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A new era for Maserati begins with the MC20

The fabled Italian marque returns to racing form with mid-engined supercar

The iconic trident badge is back to its racing roots. PHOTO FROM MASERATI

The year 2020 marks a major milestone for Maserati as the Italian marque introduces its latest and greatest super sports car—the highly anticipated, purely Italian designed and built MC20. This is a racing machine unlike anything the Modena-based carmaker has ever developed.

The sleek body took 2,000 man-hours to perfect. PHOTOS FROM MASERATI

The MC20 steps into a bold new era for the shiny trident badge. Maserati’s new halo car is paying tribute to its racing pedigree in the MC12, but with everything dialed up higher. After all, why bother if it would not be a huge leap forward? The MC20 is here to deliver its creator back into the world of racing and into the hearts of those who desire nothing but Maserati’s absolute best.

Completely developed from the ground up at the new Maserati Innovation Lab and assembled at the historic Viale Ciro Menotti factory, the MC20 is a super sports car that represents the pride of Italy and  Maserati’s competition heritage. The nameplate, which stands for Maserati Corse 2020 or Maserati Racing 2020, is a celebration of the marque’s return to the track: a symbol of victory and unparalleled inspiration.

A cockpit that just begs its driver to go fast. PHOTOS FROM MASERATI

The MC20’s styling is a culmination of how Maserati sees things in retrospect combined with modern, clean touches that retain timelessness, presence and beauty. Engineering is an indelible aspect of design as the aerodynamic body of the MC20 has been meticulously sculpted using a Dallara wind tunnel—a process taking nearly 2,000 man-hours. Extra touches to the bodywork like the subtle yet purposeful rear spoiler has fine-tuned the car’s aerodynamic efficiency while enhancing cooling for both the brakes and the engine through vents and ducts on the front and sides.

The full carbon-fiber monocoque chassis is slated to be used in the MC20’s three versions: coupe, convertible, and electric. Variations in chassis construction account for the characteristic traits of each iteration. While coupe is geared toward lightness and performance, the convertible is aimed at increased structural rigidity. The unibody frame  must also satisfy the electric version’s need for a strengthened cradle for the battery.

Flicking the drive mode selector to "Corsa" sharpens handling and throttle response. PHOTO FROM MASERATI

Powering this sleek beast is an internationally patented engine built in-house known as the Nettuno. This 630hp, 90-degree 3.0-liter V6 with highly advanced dual combustion technology derived from Formula 1 is now made available for a street-legal performance machine. Basically, this new motor is at the top of the six-cylinder class in terms of specific power output, generating a commendable 210hp per liter. Maximum torque is at a whopping 730Nm, available between 3,000-5,500rpm.

Tipping the scales below 1,500kg, the marriage of such power combined with refined aerodynamics and best-in-class weight-to-power ratio (2.33kg per horsepower) pushes the MC20 from a standstill to 100km/h in just 2.9 seconds. Keep the throttle wide open and the MC20 can go all the way to 325km/h. All that grunt is managed through an oil-immersed eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with six power and two overdrive speeds to comply with modern emissions standards.

Even the MC20's smallest details are works of art. PHOTOS FROM MASERATI

To balance out all that brutal horsepower with handling and traction, the MC20 is equipped with a compact double-wishbone suspension up front with active shock absorbers and a virtual steering axle. The rear suspension mimics this setup, which is a rare combination in performance production cars. The result is a machine that optimizes its rubber footprint when during cornering.

Other notable pilot features include a sport steering wheel designed alongside Maserati Corse test driver and former MC12 World Champion Andrea Bertolini. This tiller comes with a bevy of drive modes available at your fingertips: GT, Wet, Sport, Corsa and ESC Off. Corsa mode sets up the MC20 for track use with minimal intervention from the driver assist systems. Flick the selector to ESC Off and all electronic aids are deactivated, giving experienced drivers complete control of the vehicle.

Nettuno turbo V6 mill has 621hp. PHOTOS FROM MASERATI

As always, customers can personalize the look of the MC20 with stunning color options taken from great models in the past, along with choices for exclusive premium materials for the driver-centric minimalist interior. Maserati Connect showcases the automaker’s newly developed connected cars technology which includes Alexa voice-command features. The color menu for the MC20 includes Bianco Audace, Giallo Genio, Rosso Vincente, Blu Infinito, Nero Enigma, and Grigio Mistero. Each car is painted inside Maserati’s new state-of-the-art facility.

A fitting tribute to the race-winning MC12. PHOTO FROM MASERATI

The MC20 is living proof that Maserati is taking its aspirations into greater heights of sports car performance while preserving its deep Italian lineage. This is the supercar that redefines and reestablishes the Italian trident symbol. A tour de force truly worthy of celebrating the past, present and future of Maserati.

This branded article was produced in partnership with Maserati Philippines.



VISOR

VISOR is a Philippine-based mobility website that went online on November 6, 2017, and is published by No Glare Media. We create mobility-related content without the falsehood, without the drama, and without the bullshit.



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