Maserati is one of the least popular Italian brands in America, even though it’s got at least as much history and heritage as Ferrari and Lamborghini. To capture some of that lost glory, the Ghibli maker is launching a supercar. Meet the Maserati MC20.
It’s the first all-new exotic two-door since the days of the Gran Turismo. And it’s also the first supercar since the rare MC12, an expensive Enzo derivative of which they made only 50. But the automotive landscape has changed a lot since the 2000s, and it’s become increasingly difficult to stand out.
How much is a Maserati MC20? Well, the car will come in three trim levels when it goes on sale in 2022. The GranLusso and Granspor start from about $210,000, not including destination and handling. But it’s fair to say most will push to $250,000, and there will eventually be a convertible version that’s more expensive.
Competition is pretty fierce at that price. You can grab a stunningly minimalist McLaren GT and Audi R8 with all the bells or a Huracan Evo, not to mention the omnipresent Porsche 911 Turbo. So you’re basically paying for the Maserati badge? Well, there’s bound to be some exclusivity involved here, and it starts with a unique engine.
The engine is amazing
The MC20 is 100% Maserati, and that includes the turbocharged V6 they call “Nettuno”. It’s a twin-turbo 3.0-liter setup that delivers 621 hp (630 PS). That’s over 200 horsepower per liter, which has got to be some kind of record. Utilizing a new twin-combustion system borrowed from F1 and an 8-speed she will get you from zero to 62 mph in under 3 seconds and a top speed of over 200 mph.
The lightning-fast acceleration is paired with sweet, precise handling to put the Italians on track to greatness. As a reminder, MC stands for Maserati Corse, and that pretty much guarantees this will be a race car as well. At launch, the six exterior color choices for the MC20 include Bianco Audace, Giallo Genio, Rosso Vincente, Blu Infinito, Nero Enigma, and Grigio Mistero.
We can think of no better way to find out if the MC20 lives up to expectations than with a Top Gear review. And this one makes you wish Clarkson was back doing the videos because the Maserati immediately gets two thumbs up for its design. Really? Have you not seen the Ferrari 296 GTB?
Jack Rix is at least fiar about the interior, saying that it’s not fitting for a $210,000 car. Ferrari just does “special” better in that department.
