecture, incorporates strategic reinforcements to counteract any potential compromise in rigidity inherent to a convertible design. The Cielo tips the scales at approximately 143 pounds more than the coupe, a remarkably minimal increment considering the inclusion of a complex mechanism that retracts the roof in a mere 12 seconds. This innovative roof system ingeniously integrates a metallic structure with an electrochromic glass panel. The latter can be adjusted at will, offering precise control over the amount of natural light illuminating the cabin, a feature that significantly enhances the open-air driving sensation.
From an aesthetic standpoint, the visual distinctions between the Cielo and its fixed-roof predecessor are subtle. The roofline maintains remarkable continuity, with the primary modifications confined to a redesigned rear decklid and a modest rear-facing window. To accommodate the engineering adjustments beneath the skin, Maserati judiciously repositioned the engine air intakes, and a new “XX” style wheel design has been introduced to the optional extras list, completing the concise enumeration of external enhancements.
The specific iteration I experienced was cloaked in “Acquamarina” paint, a hue that stands as one of the most captivating finishes I’ve encountered in recent memory. Initially appearing as a sophisticated light blue, its pearlescent composition allows it to transform dramatically under varying light conditions, imbuing the vehicle with a remarkable sense of depth and dynamism. It is noteworthy that this exquisite color is exclusively available for the limited-production Primaserie Launch Edition, of which Maserati intends to produce a mere 60 units, serving as a potent showcase for its bespoke Fuoriserie customization program.
In the prevailing era of supercars, the temptation to lavish the MC20 Cielo with an abundance of carbon fiber embellishments is considerable. However, my personal preference leans towards a more restrained aesthetic, allowing the inherent purity of Maserati’s design to prevail. By eschewing ostentatious aerodynamic appendages or gratuitous stylistic flourishes, the MC20 Cielo presents itself as a model of understated elegance and sophisticated simplicity. It possesses an intrinsic allure that transcends the need for superficial adornment. While it may not command the immediate visual fanfare of a Lamborghini or a Ferrari, its design possesses a timeless quality that promises enduring appeal.
The MC20’s genesis marked Maserati’s triumphant return to the motorsport arena, and concurrently, it served as the debut platform for the revolutionary “Nettuno” engine. This 3.0-liter, 90-degree twin-turbocharged V6 is a masterpiece of engineering, delivering a formidable 621 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. In the Cielo, this powertrain propels the vehicle from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk three seconds, with a projected top speed of 199 mph. This prodigious power is channeled to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, ensuring rapid and seamless gear changes.
When contextualized within the current supercar landscape, the Maserati MC20 Cielo’s twin-turbocharged V6 powertrain presents a more conventional configuration. Its direct competitors, such as the McLaren Artura and the Ferrari 296 GTB, also feature six-cylinder engines, but within a more exotic 120-degree arrangement, which contributes to a more V12-esque exhaust note, not to mention the integration of electric powertrains. Even the significantly more accessible Chevrolet Corvette Z06 boasts a newly developed, high-revving, naturally aspirated V8.
However, the Nettuno engine’s design philosophy necessitates a broader application of its capabilities, as it also powers the Grecale Trofeo and GranTurismo Trofeo models. While it may not be the most exotic engine currently available on the market, it undoubtedly possesses an abundance of character. Its auditory signature deviates from the typical cadence of a 90-degree V6; it’s more effervescent, less overtly aggressive. This subtle distinction, however, is often overshadowed by the exhilarating whoosh of its twin-turbochargers, which command a significant portion of the auditory experience.
With the roof retracted, the delicate flutter of the turbochargers becomes audible the moment the accelerator is released, transitioning into a pronounced whistle as acceleration resumes. While the Cielo doesn’t necessarily assault the senses with excessive volume, its power delivery is impressively potent, following a brief, yet discernible, period of turbo lag. This characteristic imparts a charmingly old-school sensibility, eschewing the immediate throttle response of some modern rivals, yet rewarding the driver with a dramatic surge of acceleration once the turbos fully spool.
Fortunately, the closely calibrated gear ratios ensure that the MC20 remains within its optimal boost range as the driver progresses through the gears. Even as 621 horsepower begins to appear less prodigious in the face of the increasing prevalence of hybrid powertrains in the automotive sphere, the Cielo’s on-road performance consistently feels more visceral and immediate than its statistical benchmarks might suggest.
Distinguishing the Cielo from its coupe counterpart when navigating challenging bends proves to be an almost impossible task. The chassis employs a sophisticated double-wishbone suspension system at both the front and rear, complemented by adaptive dampers. This advanced setup allows for a significant firming of the suspension in the more aggressive “Sport” and “Corsa” modes, while retaining a commendably compliant ride quality in the more relaxed “GT” setting, ensuring suitability for everyday driving scenarios.
While the suspension tuning might not possess the same silken smoothness as that found in a McLaren Artura, it remains more than adequate for daily commutes and extended journeys. Furthermore, despite the inherent structural demands of a carbon-fiber monocoque and the dramatic visual appeal of butterfly doors, the relatively low sill height facilitates effortless ingress and egress, further enhancing the vehicle’s practicality and usability.
The inherent versatility of the Maserati MC20 Cielo makes it an exceptionally capable companion for tackling the winding canyon roads characteristic of Southern California. Its balanced demeanor through tight sequences of corners, coupled with its confident deployment of power out of apexes, inspires driver confidence. While the steering might not be the most overtly communicative in terms of road surface feedback, it is commendably quick and direct. This, in conjunction with an agile and tenaciously grippy front end, contributes to a driving sensation that belies the car’s actual weight, making it feel remarkably nimble.
The optional carbon-ceramic brakes, a significant $10,000 investment, exhibit a racecar-like characteristic, demanding a substantial application of pedal force to achieve maximum deceleration. This attribute is perfectly suited for spirited driving on open roads, but it does necessitate a period of acclimatization for smooth urban driving. My specific test vehicle was also equipped 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 quality enhancements introduced with the original MC20. My test car featured a striking two-tone “Ice/Grey” finish, accented by distinctive triangular stitching on the seat cushions and backrests. The dashboard elegantly integrates carbon fiber and Alcantara trim, and prominently displays two 10-inch screens dedicated to digital instrumentation and infotainment functions, respectively.
Similar to its exterior design, the MC20 Cielo’s cabin adopts a relatively minimalist approach. The majority of vehicle controls are consolidated within the centrally mounted touchscreen interface. The center console itself is a visually arresting piece of exposed carbon fiber, housing an updated drive mode selector and a select array of essential physical controls.
While the interior is undeniably functional, it leans towards a more conventional design sensibility. The freestanding digital display positioned to the right of the steering wheel, while visually distinctive, feels somewhat like an afterthought in the overall design scheme. Unlike the more enduring aesthetic of the rest of the vehicle, I suspect that some of the MC20’s integrated technology might not age as gracefully as its timeless exterior.
The 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo commences its pricing at $262,695, inclusive of a $1,495 destination fee. However, the addition of numerous 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, propelled my fully optioned tester to a substantial $339,700. When one considers that a Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica Spyder has a starting MSRP of $239,000 and typically tops out below $300,000, the Cielo’s elevated price point could present a formidable challenge as it endeavors to carve out its distinct niche within the competitive supercar arena.
However, when assessed as a comprehensive package, the Cielo emerges as a formidable contender in the supercar segment. It is undeniably stylish, impressively powerful, and exhilarating to drive, successfully ticking all the essential boxes that define a premium performance vehicle. Nevertheless, given its considerable price tag, the more conventional configuration of its V6 engine becomes a more pronounced point of consideration, especially when juxtaposed with the innovative powertrains that many of its rivals are championing. Furthermore, certain aspects of its interior technological integration may not feel as seamlessly executed as those found in comparable vehicles.
Despite these minor reservations, the MC20 represents precisely the kind of halo vehicle that Maserati should be prioritizing. High-value, low-volume cars like the MC20 Cielo and the GranTurismo empower the Italian marque to unequivocally demonstrate its engineering prowess. Mercifully, Maserati appears to have learned from past missteps in the mass-market segment, leaving behind models like the Ghibli. Maserati is unequivocally entering a new era, and the creation of thrilling automobiles such as the MC20 Cielo firmly re-establishes the Italian brand as a significant and respected player in the world of high-performance automobiles.
Are you captivated by the allure of Italian performance and cutting-edge design? Discover your own Maserati MC20 Cielo or explore other exceptional vehicles by visiting a certified Maserati dealer near you today.
