First Look
Maserati opens up its V6-powered coupe just in time for summer
This is the new Maserati MC20 Cielo spyder, which is Maserati shorthand for ‘pretty, convertible, carbon-fibre supercar’. Yup, welcome to summer, one and all.
Like its MC20 Coupe sibling, this open-topped Cielo carries Maser’s brand new 3.0-litre V6 ‘Nettuno’ turbocharged engine in the middle. While perhaps not the most intoxicating V6 note, the MC20 Cielo’s lovely new retractable roof means you’ll be able to enjoy more of it, more of the time.
Powerful engine, too: 621bhp and 538lb ft of torque from 3,000rpm, able to hit 62mph from rest in 3.0s, 0-124mph in 9.2s, and max out at 200mph. Same active suspension setup as the MC20 Coupe, too, and Maser tells us the Cielo weighs just 65kg more than the MC20 Coupe at 1,540kg.
That roof is made from clear glass, and a lot of it too – Maserati says it has a surface area of more than half a square metre. Electrically retractable, it takes just 12 seconds to open or close at the touch of a button. Apply a firm digit to another button, and the glass changes from clear to opaque (and vice versa) thanks to its polymer-dispersed LCD tech.
We’re told the electrochromic roof is usable in “virtually’ all temperatures, and “guarantees perfect heat sealing and reduced in-car noise”. Unless of course, the roof is down.
The Cielo uses the same carbon-fibre monocoque design as the MC20 Coupe, though its carbon fibre layers have been tweaked. So where the MC20 Coupe’s is geared for light weight, the MC20 Cielo’s monocoque has been designed for greater torsional rigidity. (The electric MC20 will again wear a stronger monocoque to house the batteries).
You’ll spot the new intakes and outlet in the rear arch structure, crucial for maximising airflow and engine cooling, while the MC20 Coupe’s rear window has here been replaced by a canopy for housing the retractable roof. Got a massive trident on it too, in case you suddenly forgot what make of car you were driving.
A lot of work has been done to the floor to better the airflow under the car too, enabling it to generate “a high aerodynamic load”.
Cabin remains as per the MC20 Coupe, though with one tiny tweak – the rotary controller that adjusts the various modes is now digital, able to cycle through Wet, GT, Sport, Corsa and ESC Off. Good stereo and a 10.25in display, too.
No word on UK pricing just yet, but expect to pay a premium over the MC20 Coupe’s £188k.