The Maserati MC20, the brand’s first
mid-engined car since the MC12 homologation special, is one of the most
anticipated debuts of the year. The good thing is the wait is almost over as
Maserati will lift the veils off the MC20 on September 9 in Modena as part of
an event called “MMXX: The time to be audacious”. While we’ve already caught
glimpses of the MC20 supercar courtesy of official photos, we can now bring you
a set of spy shots that offer the best look yet at Maserati’s first all-new car
since 2015.
Carscoops photographers spotted the car
undergoing testing near Maserati’s plant in Modena and it’s plain to see we’re
dealing with a looker despite the heavy camouflage that even covers the
wheels. It would be easy to mistake this prototype for a new Ferrari model if
we didn’t already know it is a Maserati. The mid-engine sports car proportions
appear spot on and we can’t wait to see it without any disguise.
Visible highlights include Maserati’s
signature grille, vertical headlights that somewhat remind of those from the
Ferrari F430, muscular rear haunches that accommodate two massive air intakes,
the horizontal taillights, and the two central exhausts. We’re sure there will
be many surprises once the camouflage comes off as this prototype still
features padding in essential areas.
We already know what motivates the
Maserati MC20: an all-new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine dubbed ‘Nettuno’.
Featuring a 90-degree angle between the cylinder banks, dry sump, an electronic
wastegate, and an F1-derived pre-chamber combustion system featuring twin-spark
plugs, the engine delivers 630 PS at 7,500 rpm and 730 Nm of torque from 3,000 rpm.
Thanks to a specific power output of 210
PS/liter and a Getrag eight-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission,
the performance should be more than worthy of the trident logo. The MC20 will
be the first model to use this engine but Maserati has hinted that the
‘Nettuno’ could find its way in other models as well. After the V6 engine, the
Maserati MC20 is expected to gain a hybrid and all-electric variants as well.
