Maserati made a whole lot of noise celebrating the launch of the new MC20 in Italy’s renowned supercar corridor this week, and rightly so. The Maserati MC20 is the first all-new supercar in the Italian brand’s stable in 15 years.
Designed at the Maserati Style Center in Modena over the course of two years, the mid-engined two-passenger supercar is built atop a carbon fiber tub and its body is made of aluminum and composite materials, keeping weight down to a respectable 1470kg. With its twin-turbocharged V6 generating 630hp and 538 lb-ft of torque, 0-60mph sprints can be achieved in just 2.8 seconds.
The design is simple and pure; visible aerodynamic enhancers have been kept to a minimum while the upper shell guides air through hidden ducts and under the car to improve efficiency. The cut-out sill and taillamp design reference the Birdcage 75th concept car designed by Pininfarina, which is no bad thing, while details such as the Trident logo cut into the engine cover are well-executed.
There’s very little drama, however, which there arguably should be given Maserati’s Italian pedigree. It’s all a bit too civilized and sedate, erring more on the side of purposeful than emotional. Maserati says the MC20 was designed from the outset to enable coupe and convertible versions and for full-electric power, though no EV has been confirmed as yet.
The Maserati MC20 is relatively compact, measuring in at 4669mm in overall length, 1965mm wide and 1221mm tall. The last supercar built by Maserati was the MC12, a limited production carbon fiber two-seater designed by Frank Stephenson. The car was built on the Ferrari Enzo chassis and was 5143mm long, 2096mm wide and 1205mm tall. It’s clear the Maserati MC20 has big shoes to fill.
The MC20 promises to be more useable than the MC12, however. Its minimalist, driver-focused cabin — swathed in Alcantara and exposed carbon fiber — is accessed via butterfly doors, a first for the brand. These improve ingress and egress, which make the car more suitable for everyday use. Two ten-inch screens split duty to display driver information and infotainment.
In the video above, Klaus Busse, head of design for FCA’s European brands, talks us through the new Maserati MC20 design. And here’s a selection of images from the design development process below.
