2023 Maserati MC20: Guest Drive

By Paul Herrold

In the world of automotive companies, there are few that have a history as rich as the beloved Italian manufacturer, Maserati. Since the company was founded in 1914, Maserati has specialized in building luxury vehicles that offer opulence, prestige, and power. From racing cars to street cars, and now even SUVs, Maserati has built some of the most striking vehicles ever produced, but there has been arguably one crucial element missing from recent Maserati products: “cutting-edge” technology. Maserati has kind of slacked off when it comes to incorporating the latest and greatest tech into their automobiles, but that all changed with the 2020 introduction of their newest flagship vehicle, the stunning MC20 super car.

Short for Maserati Corse 2020, the MC20 and the convertible, the MC20 Cielo, offer cutting-edge technology in both chassis and engine design. Starting with the engine, Maserati developed an all-new powerplant for the MC20 which they call “Nettuno,” this in reference to the Roman god Neptune who carries a trident–the logo of Maserati. The hand-built Nettuno engine is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 which incorporates a state-of-the-art Formula 1 racing-derived prechamber ignition system, which speeds up the combustion process, and dramatically improves burn efficiency and power. The result is an amazing 621 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque, good for a 0-60 mph launch in just 2.9 seconds, and a top speed of 202 mph. But the power numbers don’t really paint the full picture here. What is really impressive is when you break the power down per cylinder; the result is an incredible 207.6 horsepower for each cylinder–besting anything from Porsche, Lamborghini, McLaren and even Ferrari. The Nettuno boasts the most horsepower per cylinder of any non-electrified engine found in a production vehicle today.

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But the tech goes beyond the engine. The chassis of the MC20 is a masterpiece of design and manufacturing. Using a mid-engine layout where the engine is behind the driver, this 2-seater employs a single-piece carbon-fiber tub, sourced from race car manufacturer Dallara, as the backbone of the car’s structure. The result is a super-rigid monocoque chassis that is lightweight and allows for a spacious inside cabin with plenty of elbow and leg room despite its tidy aerodynamic proportions. Also, in true super-car fashion, the doors open up and out on a dihedral hinge which guarantees everyone around you will be watching as soon as you step-in or get out of the MC20. The design of the car is absolutely beautiful, with just the right amount of air intakes and vents, it looks muscular and cool without being obnoxious. The cabin is elegant, yet clean–everything is placed where it should be, and the infotainment center is very responsive and intuitive. Materials are upscale with a good balance between leather, Alcantra, and carbon-fiber trim. Overall, the inside of the MC20 is a nice place to be.

So, what is the Maserati MC20 like to drive? In a word: Telepathic. The steering is sharp and precise, and provides lots of feedback. The car does not just turn into a corner, it reads the corner and allows for micro-adjustments with the slightest movement of your hands. The 20-inch tires provide excellent grip, and there is no understeer at all, the chassis is neutrally balanced. The adaptive suspension constantly adjusts to keeps the driver and passenger in comfort, regardless of how battered the surface of the road is. The ride is sports-car firm, but never feels harsh or bouncy. The 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is controlled via column mounted paddle shifters, and they react instantaneously to inputs, giving the driver immediate control. And finally, the optional carbon-ceramic brakes fitted on my press car–once warmed up–are strong, easy to modulate, and offer superb stopping power at any speed.

Yes, this Maserati handles incredibly well, is nimble and playful, yet well-mannered and composed on the road. It has a fantastic engine, a responsive transmission, and tremendous brakes, and even manages a decent 25 mpg on the highway. But that is only part of the big picture–the 2023 Maserati MC20 is one of those rare cars that is greater than the sum of its parts. So great, in fact, that it easily justifies its $216,990 starting price, undercutting all of its rivals by thousands of dollars. Beauty, speed, and power, all at a reasonable super-car price…now, how is that for “cutting edge?”

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