Veni, Vidi, Venti
Among the exotic car makers, Maserati is known for multiple sedans and SUVs rather than super sports cars. Well, with the new MC20, that perception will change. On looks alone, the MC20 is quite striking with a very low profile. And instead of sharp angles on the various edges, the body is rounded. A very low classic Maserati round grille is up front with integrated headlights with clear covers and air flow vents are presented in the front end. In keeping with the theme, the roofline is low, rounded, and sweeps to the rear of the car. Over the large, 20-inch alloy wheels and performance tires, the rear of the body rises, and a spoiler with two large exhaust pipes are visible.
Besides our test hardtop version, the Cielo sub model turns into a convertible with a touch of a button. Overall, either version is a super attractive sports car. Literally anyone who saw this Maserati commented favorably on its looks.
Unlike most of the rest of the automotive world, the doors on this Maserati go up, not out, for easier access to the interior. As one would hope and expect, leather on the passenger seats with some interesting contrasting colors greet the driver and passenger. High side bolstering in the seats hold the driver and passenger in place when cornering at speed. And like most cars these days, two modern, 10.5-inch video screens are found in the center of the dash and in the dash pod. The center screen is handled by touch. And besides the typical video view behind the car when backing up in this screen, the super low roof line results in the rear-view mirror being a video screen which gives the driver a bigger and better rear view.
A small storage area is found under the front hood. But an Italian super sports car must have some real power and handling, and MC20 is not lacking in that regard. A mid-engine twin turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine develops 521 horsepower.
Like many these days, the stick shift is gone, and an automatic transmission is substituted with a dual clutch model that handles the eight forward gears. Shifts can be completely automatic or manually shifted with the huge plus or minus handles behind the steering wheel. In addition, there are multiple drive choices which control speed, handling and the suspension … econ, sport, GT, Corsa (i.e., racing), and wet. With these combinations, the 0-60 time is a super quick 2.9 seconds, and the top speed is 202 mph.
Given the fully independent suspension, handling is clearly sports car-oriented with corners being taken easily at high rates of speed. Generally, the ride is sure footed. But with the use of the suspension settings, the ride can be more absorbing on rough footings if desired. But with its very low body and large performance tires, corners are easily handled and can be taken at high rates. The engine gives a husky sound when pressed, and the transmission in automatic mode shifts super swiftly and seems to anticipate the driver’s needs.
And, of course, with the use of the huge handles behind the steering wheel manually shifting is instantly available. With this addition to the Maserati lineup, the super sports car slot has been clearly filled, and the owners are going to have a lot of new friends with comments and questions.
MASERATI MC20
MODEL // 2-seat sports car POWERTRAIN // twin turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, 8-speed dual clutch automatic transmission PERFORMANCE // 0-60 2.9 seconds, top speed 202 mph FUEL MILEAGE // 18 mpg average, 15 mpg city, 25 mpg highway PRICE // $210,000, as tested $296,454