SIGNALING THE LEGENDARY ITALIAN MARQUE’S RETURN TO RACING, MASERATI’S MC20 SUPERCAR IS A CAPTIVATING CONFLUENCE OF SOPHISTICATION, SINEW, AND SPEED

BY AMANDA MCCOY

Last September, under the lambent lights of Maserati’s cinematic MMXX: Time to be Audacious event in Modena, the storied Italian brand announced the genesis of a new era. The mason of former legendary race cars like the Tipo 60/61 (known lovingly as the Birdcage series on the street and the track) and the already immortal MC12 of ‘04 and ‘05 transformed the Modena Circuit track into a temporary theater, replete with a massive center stage, nearly 7,000-square-foot LED screen, and 44 iconic cars from different periods, their taillights dramatically illuminating the dark, foggy space.

Enthusiasts knew a huge unveiling was imminent. Maserati had previously announced that a new flagship was on the way, a vehicle that would not only signify the Italian marque’s return to the track and its first true super sports car, but one that would also bear the first proprietary engine in over two decades. On that stage, preceded by the growl of the new Nettuno engine, the MC20 took the spotlight and subsequently rocked the world of autodom.

The mid-engine coupe stands out from its supercar comrades for several reasons. One, its lithe styling is methodically subdued. Unlike its predecessor the MC12, the ‘20 was designed to be a street-ready vehicle from the start. Absent are features like aggressive wings and oversized air intakes and instead, a more refined facade offers an elegant departure from the pack. It’s also shockingly light just north of 3,300 pounds thanks to generous use of carbon fiber wherever possible without threatening comfort.

But it’s the heart of the machine that truly sent shock waves across the realm. The Nettuno engine, developed entirely by Maserati and its first proprietary engine in 20 years, is a twin turbo 3.0L V6 that produces a stunning 621 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 538 lb.-ft. of torque between 3,000 and 5,500 rpm, resulting in a wild 207 ponies per liter. Its use of a twin spark plug pre-chamber combustion system isn’t a new concept, but it’s the first time the world has seen the technology on a street vehicle. With this amount of power paired to an all carbon fiber monocoque, the MC20 will sprint into dealerships later this year with a best-in-class power to weight ratio of 5.3 pounds/horsepower. Expect a mind-bending 0-60 time of less than 2.9 seconds.

The minimalist design continues inside the cabin with simple forms, few sharp edges, and all driver-oriented components. The carbon fiber center console was developed to be free of unnecessary distractions, comprising only a wireless phone charger, driving mode selector, two speed selection buttons, multimedia controls, power window controls, and a storage compartment. The MC20 will debut a suite of Maserati-first tech features, including an Android based infotainment system with connected services, a digital instrument panel, and virtual rearview mirror

Pricing is still unofficial, though it’s expected to start around $200,000 when it arrives this fall. Convertible and BEV variants are also in the pipeline.

THE MASERATI CONNECT
Program is standard, featuring a full range of services including connected navigation, Alexa, and Wifi Hotspot. The services can also be accessed via a Maserati Connect smartphone or smart watch app

THE MC20 WAS 100% DESIGNED AND DEVELOPED IN-HOUSE
By a team of Maserati Innovation Lab engineers, technical specialists from the Maserati Engine Lab, and designers from the Maserati Style Center. It took 24 months to move from concept to creation, and the finished product will be built at the Viale Ciro Menotti plant in Modena.

MC STANDS FOR MASERATI CORSE,
A nod to the Trident brand’s re-entry into professional racing, and 20 for the year of the supercar’s world premiere and launch of a new era for the fabled Italian marque.

Maserati of Monmouth
807 NJ 35, Ocean Township / 732.695.9200 / maseratiofmonmouth.com