Maserati MC20: a modern supercar with exotic charm – ANSA Motorri Test

The Maserati MC20 expresses the exotic charm of a supercar and the sophistication of modern times, it inherits the strong testimony, that of the MC12, which combines the glory of sports and the charm of saving, but shows it with a certain originality. In fact, just look at it to understand that, even if its engine cylinders are half, it has extra character.
The grille is a reminder of the elegant tradition of the Trident, the doors that open up, the front that jumps the asphalt, and the wide and powerful back, on the other hand, tells us that we are in front of something new. On the other hand, the housing carbon cell, created with the valuable contribution of Dallara, under the balance, and the Brembo carbon-ceramic brake system, are elements designed to go fast and, even if its original destination is the track, where will compete soon in its evolution in GT2, on the road it has many arrows in its bow. At the same time, the weight, less than 1,500 kg, allows to have the necessary agility and mass that does not make the operation difficult when breaking. But above all degrees the 90 ° 3.0 twin-turbo V6, called Nettuno, was designed and built in Modena, with a pre-chamber combustion system and two spark plugs that are based on the technical solutions used in F1. This compact and light unit weighs 220 kg, works in conjunction with an 8-speed robotic gearbox, produces a maximum power of 630 HP at 7,500 rpm, and guarantees a run from 0 to 100 km / h in 2.8 seconds , while the maximum speed announced is more than 325 km / h.

With this power, it is not afraid of V8 or V10, and boasts a specific power of 210 HP/liter, so the most natural instinct is to press the ignition button on the bottom left spoke on the steering wheel. In good conditions, the other button, the launch control, is also a temptation that is difficult to resist. Once you lower yourself into the carbon tub, between the leather and Alcantara, everything is within reach, and the large pad behind the steering wheel to control the manual gearbox is available even in the tightest bends.
The 10.3-inch infotainment screen placed under current trends is no coincidence, on the MC20 you sit down to drive, and the multimedia interface with the Android operating system, updated via the Internet, is more modern than necessary. The rear view mirror transmits the image from the camera, while in the middle of the tunnel there is a control for setting the driving conditions that offer 5 things to choose from.
If you only use it in the rain in bad weather or slippery pavement, the GT helps you travel with the minimum level of comfort that even a large car is allowed, the Sport starts to bring character, but it is in the Corsa that you can use it. MC20’s realistic mechanics and effects, despite being able to rely on an electronic parachute. The last step, to be tested only on the track, esc off, is for driving purists, who want to have all the power of a Modenese sports car without filters.
When driving in traffic, the mid-engined Maserati handles itself because of its low ground clearance, dash and low seat. In addition, you are always the center of attention, so you always feel under scrutiny. In guided tours, on the other hand, one appreciates the authenticity of the responses to commands, the overall agility, and the driving speed of a true sports car. Braking requires firm action on the pedal, but deceleration is always surprising, corner after corner, you discover the characteristics of a perfectly balanced chassis, while the engine is revived with a certain timbre that gives it a strong personality.
The MC20 is a very good honest car, it gives you what you ask for and, despite the presence of new generation equipment such as an electronically controlled limited slip differential, it manages to make driving clean, unfiltered, as a sports car should be. be.. At a price of more than 239,000 euros, the competitors are first-rate, but the Maserati MC20 matches all its personality in the market niche where the trident has been missing for some time.