The 2024 Maserati MC20 Cielo: Reclaiming the Trident’s Apex
For over a century, Maserati has navigated an ever-shifting automotive landscape, its iconic trident badge adorning vehicles that have ranged from potent Grand Prix machines of the 1930s to elegant GT cruisers of the 1950s, and even a Ferrari Enzo-derived hypercar in the early 2000s. Through numerous ownership changes and strategic pivots, the meaning of “Maserati” has often been in flux. But as the brand embarks on a significant transition into an electrified future, the pressing question remains: what does the three-pointed star truly represent today?
The answer, undeniably, lies in a resurgent commitment to motorsport. Gone are the days of merely drawing inspiration from a glorious racing past; the Trident is back with a vengeance. Maserati’s active participation in Formula E and GT2 racing, coupled with the development of limited-production track weapons like the MCXtrema, underscores this renewed focus. While the Grecale SUV may remain the volume seller, it is this unapologetic return to the racetrack that is injecting a much-needed surge of excitement and prestige back into the brand’s identity.
This strategic revitalization began three years ago with the debut of the MC20, a name that encapsulates M
Maserati Corse (Maserati Racing) and the year 2020. Collaborating with racing engineering specialists Dallara, Maserati developed a sophisticated carbon-fiber monocoque chassis designed for remarkable versatility, capable of underpinning a coupe, a convertible, and, crucially for the future, a battery-electric variant. More significantly, this platform served as the foundation for Maserati’s first true supercar in over sixteen years, and it proved to be an unqualified success.
Now, stepping into the open-air variant, the 2024 Maserati MC20 Cielo, offers a profound amplification of the MC20’s already compelling experience. While mechanically aligned with its coupe sibling, distinguished primarily by its innovative retractable hardtop, the Cielo elevates the driving sensation by fostering an unparalleled connection with the car’s characterful twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This open-top marvel achieves this without compromising the coupe’s inherent rigidity or aerodynamic prowess, simultaneously preserving the Maserati’s signature blend of style and sophistication. In the fiercely competitive and rapidly evolving supercar market, the MC20 Cielo arrives as both the opportune product and the definitive statement of Maserati’s future direction.
The Cielo, while inheriting the MC20’s robust carbon-fiber structure, undergoes subtle yet critical reinforcements to compensate for the structural demands of a convertible. This results in a modest weight increase of approximately 143 pounds – a remarkably low figure considering the integration of the complex electro-hydraulic roof mechanism. This innovative roof system, constructed from a lightweight metal frame integrated with an electrochromic glass panel, retracts or deploys in a mere 12 seconds. The electrochromic technology allows the driver to instantaneously adjust the opacity of the glass, offering either an immersive panoramic view of the sky or a more shaded, intimate cabin environment.
Visually, the transition from coupe to Cielo is remarkably seamless. The roofline maintains its striking silhouette, with the primary alterations confined to a redesigned rear decklid and a subtly revised rear window. To accommodate the mechanical intricacies of the folding roof, Maserati has ingeniously repositioned the engine air intakes, while a new suite of wheel designs, notably the captivating “XX” style, offers further customization.
The specific tester’s “Acquamarina” paint hue is a masterclass in automotive color. Initially appearing as a serene light blue, its pearlescent finish interacts dynamically with ambient light, revealing a spectrum of subtle color shifts that lend the MC20 Cielo an almost iridescent quality. This exceptional paint is, regrettably, exclusive to the limited-production Primaserie Launch Edition, of which only 60 units will be produced, serving as a vibrant showcase for Maserati’s bespoke Fuoriserie personalization program.
In line with contemporary supercar design philosophy, the MC20 Cielo offers an extensive array of optional carbon fiber adornments. However, my personal preference leans towards a more restrained application, allowing the car’s inherent sculptural beauty to take center stage. By eschewing gratuitous aerodynamic appendages and overly flamboyant styling cues, the MC20 Cielo achieves a level of understated elegance that is both timeless and sophisticated. It may not possess the flamboyant visual aggression of some Lamborghini or Ferrari counterparts, but its aesthetic possesses a more enduring, classic appeal.
The MC20’s introduction marked Maserati’s strategic re-entry into the world of high-performance automobiles, and at its heart lies the revolutionary Nettuno engine. This 90-degree, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 is an engineering marvel, unleashing an impressive 621 horsepower and a formidable 538 pound-feet of torque. In the Cielo, this potent powerplant propels the car from 0 to 60 mph in a scant three seconds, with a top speed approaching 200 mph. Power is channeled to the rear wheels through a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Within the current supercar landscape, the MC20 Cielo’s twin-turbo V6, while exceptionally potent, can be perceived as somewhat conventional. Competitors such as the McLaren Artura and Ferrari 296 GTB also feature V6 configurations but adopt a more exotic 120-degree layout, contributing to a more V12-esque exhaust note and, critically, incorporating hybrid electrification. Even the significantly more affordable Chevrolet Corvette Z06 boasts a groundbreaking, naturally aspirated V8 designed for high revs.
However, the Nettuno engine’s brilliance lies in its remarkable versatility. It also powers the higher-performance variants of the Grecale SUV and the new GranTurismo. While it may not be the most exotic engine on the market, it possesses an abundance of character. Its acoustic signature deviates from the typical cadence of a standard 90-degree V6, offering a more refined, less overtly aggressive, yet intensely engaging sound profile. Ultimately, the exhilarating roar of the twin-turbochargers frequently dominates the auditory experience, adding another layer to its unique charm.
With the roof stowed, the symphony of the turbos becomes even more pronounced. The distinctive flutter upon lifting off the accelerator and the insistent whistle as boost builds create an intoxicating soundtrack. While the Cielo might not be the loudest supercar, its power delivery is impressively immediate, punctuated by a delightful surge of acceleration following a brief, yet characterful, moment of turbo lag. This charmingly old-school trait, while lacking the instant throttle response of some modern rivals, rewards the driver with a dramatic and deeply satisfying burst of speed when it fully arrives.
The tightly stacked gear ratios ensure that the MC20 maintains its torque band effectively as you shift through the gears. While 621 horsepower is increasingly finding itself challenged by the surge of electrified supercars, the Cielo, on the road, feels subjectively faster and more exhilarating than its raw performance figures might suggest.
In dynamic driving scenarios, differentiating the Cielo from its coupe predecessor is virtually impossible. Its chassis, a masterpiece of engineering, features a sophisticated double-wishbone suspension setup at both the front and rear, complemented by adaptive dampers. This allows the suspension to achieve a remarkably firm setting in the Sport and Corsa modes for spirited driving, while retaining a compliant and comfortable ride in the more relaxed GT setting, making it suitable for daily commuting.
While the suspension might not possess the same almost ethereal suppleness as that found in a McLaren Artura, it remains remarkably comfortable, even on extended journeys. Furthermore, despite its advanced carbon-fiber construction and dramatic butterfly doors, the MC20 Cielo’s relatively low sill height facilitates remarkably easy ingress and egress, significantly enhancing its everyday usability.
The inherent versatility of the Maserati MC20 Cielo is readily apparent on the challenging, winding canyon roads of Southern California. It navigates tight turns with remarkable poise and balance, confidently deploying its formidable power out of corners. While the steering, though lacking in granular feedback, is exceptionally quick and precise, it works in concert with an agile and tenacious front end, creating an impression of a car that feels considerably lighter than its specifications might indicate.
The optional carbon-ceramic brakes, a significant investment at $10,000, offer racecar-level stopping power that necessitates a firm pedal application. While perfectly suited for aggressive driving on open roads, this characteristic requires a degree of acclimatization for more sedate urban driving. My specific test vehicle also featured a $2,300 electronic limited-slip differential and a $5,500 set of lightweight 20-inch forged wheels, further enhancing its performance envelope.
The interior of the MC20 Cielo builds upon the palpable improvements in material quality and craftsmanship introduced with the original MC20. My tester featured a striking two-tone Ice/Grey finish, accented by elegant triangular stitching on the seat cushions and backrests. The dashboard is a sophisticated blend of carbon fiber and Alcantara trim, elegantly housing two 10-inch digital displays that serve as the instrument cluster and infotainment interface.
Much like its exterior, the MC20 Cielo’s interior prioritizes a clean and uncluttered aesthetic. The majority of vehicle functions are controlled via the centrally mounted touchscreen. The exposed carbon fiber center console houses the updated drive mode selector and a curated selection of essential physical controls.
While the interior is undeniably functional and aesthetically pleasing, it adopts a relatively conventional approach. The floating infotainment screen, positioned to the right of the steering wheel, feels somewhat detached from the overall design cohesiveness. In contrast to the rest of the vehicle’s forward-thinking execution, the MC20’s technological integration may prove to be the element that ages the least gracefully.
The 2024 Maserati MC20 Cielo commands a starting price of $262,695, including a $1,495 destination fee. However, the inclusion of numerous optional extras – such as the $39,000 exterior carbon fiber package, the aforementioned $10,000 carbon-ceramic brakes, and a $7,000 interior carbon fiber package – brought the as-tested price of my vehicle to a substantial $339,700. Considering that a Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica Spyder begins at $239,000 and typically tops out well under $300,000, the MC20 Cielo’s elevated price point presents a significant consideration as it seeks to establish its niche within the competitive supercar segment.
When viewed in its entirety, the MC20 Cielo emerges as a formidable and compelling entrant into the ultra-luxury automotive arena. It exudes style, delivers exhilarating performance, and provides a genuinely thrilling driving experience, ticking all the essential boxes for a modern supercar. However, given its considerable price tag, the choice of a conventional V6 powertrain becomes a more pronounced point of discussion, especially when contrasted with competitors who are pushing the boundaries of innovation with advanced hybrid powertrains. Furthermore, certain aspects of its interior technology integration, while functional, do not quite match the seamlessness found in comparable vehicles.
Despite these minor reservations, the MC20 represents precisely the kind of halo vehicle Maserati should be championing. High-performance models like the MC20 Cielo and the new GranTurismo serve as powerful testaments to the Italian brand’s engineering prowess and design heritage. Thankfully, Maserati appears to be leaving behind the commercial compromises of its past, such as the Ghibli sedan. Maserati is unequivocally entering a new era, and the creation of exhilarating machines like the MC20 Cielo firmly re-establishes the marque as a distinguished and vital player in the world of high-performance automobiles.
Are you captivated by the blend of Italian passion and cutting-edge engineering embodied by the Maserati MC20 Cielo? Discover firsthand the thrill of driving a true supercar legend by scheduling your exclusive test drive at a Maserati dealership near you.