Maserati MC20 Cielo Review: A Timeless Masterpiece for the Modern Era
For a century and more, Maserati has navigated the ebb and flow of automotive history, shifting its identity under numerous banners. From the roaring engines of 1930s Grand Prix machines to the sleek GTs of the 1950s and even a Ferrari Enzo-derived hypercar in 2004, the iconic Trident has symbolized a multitude of aspirations. As the legendary Italian marque embarks on its electrified future, a pivotal question arises: what does the Trident truly represent today?
In 2023, one cannot discuss Maserati without acknowledging its vibrant resurgence in motorsport. Gone are the days of merely drawing inspiration from a glorious racing past; the Trident is back, deeply engaged in Formula E and GT2 racing, and producing exclusive track-focused machines like the MCXtrema. While the Grecale SUV undoubtedly anchors Maserati’s sales volume, the brand’s triumphant return to the circuit injects a much-needed dose of exhilaration into its identity.
This renewed focus on performance was heralded three years ago with the debut of the MC20, an acronym for Maserati Corse 2020. Developed in collaboration with the renowned racing engineering firm Dallara, the MC20’s carbon-fiber monocoque chassis was ingeniously designed for adaptability, capable of forming the basis for a coupe, a spyder, and, eventually, an all-electric variant. Crucially, this platform delivered Maserati’s first true supercar in 16 years, and it was a resounding success.
Now, three years later, I find myself at the helm of the drop-top sibling: the 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo. While mechanically identical to its coupe counterpart, distinguished only by its retractable metal and glass roof, the Cielo elevates the driving experience to an entirely new stratum. It allows for an unfiltered connection with the characterful V6 engine without compromising dynamic prowess, all while preserving the inherent style and elegance synonymous with Maserati. The MC20 Cielo is not only perfectly positioned to thrive in the current burgeoning supercar market but also serves as the definitive statement for the brand’s ambitious future.
Engineering Elegance: The Cielo’s Structural Ingenuity
While the Cielo shares its fundamental carbon-fiber structure with the coupe, Maserati has meticulously reinforced it to counteract any potential compromise in rigidity inherent to a convertible. The addition of the folding roof mechanism adds a mere 143 pounds – a remarkably modest figure considering the sophisticated engineering required to retract the roof in a mere 12 seconds. This innovative roof system integrates a solid metal structure with an electrochromic glass panel. The latter offers adjustable tinting on command, allowing precise control over the amount of natural light flooding the cabin, enhancing the open-air sensation.
Visually, the transition from coupe to Cielo is subtle. The roofline remains strikingly similar, with the primary modifications concentrated on the redesigned decklid and a small rear-facing window. To accommodate the structural and mechanical adjustments beneath the skin, Maserati has ingeniously repositioned the rear engine air intakes. A new suite of “XX” style wheels further complements the understated exterior enhancements.
My test vehicle was resplendent in an Acquamarina paint finish, a hue that has to be one of the most captivating I’ve encountered in years. At first glance, it appears as a delicate light blue, but its pearlescent qualities cause it to shift and shimmer under varying light conditions, bestowing it with an astonishing depth and dynamism. This exquisite color, unfortunately, is exclusive to the Primaserie Launch Edition, a limited run of just 60 vehicles designed to showcase Maserati’s bespoke Fuoriserie customization program.
In line with contemporary supercar trends, the MC20 Cielo can be adorned with an extensive array of carbon fiber enhancements. However, I find myself drawn to the Maserati supercar in its more unadorned state. By eschewing overtly aggressive aerodynamic elements or superfluous styling flourishes, the MC20 Cielo projects an aura of sophisticated simplicity. It’s a car that possesses an inherent elegance, a beauty that doesn’t rely on tacked-on embellishments to command attention. While it may not possess the flamboyant presence of a comparable Lamborghini or Ferrari, its aesthetic possesses a far more enduring, timeless quality.
The Heartbeat of Performance: The Nettuno V6
The advent of the MC20 marked not only Maserati’s return to motorsport but also the debut of its revolutionary Nettuno engine. This 3.0-liter, 90-degree twin-turbocharged V6 is a powerhouse, unleashing a formidable 621 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. In the Cielo, this potent mill propels the car from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk three seconds, with a top speed reaching an exhilarating 199 mph. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Within the current landscape of supercars, the Maserati MC20 Cielo’s twin-turbo V6 can be perceived as relatively conventional. Rivals such as the McLaren Artura and the Ferrari 296 GTB also feature V6 configurations, but often employ a more exotic 120-degree layout, contributing to a more V12-esque exhaust note, and frequently incorporate hybrid powertrains. Even the significantly more accessible Chevrolet Corvette Z06 boasts a brand-new, high-revving, naturally aspirated V8.
However, the Nettuno engine’s raison d’être is its remarkable versatility. It also serves as the heart of the Grecale Trofeo and GranTurismo Trofeo models, underscoring its adaptability across Maserati’s lineup. While it may not be the most exotic engine on the market, it possesses an abundance of character. Its exhaust note deviates from the typical 90-degree V6 symphony, offering a more effervescent, less overtly aggressive tone. Yet, this distinction is somewhat overshadowed by the intoxicating whoosh of its twin-turbochargers, which dominate the auditory experience.
With the roof retracted, the audible delight of the turbos becomes even more pronounced. The distinct flutter upon lifting off the accelerator and the subsequent whistle as you reapply power create an engaging symphony. While the Cielo isn’t overtly loud, its surge of acceleration is potent, arriving after a brief but charming hint of turbo lag. This characteristic, while perhaps less immediate than some modern rivals, delivers a wonderfully dramatic burst of power when it truly kicks in.
The closely stacked gear ratios ensure that the MC20 maintains its boost as you cycle through the gears. Even as 621 horsepower begins to feel less prodigious in an era increasingly dominated by hybrid powertrains, the Cielo’s on-road performance feels significantly more potent than its statistical figures might suggest. This is a testament to how effectively the power is delivered and the overall engagement of the driving experience.
Dynamic Prowess: A Sculpted Driving Machine
When navigating corners, the distinction between the Cielo and its coupe sibling is virtually imperceptible. The chassis, featuring double wishbones front and rear in conjunction with adaptive dampers, allows for a significant firming of the suspension in the aggressive Sport and Corsa modes. Yet, it retains a compliant and comfortable ride in the more sedate GT setting, making it a viable option for daily driving.
While the suspension might not possess the same level of plushness as found in a McLaren Artura, it offers more than adequate comfort for daily commutes or extended journeys. Furthermore, despite its advanced carbon-fiber construction and distinctive butterfly doors, the relatively low sill height ensures remarkably easy ingress and egress, further enhancing the Cielo’s practical usability.
The Maserati MC20 Cielo demonstrates exceptional agility and composure, effortlessly taming the winding canyon roads of Southern California. Its balanced demeanor through tight turns, coupled with its confident power delivery out of corners, is truly impressive. While the steering might not be the most communicative, it is commendably quick and direct. This, combined with an agile and grippy front end, creates a sensation of lightness that belies the car’s actual weight.
The optional $10,000 carbon-ceramic brakes are a serious piece of kit, requiring a substantial amount of pedal force to engage effectively. While this is perfectly suited for spirited driving on an open road, it demands a period of acclimatization for smoother operation in urban environments. My particular test vehicle also featured a $2,300 electronic limited-slip differential and a $5,500 set of lightweight 20-inch forged wheels, both contributing to its exceptional handling characteristics.
An Interior of Understated Sophistication
The interior of the Cielo builds upon the significant quality enhancements introduced with the MC20 coupe. My tester featured a striking two-tone Ice/Grey finish, accented with subtle triangular stripes on the seat cushions and backrests. The dashboard artfully blends carbon fiber and suede trim, and houses two 10-inch screens dedicated to digital instrumentation and infotainment duties.
Echoing its exterior design philosophy, the MC20 Cielo’s interior embraces a relative simplicity. The majority of the controls are logically integrated within the central touchscreen. The center console is a beautifully exposed piece of carbon fiber, housing an updated drive mode selector and a selection of essential physical buttons.
While the interior is undeniably functional and aesthetically pleasing, it leans towards the conventional. The “floating” screen positioned to the right of the steering wheel, in particular, feels somewhat like an afterthought. Unlike the rest of the vehicle’s meticulously crafted elements, the MC20’s technological integration is an area where I suspect its timeless appeal might be most tested as time progresses.
The Verdict: A Bold Statement for Maserati’s Future
The 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo commences with a base price of $262,695, including destination fees. However, the allure of extensive optional packages, such as the $39,000 exterior carbon pack, $10,000 carbon-ceramic brakes, and $7,000 interior carbon-fiber pack, pushed my tester’s final MSRP to $339,700. Considering that a Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica Spyder begins at $239,000 and typically remains below the $300,000 mark even with extensive customization, the Cielo’s elevated price point presents a significant hurdle as it endeavors to secure its niche within the competitive supercar segment.
Despite these considerations, the MC20 Cielo stands as a formidable contender in the supercar arena. It embodies style, power, and an exhilarating driving experience, ticking all the essential boxes for a high-performance machine. However, given its substantial investment, the perceived conventionality of its V6 powertrain becomes a more pronounced talking point, particularly when contrasted with competitors who are pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation with cutting-edge hybrid powertrains. Furthermore, certain aspects of its interior technology, while functional, lack the seamless integration found in comparable vehicles.
Nevertheless, with its inherent strengths and undeniable charisma, the MC20 represents precisely the kind of vehicle Maserati should be championing. High-performance models like the MC20 and the GranTurismo serve as crucial platforms for the Italian marque to showcase its engineering prowess and design heritage. Thankfully, Maserati appears to have decisively moved beyond the missteps of its mass-market past, firmly ushering in a new era. Thrilling automobiles like the MC20 Cielo are instrumental in re-establishing the Italian brand as a leading force in the automotive landscape.
If you’re captivated by the blend of Italian passion, exhilarating performance, and timeless design, the Maserati MC20 Cielo invites you to explore the pinnacle of open-top motoring. Discover what makes this exceptional supercar the right choice for those who demand more than just transportation, but an unforgettable driving experience.