The Maserati MC20 expresses the exotic charm of the supercar with the shrewdness of modern times, inherits a demanding witness, that of the MC12, made of sporting glory and charm to sell, but exhibits it with a certain naturalness. In fact, it is enough to look at it to understand that, even if the cylinders of its engine are half, it has character to sell.
The grille is a reference to the elegant tradition of the Trident, the doors that open upwards, the front that touches the asphalt, and the wide and powerful rear, instead, tell that we are in the presence of something new. On the other hand, the carbon living cell, made with the precious contribution of Dallara, the faired bottom, and the Brembo carbon-ceramic braking system, are elements designed to go fast and, even if its natural destination is the track, where it will race shortly in its evolution in GT2, on the road it has many arrows to its bow. Meanwhile, the weight, less than 1,500 kg, allows it to have an important agility with a mass that does not make operations difficult under braking. But above all the V6 at 90 ° degrees 3.0 biturbo, called Nettuno, conceived and built in Modena, thanks to a pre-chamber combustion system with double spark plug that derives from the technical solutions used in F1. This unit, compact and lightweight, has a weight of 220 kg, acts in synergy with the 8-speed dual-clutch robotized gearbox, expresses the maximum power of 630 hp at 7,500 rpm, and ensures a sprint from 0 to 100 km / h in 2.8 seconds, while the declared top speed is over 325 km / h.
Look at the photos Maserati MC20
With this potential it fears neither the V8 nor the V10, and boasts a specific power of 210 hp / liter, so the most natural instinct is to press the ignition button located under the left ray of the steering wheel. In an optimal situation, the other button, launch control, is also a temptation that is difficult to resist. Once you have lowered yourself into the carbon tank, between leather and Alcantara, everything is at your fingertips, and the large paddles behind the steering wheel to manage the manual gearbox are also found in the tightest curves.
The 10.3-inch infotainment screen placed at the bottom of current trends is no coincidence, on the MC20 you sit down to drive, and the multimedia interface with Android operating system, which is updated on the network, is more a modern quirk than a necessity. The rear-view mirror actually transmits images from a camera, while in the middle of the tunnel there is the command to set the driving modes that offers 5 voices to choose from.
If wet tends to be used only in bad weather or slippery asphalt, Gt helps to travel with that minimum of comfort that even a supercar allows itself, Sport begins to bring out the character, but it is in Corsa that you can take advantage of the mechanics and sincere reactions of the MC20, while being able to count on the electronic parachute. The last step, to be tried only on the track, esc off, is for the purists of circuit driving, who want to have all the potential of the Modena sports car without filters.
When driving in traffic, the mid-engine Maserati engages for its reduced ground clearance, enveloping line, and low seat, moreover, you are always the center of attention, so you feel constantly under scrutiny. In the guided routes, however, you can appreciate the genuineness of the response to the commands, the general lightness, and a speed of the steering of a real sports car. Braking requires a decisive action on the pedal, but the decelerations are always portentous, curve after curve, you discover the qualities of a perfectly balanced frame, while the engine revs up with a particular tone that gives it a strong personality.
The MC20 is an honest supercar, it gives you exactly what you ask for and, despite the presence of the latest generation devices such as the electronically controlled limited-slip differential, manages to make driving pure, unfiltered, as it should be that of a thoroughbred sports car. With a price of just over 239,000 euros, the competitors are first-rate, but the Maserati MC20 fits with all its personality in a niche market where the trident has long been missing.
