Trident brand finally shows off its open-top MC20 convertible, local details for which remain pending
The 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo has finally made its global debut, featuring all the goodies of the sleek hardtop supercar on which it’s based, but adding a retractable glass roof that can be raised or lowered in just 12 seconds at speeds of up to 50km/h.
Powered by the same twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 as the tin-top MC20, Maserati claims its latest and fastest fresh-air machine will spring to 100km/h in “approximately” three seconds and cites a minimal weight handicap of just 65kg.
This is an impressive figure given the roof mechanism is electric and that fact the majority of the roof is thermal insulated glass featuring advanced polymer-dispersed liquid crystal technology which alters the transparency of the glass.
Maserati says the MC20’s carbon monocoque was designed from the outset with three different applications in mind; coupe, spyder and electric, meaning minimal work had to be done in stiffening the body to compensate for the missing roof, hence the only marginal weight penalty.
With that howling force-fed V6 still churning out 463kW/750Nm, the performance difference between the coupe and spyder will be barely noticeable, if at all, to the average consumer.
For reference, 0-200km/h acceleration is said to take place in 9.2 seconds and top speed is listed at about 320km/h.
On top of the added drama of a folding glass roof, designers have been able to retain the coupe’s butterfly doors as well as all 150 litres of storage space, and all of the coupe’s standard equipment.
The Maserati MC20 Cielo’s global launched will be celebrated by the temporary availability of a more lavish ‘PrimaSerie Launch Edition’ version.
Limited to around 60 units, the launch edition will be adorned in a new ‘Acquamarina’ hero colour – optionally available on the standard car – and will roll on bespoke ‘MM20’ alloy wheels.
The exterior badging will also be given an exclusive finish while the interior will be upholstered in “ice-coloured Alcantara and leather, embellished with specific contrasting stitching in aquamarine on both the dashboard and the ‘PrimaSerie’ wording on the headrest”.
“Equipped with the revolutionary V6 Nettuno engine that made its debut in the 2020 MC20, MC20 Cielo offers a perfect mix of sportiness and luxury, courtesy of a specification unique to the segment: the innovative retractable glass roof,” Maserati.
“MC20 Cielo provides a multi-faceted driving experience: all-encompassing with the roof closed and opaque; a unique “sky feeling” when the roof is transparent; holistic with the top down.
“When a coupe is transformed into a convertible, the increase in weight is usually a major challenge. Innovative by nature, Maserati has managed to limit this and maintain the innate sporty DNA of the MC20.”
There’s been no word yet on if or when the MC20 Cielo will make it to Australian shores, let alone how much it might cost.
For reference, the hardtop starts from $438,000 plus on-road costs, so a circa-$500,000 sticker price probably wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect.
