Maserati has finally taken the wraps off
the all-new MC20. Billed as a “super sports car” that is the natural evolution
of the Ferrari-based MC12, the MC20 promises to mark the beginning of a new era
for Maserati. That’s more than just marketing hyperbole as the MC20 features an
all-new, twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine which is billed as “100% Maserati.” It
features a dual injection system as well as an F1-inspired pre-chamber combustion
system with twin-spark plugs. This helps to enable the engine to produce 621 hp and 730 Nm of torque.
The engine is connected to an eight-speed
dual-clutch transmission which sends power to the rear wheels via a limited
slip differential. This enables the car
to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in less than 2.9 seconds, before
hitting a top speed in excess of 325 km/h. Customers will also be
able to order an electric powertrain. The company is staying coy on specifics, but the electric MC20 will
reportedly hit 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and have a top speed of 310 km/h. It should also be able to
travel 323 km on a single charge.
Maserati didn’t say much else about the
car, but it’s carbon fiber intensive and weighs less than 1,500
kg. It also measures 4,669 mm long, 1,965 mm wide and 1,221 mm tall with
a wheelbase that spans 2,700 mm. On the styling front, the MC20
has a wide grille and a prominent splitter. Designers also installed LED
headlights and vents which presumably help to generate downforce.
Further back, there are aerodynamic side
skirts and butterfly doors which promise to improve entry and egress. There are
also recessed door handles, a flowing roof and 20-inch wheels that are backed
up by ventilated discs which measure 380 mm front and 350 mm rear. Customers can also opt
for carbon ceramic discs which are 10 mm larger front and back.
The rear is probably the car’s best angle
as it reveals wide hips and a sporty dual exhaust system that resides above a
large diffuser. The model also has a
ventilated fascia, LED taillights and a rear window with a trident motif. Maserati
says the car’s design and aerodynamics were perfected thanks to more than a
thousand computer simulations and over two thousand man-hours in the Dallara
Wind Tunnel. The company calls the end
result sleek and unfussy, with a drag coefficient of less than 0.38. Maserati
also confirmed plans for a convertible variant.
The company didn’t say much about the drop top, but it will likely be
introduced sometime next year.
Moving into the cabin, the MC20 features a
10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment system. The car also sports a “carbon fiber-clad
central console” with a wireless smartphone charger and a drive mode selector
that has GT, Wet, Sport, Corsa and ESC Off modes.
We can also see a carbon fiber steering
wheel with microfiber grips and large buttons for the ignition and launch
control system. Other notable highlights
include alloy pedals, Sabelt seats and a Sonus Faber audio system.
Production is slated to begin later this
year and Maserati is currently accepting orders. In the United States, pricing reportedly
starts at US$ 210,000 with more details to be released soon.
