MIXING IT WITH THE BEST
Maserati’s two-seat supercar has what it takes to match the Italian heavyweights
There’s no concealing the intentions of Maserati’s latest newcomer, the MC20. If looks could kill … The brand known for its grand tourers and brisk SUVS has unleashed its most focused model yet, a two-seat supercar with the world’s finest in its sights.
Occupants are cocooned in a low-slung carbon fibre tub that forms the heart of the MC20. Butterfly doors rise for a theatrical entrance and you’re close enough to the road to sniff the hotmix.
Italian supercars mostly emerge from the factories of Lamborghini and Ferrari, but nearby neighbour Maserati is muscling in on the action.
While an EV version is coming, for now the MC20 is petrol-fed in the form of a new Maserati-designed engine driving the rear wheels.
That’s important from a brand that has shared plenty with Ferrari over recent decades. The 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 has two spark plugs per cylinder and a race car-like dry sump. It’s proudly on display through the louvred plastic rear window.
That window is on such an aggressive angle there’s no point using the mirror. Instead tip a lever to activate a rear-facing camera for a clearer rear view.
It’s one of the compromises of packing so much so low to the ground, although the MC20 does surprisingly well catering to tall people.
There’s also impeccable craftsmanship. Stitched leather and Alcantara cover most surfaces and there’s enough carbon fibre to ram home the race-inspired theme. Italian colours underpinning the MC20 badge reinforce the heritage.
With 470kw and 730Nm there’s the type of on-paper fire that’s traditionally delivered by at least eight cylinders.
But it’s the lack of kilos to shift that arguably has a bigger impact on the MC20’S demeanour.
At about 1500kg it’s a featherweight by modern standards. Any squeeze of the throttle is rewarded with a near-instant surge. There’s loads of muscle and towards its 8000rpm redline the V6 is seriously tasty.
The dash to 100km/h is claimed to take just 2.9 seconds. That’s proper supercar quick.
It helps that your head is close to the engine action, so you can hear the sniffs and snorts that accompany the engine’s husky growl. There’s the occasional whistle and squeal when you accelerate hard, too. Like a Porsche 911, the MC20 has its own aural niche.
It doesn’t have the wild shriek of a V10 or the howl of a V8, but the V6 makes up for it with effortless thrust, especially lower in the engine revs. And what it lacks in drama it makes up for in pace.
The eight-speed twin-clutch auto is slick when punting on but is occasionally flustered when powering back on around town.
A lack of kilos again defines how the MC20 attacks a corner.
Any twist of the wheel has the low-slung snout hungry for a corner. It’s lively and accurate and there’s a mountain of grip. The MC20 also sits remarkably flat, so there’s unfaltering obedience to any input.
A race track is the only place to truly appreciate the MC20. At 100km/h the engine feels like it’s just warming up.
Grip levels are way beyond what you can practically tease out on the road. The optional carbon ceramic brakes on our car call for a firm stab but wash off speed superbly.
It wouldn’t be an Italian supercar without some occasionally wonky ergonomics. The boot release buried near your right knee is a beauty.
As is common in the supercar realm there are features you may reasonably expect to be thrown into the deal for the $438,000 plus onroads price tag. Heated seats and smart key entry would be near the top of that list, as would auto emergency braking.
But there’s been no skimping on finishes and materials, each of which complements the head-turning exterior. The central infotainment screen and digital cluster are crisp and clear.
In recent times Maserati has seemed to lack direction, but the MC20 clarifies that with a fast, exciting supercar oozing Italian flair.
While it’s unlikely to send its Italian stablemates ducking for cover, the MC20 provides a lightweight alternative with a loveable unique flavour.