This is the Maserati MC20, a brand-new member of the Supercar enthusiast’s wish list.

Unveiled in September, the MC20 is powered by a new Maserati-built engine called the Nettuno – the first in-house engine from the company in 20 years. And, like the car, the Nettuno is thing of beauty too.

A 630hp (470kW) V6 twin-turbocharged unit, the Nettuno delivers on performance with a 0-100 km/h time under 2.9 seconds and a top speed over 325km/h.
Those numbers come not just because the engine is an engineering marvel – which it would appear to be – but also because the car itself has been designed to be extremely aerodynamic and light – the use of lightweight materials in the car’s construction sees it tip the scales at a trim 1500kg.

On the inside, the focus is all on the driver and the driving experience. There are two 10-inch screens – one for the cockpit and the other for the Maserati Multimedia System (MIA) – and simplicity is the key for the carbon fibre-clad central console. There are a few features: the wireless smartphone charger, the driving mode selector, two speed selection buttons, the power window controls, and a storage compartment underneath the armrest. All the other controls are on the steering wheel, with the ignition button on the left and the launch control on the right.

As with almost all modern cars – super or not – the MC20 will be ‘connected’, and in the case of the MC20, that means access to the Maserati Connect program. The full range of services includes connected navigation, Alexa and Wifi Hotspot, with management possible via the Maserati Connect smartphone or smartwatch App.

Driving mode

MC20 has five driving modes: WET, GT, SPORT and CORSA and a fifth – ESC Off – which deactivates the control functions.

• GT Mode is the default driving mode and is designed for everyday driving and provides the maximum ease of use and comfort.
• WET mode offers the highest level of control on wet or damp road surfaces, to prevent skidding during acceleration or cornering.
• SPORT mode offers the highest performances in high-traction conditions and is ideal for use on the track.
• CORSA mode offers the driver the most extreme experience. Traction control is much less active and stability control is active but with very high thresholds.  This mode provides the maximum enjoyment, says Maserati, but also the most challenging handling. In CORSA mode, the driver can activate the Launch Control using the steering wheel button.

The production launch of the MC20 is scheduled for the end of 2020.

Maserati says there are more versions of the supercar on the cards with a convertible version and a fully electric model planned.

Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (November 2020)

11 November 2020