The 2023 Maserati MC20 is an all-new, two-passenger, carbon-fiber coupe that rejuvenates the revered marque’s ardour for driving. The MC20 (which stands for “Maserati Racing 2020”) boasts attractive Italian styling, an adrenaline-charged twin-turbocharged V6 engine, and track-ready tuning that targets driving fanatics.
2023 Maserati MC20 Engineering and Design
The MC20’s carbon-fiber monocoque was engineered by a partnership with Dallara – the Italian race automobile producer. From the outset, the crew’s goal was to make use of the identical tub for 3 autos: a coupe, a convertible, and a pure-EV variant. All three retain the identical structure and geometry, but there will probably be variations in how the construct supplies are layered for every.
Maserati reportedly spent greater than 2,000 hours within the wind tunnel – and greater than 1,000 computational fluid dynamics (CFD) research had been accomplished – to sculpt the MC20 into an aerodynamic murals. After all, designing a mid-engine unique automobile with a singular look is troublesome, however the Italians have completed simply that – the MC20 is modern, trendy, elegant, and sporty. And it is distinctive.
Most supercars are burdened with tacked-on splitters, spoilers, and movable wings. Maserati has prevented all of these. As an alternative, they’ve give you an impressively clear exterior that boasts performance. The entire curves and scoops, even the sculpted underbelly, are purposefully engineered to benefit from managed aerodynamics, together with high- and low-pressure areas, to feed air to the engine, brakes, and intercooler – whereas concurrently offering low drag (for prime pace) and downforce (for stability).
The inside of the MC20 is purposeful and clear – a driver’s automobile that purposefully lacks over-the-top styling or pointless aptitude. The cockpit is upholstered with gentle Alcantara, premium leather-based hides, and artfully positioned carbon-fiber trim. Contrasting stitching provides a splash of visible pleasure. The driving force faces a thick multi-function steering wheel (the engine begin/cease button is included) with column-mounted shift paddles. Instantly behind the steering wheel is a major instrument digital show, which alters its look (and content material) based mostly on the driving mode. Complementing the show is a big shade touchscreen infotainment interface that floats in the course of the dashboard – tucked down low, so it would not distract the motive force.
With out query, essentially the most extravagant part is the drive mode selector – its design impressed by a luxurious watch and coloured with Maserati blue – situated on the prime of the middle console. There are simply two extra buttons, which permit the motive force to toggle the gearbox between automated and handbook mode and reverse. The window and audio switches are additional down the middle console. In addition to a small glove field, there’s a notable lack of storage for something – the main focus is on driving.
2023 Maserati MC20 Engine and Driveline
Maserati developed an all-new engine for the MC20 that pushes the bounds of technical innovation. The 90° 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V6, which fits by the title “Nettuno,” boasts twin sparkplugs, an modern pre-chamber combustion system, and dry-sump lubrication. The engine is rated at 621 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque. Energy is shipped to the rear wheels by an 8-speed dual-clutch automated gearbox. A limited-slip, self-locking, mechanical rear differential is customary. Based on Maserati, the 0-60 mph dash falls in about 2.9 seconds because the coupe runs in the direction of a prime pace of 202 mph.
The MC20’s light-weight composite monocoque tub is fitted with unbiased double-wishbone suspension in any respect 4 corners. Maserati’s engineers selected a double-wishbone design (entrance and rear) with semi-virtual steering – twin cast aluminum backside hyperlinks and a single prime hyperlink. This design permits the tire patch to stay extra fixed throughout excessive g-loads. As well as, an adaptive system permits the motive force to decide on between completely different firmness based mostly on the driving state of affairs.
Metal brakes (380 mm entrance/350 mm rear) are customary, with 6-piston calipers on the entrance and 4-piston calipers on the rear. Optionally available and fitted to my take a look at automobile had been bigger carbon-ceramic rotors (390 mm entrance/360 mm rear). As well as, Maserati selected Bridgestone Tire to be its tire accomplice – the result’s a high-performance Bridgestone Potenza tire with a singular carcass and compound engineered explicitly for the MC20, that are wrapped round cast aluminum 20-inch alloy wheels (tires are 245/35-20 entrance and 305/30-20 rear).
How Does the 2023 Maserati MC20 Drive?
The MC20 presents 5 driving modes (GT, WET, SPORT, CORSA, and ESC OFF), chosen through the Drive Mode selector. Every setting alters engine enhance, pedal sensitivity, exhaust observe, transmission shifting, suspension damping, and traction management (ESC). By default, the coupe begins in GT mode. Nonetheless, the motive force might spin the dial to SPORT or WET, and the automobile reconfigures itself in lower than one second. Urgent the selector for 2 seconds chooses CORSA (the equal to race mode) whereas holding it for 5 seconds switches to ESC OFF – a setting greatest reserved for a racing circuit.
It is a disgrace that almost all prospects will possible take a look at drive the Maserati MC20 in GT mode confined to an city setting – this configuration does a disservice to the supercar. Whereas the coupe is snug and straightforward to maneuver round city (a nostril raise permits it to effortlessly clear most driveways), the brake pedal feels onerous underfoot, and the V6 engine is rarely allowed the chance to supply prodigious thrust. Consequently, whereas the Maserati is an absolute stunner (passers-by flip their heads for miles), it feels sluggish and underwhelming when pushed softly.
But every little thing adjustments for the higher when the Maserati is pushed in rage – press the drive mode selector to have interaction CORSA, and the MC20 turns into the supercar it was engineered to be. On a lonely canyon street, the twin-turbo engine spins to redline with ferocious thrust. Guide shifts crack off instantaneously (accompanied by a stable kick within the derrière) because the coupe rockets ahead, devouring the asphalt in its path.
The steering is sharp, rewarding delicate and deliberate enter (the coupe’s rear finish will wiggle its displeasure with inaccuracies, but fortunately, it is simple to tuck again in with a stab of counter steer). As soon as they’re warmed, there may be astonishing grip from the Bridgestone tires – every sticky contact patch feels glued to the floor. And the brakes, which felt lackluster when chilly, chomp down on the rotors with steadfastness when heated. There is not even a suggestion of fade – they really feel prepared for the Le Mans circuit.
I’ve pushed dozens of supercars and exotics through the years. Whereas some have been good, many have left my consummate driving fanatic soul challenged to be impressed. But the Maserati MC20 – with its conventional rear-wheel-drive dynamics and hyper-boosted V6 – feels actual, alive, and real. This supercar is quick, enjoyable, difficult, and incontestably smile-inducing. It is authentic.
How A lot Does the 2023 Maserati MC20 price?
The bottom value of a brand new 2023 Maserati MC20 is $212,000. Most prospects will possibility theirs to about $230,000 – loaded, count on to pay about $255,000. The secondary market has confirmed robust, with pre-owned Maserati MC20 coupes commanding vital premiums on the used automobile market.