After Maserati’s extended supercar-development hiatus, the Italian carmaker finally added a true-bred exotic performance car to its 2022 lineup: the MC20. The mid-engined track-tearer’s name is an abbreviation of ‘Maserati Corse 2020’, and it looks to compete with the likes of the Ferrari F8 and Lamborghini Huracán.

With an estimated $217,000 sticker price, the Maserati MC20 offers wondrous looks and impressive performance per buck, though that number can quickly rise closer to $300,000 if specked generously.

As Maserati’s first all-new supercar since the 2008 GranTurismo, the MC20 comes as a breath of fresh air to an exotic segment that’s been dominated by the same brands for the past years, and it ticks all the boxes that make it fit to compete fiercely with the best of the best. Here’s why the Maserati MC20 is so amazing.

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The MC20’s Power Plant Was Fully Developed By Maserati

2022 Maserati MC20
Maserati

Due to a well-known company brotherhood, in the past, Maserati has commonly opted to mate its vehicles to Ferrari-made engines, as was the case with the MC12 old-school supercar and the GranTurismo. However, the MC20 comes as a genuine Maserati with a highly-competent engine built in-house.

The twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 Maserati calls ‘Nettuno’ uses Formula 1 racecar technology to produce 621 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque, and it's mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission in what makes for lightning-quick 0-60 mph runtime of just 2.9 seconds. The MC20’s heart weighs just 485 pounds (220 kg) while being capable of boosting the rear-wheel-drive supercar to a top speed of 202 mph, and it sounds amazing considering it's just a V6.

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Maserati’s MC20 Is A Work Of Art

blue Maserati MC20 quarter front parked
Via: Maserati

Exotic cars don’t just require high-end performance to justify their hefty price tags; exterior looks are just as important to buyers, and Maserati seems to agree as they managed to give the MC20 one of the most unique and hypnotizing designs in the entire segment.

Up front, the Italian supercar presents itself with a long vented hood that feeds into a fishmouth grille that’s reminiscent of the gorgeous MC12, finished off with simplistic yet fitting rectangular headlights and large air intakes above each end of the car’s satin lip. When gazed at from the side, the sleek traditional Italian body styling can truly be appreciated, as the MC20 boasts sexy bulging fender curves and a sloping hood that seamlessly greets the glass engine-hatch and wingless rear. There’s also a prominent dual-intake side skirt that’s fully functional, designed to help keep the MC20 planted at high speeds without increasing drag. Lastly, from the rear, the Maserati displays sleek taillights mounted above a dual-exhaust outlet and diffuser setup.

For the 2023 model year, Maserati has announced a convertible version of the MC20, called the Cielo Spyder, and we couldn’t be happier about the new addition.

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The Maserati MC20 Can Handle Any Track

Yellow 2022 Maserati MC20 Charging Through A Corner
Maserati

Straight out of the box, Maserati’s MC20 offers incredibly precise handling alongside a well-tuned chassis that remains planted and poised even when thrown into corners at high speeds. Driving modes are plentiful, starting with a comfort GT mode that softens the MC20’s suspension, making it reasonably absorbent and fit for daily use, followed by a sport mode intended for on-road high-performance use. The most extreme option comes in the form of Maserati’s Corsa track mode, which stiffens the suspension and increases throttle response to the max.

In Corsa mode, the MC20 acts almost like a racecar, providing a thrilling drive aided by immense acceleration and a confidently balanced body. Steering is also supremely responsive, though it falls slightly short of the razor-sharp input sensibility found in the likes of the Huracán or F8.

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A Minimalist Interior Perfectly Suits The Maserati MC20

2022 Maserati MC20
via Maserati

Inside the MC20, you’ll find that the cabin is quite simple and uncluttered, featuring a 10.3-inch landscape-mounted center infotainment screen that takes care of the vehicle’s basic functions and entertainment options. The only analog buttons come in the form of the transmission gear selectors and drive mode swivel on the center console, and a few more mounted on the steering wheel that manage the fully-configurable digital driver’s display. The cabin is upholstered and trimmed with high-end materials all over, such as satin carbon fiber, Alcántara, and leather. Butterfly doors grant access to the two-seater, which features grippy sports bucket seats, a digital rearview mirror, and a crispy sound system.

When looked at as a whole, the Maserati MC20 truly shines as a complete and well-executed supercar that fits the bill in any and every way necessary. It offers a timeless design, plenty of performance, and a comfortable interior all for a price that’s dangerously tempting when compared to other competitors.