MASERATI’S NEW “SUPER SPORTS CAR”, the MC20, combines performance, sportiness and luxury in the unique Maserati style. MC20 was presented to the world in Modena on 9 September during the “MMXX: Time to be audacious” event.
The new MC20 (MC for Maserati Corse and 20 for 2020, the year of its world première and the start of the brand’s new Era) is the Maserati everyone is waiting for. It is a car with incredible aerodynamic efficiency, which conceals a sporty soul, with the new Nettuno engine, a 630hp (470kW) V6 with torque of 730Nm that delivers 0-100km/h acceleration in under 2.9 seconds and a top speed over 325km/h. This is the engine that signals Maserati’s return to producing its own power units after a hiatus of more than 20 years (when the company sourced its engines from Ferrari).
The MC20 is an extremely lightweight car under 1500kg (kerb weight), and thanks to its power output of 630hp it comes out best in class in weight/power ratio, at just 2.33kg/hp. This record is achieved through the use of choice quality materials, exploiting all the potential of carbon fibre without any sacrifices with regard to comfort.
Nettuno, the first engine in this new chapter of the Trident’s history, is the MC20’s twin turbo V6, a technologic gem already awarded an international patent, which puts MTC (Maserati Twin Combustion) technology, the ground-breaking combustion system developed in-house, onto the world’s roads.
Overall, this revolutionary project has resulted in a car that epitomises Italian excellence. In fact, MC20 was designed in Modena and will be built at the Viale Ciro Menotti plant, where the Trident’s models have been built for more than 80 years. The new production line, created in the spaces where the GranTurismo and GranCabrio models were assembled until November 2019 (and how we’ll miss those!), is now ready for action in the historic plant. The site also features a new paint shop incorporating innovative, environment-friendly technologies. Nettuno will also be built in Modena, at the newly established Maserati Engine Lab.
The MC20 design was produced in about 24 months, with the involvement from the outset, in an innovative approach, of a team of Maserati Innovation Lab engineers, technical specialists from the Maserati Engine Lab and designers from the Maserati Style Centre.
The Virtual Vehicle Dynamics Development system, which includes the use of one of the world’s most advanced dynamic simulators, was developed in-house by the Maserati Innovation Lab and is based on a complex mathematical model called Virtual Car. This method allowed performance of 97 percent of dynamic tests, optimising development times. The car was then fine-tuned in the best Maserati tradition with exhaustive track and road test-driving sessions in the most widely varying conditions of use.
The guiding theme of the MC20’s design was the brand’s historic identity, with all the elegance, performance and comfort for which it is known.
The butterfly doors are not only stunningly beautiful but also functional, as they improve the car’s ergonomics and enable optimal access to and from the cabin.
The aerodynamics were designed through over two thousand man-hours in the Dallara Wind Tunnel and more than a thousand CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations, which enabled the creation of this work of art. The resulting car has a sleek line, with no mobile appendages but just a discreet rear spoiler that improves downforce. The Cd is under 0.38.
The MC20 is designed to enable coupé and convertible versions and for full electric power.
Once inside the cabin, every component has a purpose and is completely driver-oriented. Simple forms, very few sharp edges and minimal distractions. Two 10-inch screens: one for the cockpit and the other for the Maserati Touch Control Plus (MTC Plus MIA). Simplicity is also the keynote of the carbon fibre-clad central console, with just a few features: the wireless smartphone charger, the driving mode selector (GT, Wet, Sport, Corsa and a fifth, ESC Off, which deactivates the control functions), two speed selection buttons, the power window controls, the Multimedia System controls, and a handy storage compartment underneath the armrest. All the other controls are on the steering wheel, with the ignition button on the left and the launch control on the right.
The new MC20 will be connected at all times with the Maserati Connect program. The full range of services includes connected navigation, Alexa and WiFi Hotspot and can also be managed through the Maserati Connect smartphone or smartwatch App.
For the launch, Maserati has also developed six new colours to characterise MC20: Bianco Audace, Giallo Genio, Rosso Vincente, Blu Infinito, Nero Enigma and Grigio Mistero. Each of them has been conceived, designed and developed exclusively for this car.
Both visually and conceptually, there are strong references to the MC12, the car that marked Maserati’s racing comeback in 2004.
The production launch is scheduled for the end the current year with orders to be accepted from 9 September after the world première.
| TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS |
| ENGINE | |
| Layout | V6 90-degree MTC Twin Turbo |
| Displacement | 3000cc |
| Bore x stroke | 88mm x 82mm |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Max. power output | 630hp (470kW) @7500rpm |
| Peak torque | 730Nm @3000-5500rpm |
| Ignition system | MTC (Maserati twin combustion) Twin spark with passive pre chamber |
| Fuel System | PDI (Direct Injection 350 bar + Port Injection 6 bar) |
| Induction | Twin Side Turbo with electronic actuated Waste Gate |
| Lubrication | Fully variable Oil pump on Dry sump system with scavenge pumps & external oil tank |
| Timing system | Double Over Head Camshaft with variable valve timing |
| PERFORMANCE | |
| 0-100km/h | < 2.9 sec |
| 0-200Km/h | < 8.8 sec |
| Top speed (km/h) | >325km/h |
| Braking distance: From 100 to 0km/h | < 33m |
| Cd | <0.38 |
| FUEL CONSUMPTION AND CO2 EMISSIONS | |
| Fuel consumption (Combined cycle) | 11.6L/100km |
| Fuel consumption (Low cycle) | 20.8L/100km |
| Fuel consumption (Medium cycle) | 11.9L/100km |
| Fuel consumption (High cycle) | 9.8L/100km |
| Fuel consumption (extra-High cycle) |
9.6L/100km |
| CO2 emissions (Combined cycle) | 262g/km |
| CO2 emissions (Low cycle) | 470g/km |
| CO2 emissions (Medium cycle) | 269.4g/km |
| CO2 emissions (High cycle) | 220.6g/km |
| CO2 emissions (Extra High cycle) | 215.8g/km |
| TRANSMISSION | |
| Gearbox | DCT 8 gears |
| Gear ratios: | 2.905/ 1.759/ 1.220/ 0.878/ 0.653/ 0.508/ 0.397/ 0.329 R 2.632:1 final 5.174 |
| Transmission | Rear-wheel drive with rear limited slip self-locking mechanical differential (Electronic differential opt) |
| SUSPENSION | |
| Front | Double-wishbone with virtual steering axle, anti-roll bar (Lifter opt) |
| Rear | Double-wishbone with virtual steering axle, anti-roll bar |
| BRAKES | |
| Front | Ventilated discs 380×34 mm (CCM disc 390×36 opt) Brembo fixed calipers 6 pistons |
| Rear | Ventilated discs 350×27 mm (CCM disc 360×28 opt) 4 pistons |
| DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS | |
| Front/rear tyres | front 245/35 ZR 20 / rear 305/30 ZR 20 |
| L x D x H | 4669mm x 1965mm x 1221mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.7m |
| Front/rear track | 1681mm / 1649mm |
| Luggage capacity | 150 litres (50 front / 100 rear) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 60 litres |
| Homologated weight | <1500 kg |
Once we have tested and assessed the new Maserati MC20, seniordriveraus will bring you a comprehensive review, including everything the over-50 driver needs to know.