Maserati has officially revealed the drop-top version of its stunning MC20 supercar, called the MC20 Cielo.
The Maserati MC20 Cielo is built on the same body made of carbon-fibre and composite materials as the fixed-roof model, but features an electrically-retractable glass roof.
This glass roof can open and close in 12 seconds, and has an electrochromic function that allows it to go from transparent to opaque with a push of a button. The BMW iX has a similar function with its fixed panoramic glass sunroof.
The Maserati MC20 Cielo weighs in at 1540kg, which is 65kg more than its coupe counterpart.
The Italian automaker claims that despite the slight weight increase, the car still “maintains the dynamic performance and driving pleasure of the coupe version”.
Under the bonnet is the same mid-mounted 3.0-litre ‘Nettuno’ twin-turbo V6 engine producing 470kW of power and 700Nm of torque. It’s mated to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with drive sent to the rear wheels only.
Maserati claims the MC20 Cielo can do the 0-100km/h sprint in approximately 3.0 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds slower than the coupe model, and has a top speed of more than 320km/h.
On the outside, the MC20 Cielo retains the butterfly doors of the coupe which open slightly upwards. This makes it easier to get in and out of the cabin.
Everything else about the MC20 Cielo’s design is very similar to the regular MC20 besides the revised air intakes and hatch that hides the retractable glass roof.
Because of this hatch you can’t see the mid-mounted engine like you can in the regular coupe version of the MC20.
A new Acquamarina exterior paint colour is available on the MC20 Cielo as part of the ‘Maserati Fuoriserie’ customisation program, as well as new alloy wheel designs.
Maserati says there’ll also be carbon fibre wheels available, which apparently saves 30kg compared to the regular MC20 Cielo.
Inside the design is very much like the MC20 coupe as well. There are two 10.25-inch screens, one a digital instrument cluster and the other a touchscreen infotainment system.
There are virtually no buttons or toggles on the transmission tunnel besides the new touch-sensitive drive mode selector, two buttons for the gears, the window controls and the infotainment volume control. There’s also a wireless phone charger as well.
As with the 2023 model year Maserati MC20 coupe, there are new control levers behind the steering wheel, new buttons to turn on the lights, and an Alcantara steering wheel as standard with a blue engine start button on it.
Another new feature the MC20 Cielo gets as standard is an electrically-adjustable steering system, which is available as an option on the coupe model.
Similar to the MC20 coupe, the MC20 Cielo gets a 12-speaker Sonus faber premium sound system. It can detect if the roof is open or closed and adapt equalisation and sound levels automatically.
The Maserati MC20 Cielo offers five drive modes – Wet, GT, Sport, Corse and ESC Off. These can selected through the new touch-sensitive drive mode selector and they adjust the engine boost, pedal sensitivity, active exhaust valves, gear shift setting, suspension and traction control settings.
The MC20 Cielo has a double-wishbone suspension system with active shock absorbers. All of the suspension components are also made of forged aluminium for optimal weight savings.
As an option, the MC20 Cielo has a vehicle height variator which makes the MC20 Cielo raise at low speeds for more ground clearance. This system works at speeds of up to 40km/h.
The Maserati MC20 Cielo will also be available in the PrimaSeries Launch Edition, which will be limited to 60 models worldwide and feature exclusive paint, wheels, badges and interior upholstery.
At this stage it’s unclear when the Maserati MC20 Cielo is coming to Australia. We’ve reached out to Maserati’s local distributor, and once we hear back we will update this article.
There’s no word on pricing just yet, but expect the MC20 Cielo to cost more than the MC20 coupe, which kicks off at $438,000 before on-road costs and options.
As previously detailed, Maserati has confirmed there’s going to be an all-electric version of the MC20 which will be revealed “in the future”.
Maserati has already pledged to go all-electric by 2030 and is going to have at least one pure electric variant of every model it offers by 2025.