Maserati unveils first supercar in years

Maserati has taken the covers off its first all-new supercar in years and with the unveiling of the MC20 the iconic Trident brand billed as the start of a new era.

Under development for over a year, and originally set for an earlier debut but delayed due to Covid-19, the MC20 replaces the GranTurismo – discontinued last year – and will be built on an all-new production line at Maserati’s Viale Ciro Menotti plant in Modena.

Boasting styling from the Alfieri concept, the MC20 is the work of Maserati’s Centre Stile division and is made out of carbon fibre, with the actual monocoque having been worked on with the help from Dallara to accommodate three eventual models without massive changes.

The models are the coupe and, later on, a cabriolet and an all-electric model. Subjected to 2 000 hours of aerodynamics testing in the Dallara wind tunnel before being signed off, the MC20 tips the scales at a fraction below 1 500kg, but according to Maserati, “without sacrificing anything in terms of comfort”.

Resplendent with upwards opening or butterfly doors and ushering in Maserati’s new Trident logo, the MC20’s interior is a world away from recent models with tech consisting of a digital rear-view mirror, a thin 10.25inch infotainment system plus a 10.25-inch TFT digital instrument cluster. A six-speaker Premium Unbranded sound system is standard with the option being a 12-speaker Sonus Faber audio.

In addition to the exposed carbon inside, the minimalist appearance of the cabin extends to the centre console where only three major dials are located, in addition to the wireless smartphone charging pad, volume knob and electric window switches.

Its engine being mid-mounted, luggage space is rated at 47 litres for the front hatch and 101 litres for the rear.

Measuring 4 669mm in overall length with a wheelbase of 2 700mm, a height of 1 221mm and width of 1 965mm, motivation comes courtesy of a brandnew 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine dubbed Nettuno, designed in-house by Maserati with Formula 1 derived tech such as twin injection, pre-chamber combustion and dual spark plugs. Boasting a power-to-weight ratio of 2.33kg/hp, the 90-degree bent-six serves-up 463kW/750Nm and will propel the MC20 from 0 to 100km/h in a claimed 2.9sec and on to a top speed of 325km/h.

Paired to a new eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the MC20 will reach 200km/h from standstill in 8.8sec with the driver having the choice of five driving modes; the default GT, Wet, Sport, Corsa and ESC Off which turns all of the electronic aids off completely.

Equipped with a double wishbone setup and active shock absorbers, selecting Sport or Corsa modes stiffens up the suspension.

Expect it to go on sale in South Africa from next year.