A few days ago, Maserati, as part of its "MMXX : Time to be audacious" event, unveiled the new MC20, the first car in the new page of the Italian manufacturer's history after its divorce from Ferrari.
The new MC20 (MC : Maserati Corse, 20 because of the model's launch in 2020 and the start of the next chapter in Maserati's history) brings everything people wanted Maserati to offer. An impressive design, sporty character, but also a certain degree of luxury, practicality and comfort.
Its weight is impressively low, just 1500 kg, with its Nettuno twin-turbo V6 engine (3 litre capacity), the first engine designed and built in-house by Maserati itself, producing 630 hp (and 730 Nm of torque), meaning the MC20 has a 2.33 kg/horsepower ratio. In the MC20, Maserati has made the most of the carbon chassis' capabilities, without compromising on the car's comfort.
The MC20 will be built on Maserati's Modena production line, where production of the GranTurismo and GranCabrio models was completed in 2019. Along with the necessary changes to the assembly line, Maserati upgraded the factory's paint shop and built the new, state-of-the-art Maserati Engine Lab, where each Nettuno engine will be manufactured.
The MC20 was designed over a period of 24 months, with the participation of a team of engineers from the Maserati Innovation Lab, a team of engineers from the Maserati Engine Lab and designers from the Maserati Style Center.
The Maserati Innovation Lab, created a complex dynamic simulation program, which allowed Maserati to create the final product of the MC20 by 97%, having only a few final extreme endurance tests in various climates and locations to reach the 100% of the model's development.
The inspiration for the design of the MC20 came from the Italian manufacturer's rich design history, but with a few extra touches that made the MC20 unique. Its signature design element is the butterfly doors, which are not only highly impressive, but also contribute to the car's ergonomics.
The aerodynamic design of the MC20 was the result of 2000 hours of work in the Dallara Wing Tunnel and another 1000 hours in simulation and aerodynamics programs. The result is a highly impressive and elegant car, with the only "stand out" design element being the rear spoiler, which is however necessary to generate the necessary aerodynamic load at the rear. The design is such that a coupe, convertible and electric version can be produced.
Once the driver enters the cab, nothing should distract him or her from the driving experience. Every element of the interior has a functional purpose and is focused on the driver. Simple designs, minimal 'angles', minimal distractions.
The upper part of the dashboard includes two 10-inch screens, one for the instrument panel and one for the entertainment system. The centre console, carries a mobile phone inductive charging position, the driving program selector (GT, Wet, Sport, Corsa & ESC Off), 2 buttons for gear selection in the gearbox, the window switches and a storage space under the armrest. Everything else is operated by the steering wheel buttons.
The new MC20 is always connected to Maserati Connect, which includes live satellite navigation, Google's Alexa and the ability to be managed by the Maserati Connect app for smart phone and smart watch.
For the launch of the MC20, Maserati has also introduced 6 new colours to its palette, Bianco Audace, Giallo Genio, Rosso Vincente, Blue Infinito & Grigio Mistero, all of them referring to Made In Italy, Italian refinement and Maserati itself.
As was the case in 2004 with the MC12, Maserati wants to showcase its sporty and dynamic side and express its desire to return to the racing world with the MC20.
The MC20 is already available for purchase, with deliveries starting at the end of the year.