The 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo: A Bold Reimagining of Italian Supercar Excellence
For over a century, Maserati has navigated a remarkable journey through automotive history. From its early dominance in Grand Prix racing in the 1930s to crafting elegant GT cars in the 1950s and even producing a hypercar based on the Ferrari Enzo in 2004, the iconic trident emblem has represented a multitude of identities. Today, as the legendary Italian marque embarks on its ambitious electrification journey, the question arises: what does the trident truly signify for Maserati in the modern era?
The resurgence of Maserati in motorsports is undeniable. No longer merely drawing inspiration from its glorious racing past, the Trident has made a definitive comeback, actively participating in Formula E and GT2 racing, alongside producing exclusive track-focused machines like the MCXtrema. While the Grecale SUV remains the brand’s volume seller, this renewed commitment to the track injects a vital dose of excitement and performance pedigree back into Maserati’s core identity.
The MC20, an acronym for Maserati Corse 2020, marked the genesis of this strategic shift three years ago. Developed in collaboration with the renowned racing specialists at Dallara, its advanced carbon-fiber monocoque chassis was ingeniously designed for versatility, accommodating coupe, spyder, and ultimately, battery-electric variants. Crucially, this platform enabled Maserati to produce its first genuinely compelling supercar in over sixteen years.
Now, stepping into the cockpit of the 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo, the convertible iteration, reveals a captivating new dimension. While mechanically indistinguishable from its coupe sibling, save for the innovative retractable hardtop, the Cielo offers an unparalleled connection to its characterful V6 engine. This open-top experience amplifies the auditory and sensory engagement without compromising the supercar’s inherent agility and elegance. In a burgeoning supercar market, the MC20 Cielo emerges as the perfect contender, embodying Maserati’s vision for a thrilling and sophisticated future.
Although the Cielo utilizes the coupe’s carbon-fiber architecture, Maserati has meticulously reinforced the structure to counteract any potential rigidity loss inherent in a convertible design. The addition of the retractable roof mechanism increases the vehicle’s weight by a mere 143 pounds – a remarkably minimal figure considering the sophisticated system that transforms the cabin in a swift 12 seconds. This ingenious roof comprises a lightweight metal framework integrated with an electrochromic glass panel. This advanced glass offers adjustable opacity, allowing occupants to precisely control the amount of natural light entering the cabin, creating an immersive experience.
Visually, the transition from coupe to Cielo is subtle yet refined. The roofline maintains remarkable continuity, with design tweaks focused on the redesigned rear decklid and a compact rear window. To accommodate the intricate mechanical workings of the retractable roof, Maserati ingeniously repositioned the engine air intakes. A new “XX” style wheel design also graces the options list, rounding out the minimal yet impactful exterior enhancements.
The specific ‘Acquamarina’ paint adorning my test vehicle is nothing short of breathtaking. Initially appearing as a light blue, its pearlescent finish interacts dynamically with changing light conditions, revealing a captivating spectrum of hues. This exquisite color, however, is exclusively available for the Primaserie Launch Edition, a limited run of just 60 vehicles designed to showcase Maserati’s bespoke Fuoriserie customization program.
While the temptation to adorn a supercar with extensive carbon fiber accents is understandable, the MC20 Cielo truly shines in its more understated aesthetic. Eschewing ostentatious aerodynamic addenda and superfluous styling flourishes, it presents as a masterclass in sophisticated simplicity. It might not possess the outright visual drama of a Lamborghini or a Ferrari, but its timeless elegance offers a distinct and enduring appeal, a testament to the enduring power of classic Italian design.
The MC20’s debut not only signaled Maserati’s triumphant return to the competitive arena of motorsport but also introduced the groundbreaking ‘Nettuno’ engine. This 90-degree, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 is a marvel of engineering, producing an exhilarating 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 brisk three seconds, with a top speed of 199 mph. Power is channeled to the rear wheels through a seamless eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Within the contemporary supercar landscape, the MC20 Cielo’s twin-turbo V6 engine configuration, while potent, can be considered somewhat conventional. Competitors like the McLaren Artura and Ferrari 296 GTB, for instance, also employ V6 engines but in a more exotic 120-degree arrangement, often paired with electric motors, to achieve a more V12-like exhaust note. Even the considerably more affordable Chevrolet Corvette Z06 boasts a cutting-edge, naturally-aspirated V8 designed for high revs.
However, the Nettuno engine possesses a unique advantage: unparalleled versatility. It serves as the heart of not only the MC20 but also the Grecale Trofeo and GranTurismo Trofeo models. While it may not be the most exotic engine on the market, it is undeniably brimming with character. Its exhaust note deviates from the typical thrum of a 90-degree V6, offering a more effervescent, less overtly aggressive tone. Yet, this sonic nuance is often beautifully underscored by the dramatic whoosh of its twin turbochargers.
With the roof retracted, the symphony of the turbochargers comes alive. The satisfying flutter of the turbos as you momentarily lift off the accelerator, followed by a resonant whistle upon reapplication, creates an engaging auditory experience. While the Cielo isn’t excessively loud, its power delivery is potent, characterized by a slight but charming turbo lag that builds anticipation before unleashing dramatic acceleration. This endearing old-school characteristic, while lacking the immediate responsiveness of some modern rivals, rewards the driver with a more visceral and dramatic surge of power.
Fortunately, the MC20’s closely spaced gear ratios ensure that the engine remains within its optimal boost range as you navigate through the gears. Even as the market witnesses the proliferation of hybrid powertrains, delivering ever-increasing horsepower figures, the 621 hp of the Cielo feels remarkably potent and quicker on the road than its already impressive statistics might suggest.
In the realm of dynamic handling, the MC20 Cielo is virtually indistinguishable from its coupe counterpart. The chassis is underpinned by a sophisticated double-wishbone suspension system at both the front and rear, complemented by adaptive dampers. These dampers allow for significant stiffening in the aggressive Sport and Corsa modes, while retaining a compliant and comfortable GT setting for everyday driving.
While the suspension might not offer the same level of plushness as that found in a McLaren Artura, it provides a more than adequate balance of comfort for daily commutes and longer journeys. Furthermore, despite its advanced carbon-fiber structure and signature butterfly doors, the MC20 Cielo boasts remarkably low sill lines, making ingress and egress remarkably effortless, further enhancing its practical usability.
The versatility of the Maserati MC20 Cielo is fully realized on the winding canyon roads of Southern California. The car exhibits a beautifully balanced demeanor through tight turns, confidently putting its considerable power down as you exit each corner. While the steering might not be the most talkative, it is exceptionally quick and direct. Coupled with an agile and tenaciously grippy front end, this combination creates a sensation of lightness that belies the car’s actual weight.
The optional carbon-ceramic brakes, a significant investment at $10,000, offer racecar-like stopping power. They require a substantial pedal effort to engage fully, which is ideal for spirited driving but necessitates a period of adjustment for smoother city driving. My 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 refining its performance credentials.
The interior of the MC20 Cielo represents a significant leap forward in Maserati’s commitment to interior quality, building upon the advancements introduced with the original MC20. My test car featured an elegant two-tone Ice/Grey finish, accentuated by subtle triangular detailing on 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 interface.
Similar to its exterior, the MC20 Cielo’s interior prioritizes a clean and uncluttered design. Most controls are integrated within the central touchscreen, contributing to a minimalist aesthetic. The prominent center console, crafted from exposed carbon fiber, houses the refined drive mode selector and essential function buttons.
While the interior is highly functional, it adheres to a relatively conventional layout. The floating infotainment screen to the right of the steering wheel, in particular, feels somewhat detached from the overall design narrative. Unlike the enduring appeal of the car’s core engineering and styling, the technological elements within the MC20 might not age as gracefully as other aspects of the vehicle.
The 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo has a starting MSRP of $262,695, inclusive of a $1,495 destination charge. However, the inclusion of significant 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, pushed my tester’s final price to an eye-watering $339,700. Considering that a Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica Spyder begins at $239,000 and typically concludes its option list well under $300,000, the MC20 Cielo’s elevated price point could present a significant hurdle as it vies for a prominent position in the competitive supercar segment.
However, when viewed in its entirety, the MC20 Cielo stands as a formidable and compelling entrant into the supercar arena. It undeniably checks all the essential boxes: striking aesthetics, formidable power, and an exhilarating driving experience. Yet, its substantial price tag inevitably brings its more conventional V6 powertrain into sharper focus, especially when contrasted with competitors who are pushing the boundaries of innovation with advanced hybrid powertrains. Furthermore, some of the interior’s technological integrations feel less cohesive than those found in comparable vehicles.
Despite these reservations, the MC20 Cielo represents precisely the kind of halo vehicle Maserati should be championing. Six-figure models like this, alongside the new GranTurismo, provide the Italian brand with a crucial platform to showcase its engineering prowess and design heritage. Thankfully, Maserati has embraced this direction, leaving behind less impactful ventures of the past. With the MC20 Cielo, Maserati has firmly ushered in a new era, reaffirming its status as a significant and exciting player in the world of luxury performance automobiles.
Ready to experience the future of Italian performance? Discover the 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo and explore how this exceptional supercar can redefine your driving passion. Contact your nearest authorized Maserati dealer today to arrange a personalized viewing and test drive.
