Maserati MC20 charts a new course for the Trident
The MC20 marks Maserati’s return to the sporting scene.
It is a supercar that could be able to compete at the forefront of sports car manufacturers and with the best of the world’s sports cars.
A coupe with a technical specification worthy of a race car, which is no coincidence since this model should also mark the brand’s return to competition with the Trident.
Lightness and power on the agenda
As its name suggests, the MC20 is in a way the heir of the famous MC12.
MC for “Maserati Corse” and 20 quite simply because the car is unveiled this year and symbolizes the revival of the firm at the Trident.
A revival that can also be noticed by a slightly redesigned logo and a new font for the brand’s lettering.
The MC20 inaugurates a carbon fiber-reinforced plastic shell developed in partnership with the Dallara specialist.
But it is especially on the mechanical level that the MC20 innovates with a V6 biturbo pre-chamber, a combustion technology until now only used in competition, in this case in F1 and in endurance racing (WEC).
This ignition principle makes it possible, in particular, to delay the appearance of knocking, and thus to increase the volumetric ratio to the benefit of efficiency, and in the case of a supercharged engine, to achieve a higher specific power.
In terms of performance, this is obviously quite exceptional, with a 0 to 100 km/h announced in 2.9 seconds, a 0 to 200 km/h in 8.8 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h.
And with only 1,500 kilograms on the scale, the Maserati MC20 boasts a power-to-weight ratio of just 2.33 kg/hp.
This makes it easy to place it ahead of formidable competitors like the Nissan GT-R Nismo, the Ford GT and the Porsche 911 Turbo S, all three of which are also equipped with a six-cylinder engine.
A 100% Italian range
The car’s aerodynamics were shaped in the wind tunnel of the Italian racing car manufacturer.
Dallara also worked with Maserati to develop the carbon fiber monocoque structure.
In addition, the Maserati MC20 has double wishbone suspension and anti-roll bars.
The 20-inch rims are encircled with Bridgestone 245/35 ZR20 tires at the front and 305/30 ZR20 tires at the rear.
The brakes are from Brembo, with 380-mm ventilated front and 350-mm ventilated rear discs with six- and four-piston calipers.
The rear axle is equipped with a mechanical limited-slip differential and, as an option, an electronic differential.
The gearbox is a robotic eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The last two gears have been overdriven for obvious reasons of homologation and CO2 emissions.
In terms of size, the Maserati MC20 is 4.66 meters long, 1.96 meters wide and 1.22 meters high.
These dimensions are similar to those of the Ferrari F8 Tributo by way of comparison.
For luggage, there is a double compartment with 47 liters at the front and 101 liters at the rear. The elytra doors open vertically, upwards and forwards.
Inside the car, we can note the obvious filiation with the interior of the Alpine A110.
Finally, the center mirror is digital and is also connected to a camera at the rear.
The Italian car manufacturer Maserati has integrated a 10.25-inch touch screen in the center with a digital instrumentation system.
The ergonomics of the screens are fairly minimalist and only give the right information needed to drive the MC20, dynamic or not.
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Headline photo: © Maserati
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