The Maserati MC20 (MC being the acronym for Maserati Corse 2020, internal code M240)[5] is a two-seater, rear-mid-engine sports car produced by Italian car manufacturer Maserati.[6]
The debut of the MC20 was initially scheduled for May 2020,[6] but was rescheduled along with brand redesign for September 2020 in Modena.[7] A racing variant was also announced at the same time.[8] The open top variant of the MC20 called the Cielo (Italian for sky) made its debut in May 2022.[9] The car was developed by the Maserati Innovation Lab with an all-electric option slated to reach production in the future.[10][11] The new sports car is produced at the Maserati Modena plant that is undergoing necessary modernization.[12] The new car's logo appeared on a Maserati-sponsored Multi 70 trimaran's mainsail that was due to race in the RORC Caribbean 600.[13]
Development
Test mules
In late 2019, a series of spy shots were published online showing a highly modified Alfa Romeo 4C-based test mule of an upcoming new Maserati sports car. Apart for the typical camouflage, the car featured a much larger rear portion and wider track.[14][12]
Maserati later confirmed that it was using the test mules for development of a new powertrain for the upcoming sports car, but did not confirm whether the car will be based on the Alfa Romeo 4C's platform.[15]
Prototypes
In March 2020, Maserati had completed their first prototype for the new car which was ready for both road and track testing.[16]
On 13 May 2020, a prototype of the MC20 was covered with graphics commemorating Sir Stirling Moss, who died on 12 April 2020 at the age of 90. The Maserati 420M/58 "Eldorado", an iconic single-seater race car was also brought out on the commemoration of its debut in 1958 on the occasion of the Race of Two Worlds on Monza circuit.[17]
Specifications
Engine
Rear view
On 1 July 2020, Maserati announced a six-cylinder engine for the MC20 called the Nettuno. The engine was described as a 90-degree, 2,992 cc (3.0 L; 182.6 cu in) V6 with a dry sump, twin-spark and pre-chamber ignition system. It also has twin-turbochargers and fuel injectors. The 220 kg (485 lb) engine can generate a power output of 630 PS (463 kW; 621 hp) at 7,500 rpm and 730 N⋅m (538 lbf⋅ft) of torque from 3,000 to 5,500 rpm. The red-line of the engine is set at 8,000 rpm.[18]
The engine's use of a passive pre-chamber is a unique quirk. Inspired by Formula 1 and combined with the use of twin-spark ignition, one inside the small cylindrical pre-chamber placed at the center of combustion chamber, and another placed in the traditional combustion chamber, designed to help combustion in low-load scenarios. The air-fuel mixture, provided by a hybrid port and direct injection system is compressed during the compression stroke of the engine into the pre-chamber, where it is then ignited by the chamber's spark plug. The resulting explosion spreads throughout the traditional chamber, creating a faster fuel burn. The system is mainly designed with the reduction of emissions in mind, but also promises increased fuel economy.[19]
Nettuno engine at the Maserati Modena showroom
On 2 July 2020, Road & Track magazine criticized a press release from Maserati that claimed the engine is "100% Maserati". The magazine countered that "it's not hard to see the connection to the Ferrari F154 engine and the Alfa Romeo 690T engine". The publication argued that the similarities that were identical to the aforementioned engines included the 90-degree V angle, the firing order of 1-6-3-4-2-5 (identical to the F154-based V6 engine found in the Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio), arrangement of cooling passages, cylinders, and liners, oil filter mounting, bore and stroke, and rev limit of 8,000 rpm (the same as the Ferrari SF90 Stradale). However, the unique 11:1 compression ratio indicated that the heads are new and Maserati-developed.[20]
Interior
Interior
The interior features a steering wheel constructed mostly of carbon fiber, with Alcantara accents. There is a TFT 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.25 inch infotainment screen. The seats have leather seating surfaces on the bolsters and headrest, with the middle seating surface made from Alcantara.[21]
Variants
Cielo (2022–present)
MC20 Cielo
In May 2022, Maserati unveiled the MC20 Cielo, an open-top variant of the MC20. It features the same 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6 and styling but adds on the two-piece foldable hard-top that has an electrochromic glass roof. The roof system weighs an additional 65 kg (143 lb), and the folding and unfolding of the roof sequence takes only 12 seconds.[9]
MCXtrema
The MCXtrema is a track-only derivative of the Maserati MC20 introduced in August 2023, with significant weight savings and more advanced aerodynamics. The Nettuno engine found in the MC20 has also undergone changes to produce more power. Customers who purchase the car will be able to customise it via Maserati's Fuoriserie (custom-built) program, and production will be limited to 62 units.[22][23]
The car features significant use of carbon-fibre along with other natural fibres to significantly lower the weight compared to the road-legal MC20.[24] Maserati aims for a dry weight of 1,250 kg (2,756 lb),[25] which would mean that it is over 250 kg (551 lb) lighter than the MC20. Double wishbone suspension along with adjustable dampers, front and rear anti-roll bars provide ride height control for the car.[26] The Nettuno engine has been fitted with two new turbochargers, increasing the power output to 544 kW (740 PS; 730 hp), sent to the rear 18 in forged aluminium wheels via a 6-speed sequential manual transmission paired with a mechanical limited slip differential.[27] Stopping power is provided by ventilated carbon ceramicBrembo brakes.[28] Other features include a FIA-standard 120 L (32 US gal) fuel tank, along with a FIA-standard fire extinguisher and roll cage. Air-conditioning, a feature traditionally not found on track-focused cars, is also standard along with a seat for a passenger.[29]
The racing variant of the MC20 called the GT2 made its public debut at the 2023 24 Hours of Spa in June 2023. While the engine and body shell remain the same as the road going counterpart, the differences include an aerodynamic package consisting of a large rear wing, a new rear diffuser and a roof scoop, a stripped down interior having a single seat, fire extinguisher, adjustable steering wheel column and pedal box, a new 6.5-inch display and an FIA homologated roll-cage while retaining the air-conditioning, a six speed sequential gearbox with a self-locking mechanical limited slip differential, two-way adjustable dampers, a racing spec exhaust system and 18-inch forged alloy wheels. An extreme aero package consisting of canards on the front bumper, a front splitter and a newly designed hood is optional. Customers can also add the passenger seat, a rearview camera and a tire pressure monitoring system at an extra cost. The car made its racing debut at the final round of the Fanatec GT2 European Series with the team LP Racing. Took pole position in race one and finished on the second place in the same race, in race two finished seventh.
For 2024 LP Racing will compete and defend the title with two MC20s, the teams Van Der Horst Motorsport and TFT Racing will compete with the Maserati MC20 GT2 too.
[31][32]
