Maserati MC20, in its final form and with the calibrations almost corresponding to those of the upcoming production model, is the solid and hyper-technological realization of a truly ambitious project, that of bringing the Trident back to the place it historically deserves among the highest performance cars. and also in competitions.
Maserati MC20 immediately reserves - even with the engine stopped - great emotions: seeing it on the asphalt (marked by the skidding at the start) the MC20 expresses its strong personality, great dynamic potential, even if it is not characterized by large spoilers and imposing wings.
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Maserati MC20, DNA of a great tradition and high tech solutions
Its design is the result of a project that unites two distinct worlds, with the bodywork that identifies with beauty and purity and the frame - the lower part in carbon - that represents technique, extreme performance.
The grille - with the large Trident - is the element that unites these, merging (in a very bold way) the lower part in visible carbon with the upper part in car color.
But the time has come to get on board, first alongside Federico Landini, Maserati Vehicle Line Executive - Sport Vehicles, and then behind the wheel.
The driving position of the MC20 is essential and functional, a successful exercise in ergonomics with the pilot and the pursuit of performance at the center.
The shapes are simple, with few sharp edges and padding where needed, black predominates so as not to create reflections on the windshield.
The central tunnel is covered in carbon fiber and has only those buttons and switches that are strictly necessary, so as not to distract from driving.
The most luxurious detail is the driving mode selector: inspired by luxury watches, it is mechanical, precise, uses precious materials of the highest quality and has a touch of blue typically Maserati.
The steering wheel, on the other hand, was designed with the help of Andrea Bertolini, Maserati's test driver.
There are few buttons and switches, including the one for the Start and Launch Control.
The steering wheel is covered in black leather with carbon inserts and is also available in Alcantara for those who want an even sportier appearance.
Very comfortable paddles for the change, fixed to the steering column and generously sized.
They are dark aluminum but carbon fiber can be requested along with the internal carbon package.
A touch on the Start button, and the sound of the V6 Nettuno raises the adrenaline further: the dual clutch gearbox is operated using the paddles to engage the gear from a standstill and the first laps (of course) are made with the mode selector driving in Gt (blue).
There are five - Wet, Gt, Sport and Corsa plus ESC off - but the latter, given the large torque delivered by the Neptune (730 Nm), really requires skill and training.
At low speed the MC20 is truly docile, comfortable and 'relaxed' like a Ghibli, but you just need to increase the pressure on the accelerator - the electronic drive-by-wire type - to savor a boost that seems to never end.
Neptune has a really nice character, also because in addition to its constructive prerogatives (such as the fact of being a 6-cylinder 90-degree V, with reduced dimensions and the possibility of lowering the center of gravity) it makes use of the double direct and indirect injection and the combustion technology with pre-chamber MTC (Maserati Twin Combustion) a patent borrowed from the world of Formula 1. The power, 630 Hp at 7,500 rpm, is really great in relation to the displacement (210 Hp / liter are the record for the category) and yes appreciates the possibility of exploiting the 730 Nm of torque between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm.
Light (1,500 kg) and compact (4-669 mm in length), the Maserati MC20 boasts a weight / power ratio of only 2.33 kg / Hp and amazes in terms of suspension even after the first corners.
The scheme includes a double wishbone with active shock absorbers in front and behind.
It should be noted that the presence of the double lower wishbone with semi-virtual steering axis guarantees perfect steering wheel control in the MC20, with maximum steering precision and almost zero reactions when passing on rough edges (for example the curbs of the track).
The brakes that use Brembo carbon-ceramic discs were also passed with flying colors, awaiting a longer and more articulated test.
Not being able to quantify the sensations (which however leave the conviction of a car capable of overcoming direct Italian and British rivals), all that remains is to report the performance declared by Maserati: maximum speed over 325 km / h, acceleration 0 - 100 km / h in less than 2.9 seconds and 0 - 200 km / h in less than 8.8 seconds.
Nettuno and MC20 are ready to take to the field against other mid-engined and rear-wheel drive supercars and - soon - also in GT category competitions.
In collaboration with:
Maserati
