Cover The new Maserati MC20, the first of a new generation of supercars, was unveiled at the Modena Circuit in early September (Photo: Courtesy of Maserati)

Introducing the new MC20, Maserati's super sports car

It began with the Fountain of Neptune in Bologna’s Piazza del Nettuno. Drawing inspiration from this Mannerist symbol, Mario Maserati created a logo for his brothers’ newfound company. A symbol of strength and vigour, the Trident, as it is simply known, would guide the luxury car manufacturer over the last century.

As Maserati evolved, garnering significant achievements in automotive history, so too did the logo—with small changes designed to maintain its history while looking towards the future. In September, that logo was given new changes as it graced the newly unveiled Maserati Corse 20, also known simply as the MC20.

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Above Butterfly wing doors define the look of this supercar while allowing you to slide in and out of the car easily (Photo: Courtesy of Maserati)

The last supercar built by the company was the MC12 back in 2004. It was a proper modern supercar for its time; it walked a tight line between being a road and racing car (but still mostly racing), along with a distinct design that made it unique among others of its kind. A decade and a half later, its spiritual successor, the MC20, further refines the idea of a supercar through several breakthrough innovations, resulting in an incredibly fast, lightweight, luxury supercar for the modern era.

It’s easy to be seduced by the MC20’s nimble speed because of Maserati’s new Nettuno engine—the premiere creation of the Maserati Engine Lab in Modena. As a call out to its long history in racing, the MC20’s pre-chamber combustion system makes use of Formula 1 technology, resulting in a power-dense V6 engine. The result is a full surge of power, with a top speed reach of 325 km/h.

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Above Maserati’s sport steering wheel also has the option to include Alcantara leather inserts (Photo: Courtesy of Maserati)

Hitting the gas lets you go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds. The MC20 also takes the use of carbon fibre to the limits without sacrificing integrity. Almost all of the car, including parts of its interiors, makes use of carbon fibre, resulting in a body that weighs under 1,500 kg—a simple yet ingenious way to maximise its 630 horsepower engine. With a power to weight ratio of 2.33 kg/hp, Maserati considers its new supercar as the best in its class. Maserati took a minimalist approach to its design. Compared to its older sibling, the MC12, the MC20 is sleeker, with lines and contours exuding intent and purpose. The side mirrors, air vents, side air intakes, and rear spoiler blend neatly with the car’s entire form. On top of that, the MC20 is at its most elegant and stylish when opening its impressive butterfly doors.

Apart from its racing lineage, Maserati is also well known for luxury. The MC20 racing seats come with comfort, with the added refinement of Alcantara leather. Both dashboard interfaces are digital, along with the option of using the Sonus Faber High-Premium Audio System—a first for Maseratis. The carbon-fibre-clad central console holds a few necessary features: a wireless smartphone charger, driving mode selector, speed, selection buttons, and window and multimedia controls.

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Above Drivers can select their driving experience between GT, Sport, Corsa and Wet (Photo: Courtesy of Maserati)

It’s luxury with a purpose. Maserati’s new direction is clearly seen not just in how the MC20 drives, but also in how the car was put together. Each part of the car is Italian-made and assembled in Viale Ciro Menotti, the Modena-based plant where Maserati models have been built for 80 years.

After a long time, Maserati is now producing the entire car in there again, including the conceptualisation of the car in the Maserati Innovation Lab; the creation of the Nettuno engine, the first product made by the new Maserati Engine Lab; the design, done by the Maserati Style Center; and the actual assembly done in the Viale Ciro Menotti. In its return to racing, the MC20 is dubbed as the first of its kind by Maserati, and rightly so. It’s a bold first step towards a new line of Trident models of the future.


Discover more at maserati.com.

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