Long owned by Fiat and then FCA, Maserati has been forced to play second fiddle to Ferrari for decades. After its 2015 IPO, Ferrari is 67% publicly owned, with FCA and Piero Ferrari controlling the rest. A 630-HP mid-engine supercar that can compete with the Ferrari F8 Tributo in the ribs, the 2022 Maserati MC20 is precisely the sort of car that the Italian automaker would never have been allowed to build a few years ago.
Sixteen years after the track-bred MC12 made its debut, the mid-engine MC20 is one of the company’s quickest models to date and shall spearhead Maserati's return to racing. Both of these points are noteworthy, especially after a generation of sedans and SUVs chiefly focused on luxury. The MC20’s are performance-oriented.
The 2022 Maserati MC20 is the first fruit of a far-reaching overhaul that sets the course for Maserati’s future models. The car's excellence begins from its design, going all the way to its powertrain under the skin.
The Fastest In The Factory
The heart of the MC20 is an all-new 3-liter 90-degree twin-turbo V6 that has been entirely engineered in-house. This engine configuration was chosen because it offered the most compact overall dimensions and a lower center of gravity. Dubbed Nettuno, the engine produces 621 HP at 7,500 rpm and 538 lb-ft of torque from 3,000 to 5,500 rpm.
This powerhouse has a dry sump and double overhead camshafts with variable valve timing. The Nettuno also features 12 spark plugs and 12 combustion chambers, an oddly high number for an average Maserati. This results in more complete and efficient combustion, which helps the Nettuno achieve its class-leading specific output of 210 HP per liter. The engine’s patented Maserati Twin Combustion technology utilizes a pre-chamber that initiates combustion in each cylinder, fed by its own fuel injector and fired by its own spark plug.
Maserati claims the MC20 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in merely 2.88 seconds, making it quicker than the 630-horsepower Lamborghini Huracán Evo and not far off the 710-horsepower F8 Tributo. The 0 to 124 mph sprint shall take less than 8.8 seconds, and the claimed top speed of the car is 202 MPH. According to the numbers, the supercar shall be able to reach its top speed in approximately 9 seconds.
The Electrifying Sibling
Maserati also has plans to release an all-electric version of the car sometime after the initial ICE variant. An all-electric version of the MC20 is scheduled to make its debut in 2022. Although the ICE version is rear-wheel drive, the electric version will strictly offer an all-wheel drivetrain, with motors at the front and rear axles and active torque vectoring. The electric MC20 will have a range of about 240 miles, and the claimed top speed shall be more than 190 mph.
According to Maserati, the instant-on torque of the motors, combined with the AWD, means the battery-powered MC20 should be a couple of seconds quicker in reaching the 60 mph mark compared to the V6 version. Moreover, it will also be at least three-tenths of a second faster in hitting 124 mph despite the extra weight of the battery.
Both the MC20s seem impressive at the performance spectrum and will have a similar design, barring the obvious differences due to the fuel types. Since Maserati has focused equally on luxury in their vehicles over the decades, it is highly likely that the new MC20s shall also provide the signature Maserati experience along with the added thrill.
The High-Octane Maserati Comfort
As a road car, the 2022 Maserati MC20 has plenty of pleasant surprises to offer. The cabin is spacious both in terms of head and shoulder room. The A-pillars are positioned to maximize forward visibility, while the rearview is taken care of by the large side mirrors and a frameless digital rearview mirror. Even at high speeds, the adjustable suspension seamlessly takes care of all the punches without damaging the nose lift system.
Primarily to be driven in sport mode with the suspension on its softer setting, the MC20 gets smoother as the surfaces get rougher. The driver is treated with no bottoming out or hesitation under higher loads, the grip through the expertly weighted steering, and the exhaust flaps open from 3,500 rpm for good measure.
To make the experience better, Maserati has equipped the MC20 with a variety of high-end technologies and tech. These include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, and an optional 12-speaker Sonus Faber sound system.
Be it the V6 or the all-electric, the 2022 Maserati MC20 is set to give its competitors a run for their money. The MC20 may be the trump card of Maserati to up its game in the electric and ICE vehicle segment.