In recent decades, Maserati is going through difficult times. Even despite the release of the Levante crossover, which was supposed to do the same as the Cayenne once did for Porsche, sales of the Italian company continue to fall. In 2019, they decreased by 26%, and Maserati once again declared a net loss. Against this background, it is surprising that Fiat (the owner of the brand) continues to inject into Maserati at all. On September 9, for the first time since 2007, Maserati introduced a new supercar, the MC20.
In fact, even more time has passed since the release of its predecessor, the Maserati MC12: it debuted in 2004 and turned out to be a revised version of the Ferrari Enzo for the track. But the MC20 has no direct counterpart in the Ferrari camp.
The basis of the body is a carbon-fiber "bath"-monocoque. Maserati designers have spent more than 2,000 hours in the Dallara wind tunnel. Visually, the body of the Maserati MC20 is divided into two parts - the roof and pillars are painted black. All exterior panels are molded in carbon fiber for minimal weight. The belonging of the car to the Maserati brand can only be determined by the characteristic grille with a trident. Otherwise, it is difficult to distinguish it fr om others. The car is carefully designed in terms of streamlining - which, in general, is logical for a supercar.
The engine is also new: it was developed specifically for the Maserati MC20. This is a 3.0-liter V-shaped "six" with a camber angle of 90 degrees. The motor with the name Nettuno received some interesting engineering solutions. In particular, pre-chamber ignition, two candles for each cylinder and combined injection (direct and distributed) are used here. As a result, the mixture is set on fire with a candle in a small additional chamber installed above the main one, and then enters the main one. It has its own candle, which ignites the mixture at low loads. Two turbochargers are located outside the block, which is also unusual.
Nettuno develops 630 hp at 7500 rpm and 730 Nm in the range from 3000 to 5500 rpm. Maserati calls it the most powerful stock 3.0-liter V6 on the planet. The internal combustion engine is aggregated with an 8-speed "robot" with two clutches. Traction is transmitted to the rear axle, wh ere a self-locking differential is also provided. An electronic lock is available as an option. The layout of the units is central-motor.
Maserati MC20 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds, from 0 to 200 km/h in 8.8. The maximum speed is 325 km/h.
Soon the Italians will present a fully electric version of the MC20: the monocoque was originally developed with an eye on the installation of a large battery. Such a car will have similar acceleration dynamics to 100 km / h, but the “maximum speed” will drop to 310 km / h. The power reserve will be 323 km.
As an option for the MC20, a ride height increase system is offered. It allows you to increase the ground clearance by 50 mm at speeds up to 40 km / h. This will help the supercar overcome bumps like speed bumps.
Most of the cabin panels are made of carbon fiber to lighten the weight. Alcantara and leather are used in the decoration. A 10.3-inch touchscreen display is located in the center of the front panel. The screen of the same size replaces the instrument panel. The Maserati Connect system is able to warn the owner of the need for maintenance.
Also, along with the MC20, the company introduced a slightly updated corporate logo. The designers changed the curve and distance between the arrows of the trident, and on the color emblems (for example, on the hood) they abandoned red.
The Maserati MC20 is scheduled to start production later in 2020. The company is currently taking orders. In the US, the supercar will cost from $210,000.
Maserati unveils new sports car for the first time in 13 years
