In the atmospheric opus La Dolce Vita by director Federico Fellini, roadsters play as important a role in history as it does its glamorous novels. Could anyone imagine the fluid blonde hair of actress Anita Ekberg contained by a closed coupe?
Channeling this free-spirited theme, Maserati has just introduced the MC20 Cielo Spyder, which expands the personality of the MC20 supercar in a more extroverted and seemingly carefree direction. However, as we learned from the debut of the car here in the Italian Motor Valley, the new Cielo, “sky” in Italian, has in fact incorporated fairly reasonable and engineering-focused ways to make blowing your hair back is an even more emotionally charged experience. .
The 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo Spyder. Aldo Ferrero, courtesy of Maserati SpA
Maserati chief designer Klaus Busse describes the MC20’s visual treatment as focused on “visual longevity and purity,” another way of saying that he cares less about frivolity and fashion than appearance. clean and durable. Busse contextualizes the modern Maserati brand in a way that contradicts many conventional opinions. “Design is the second most important thing in a Maserati,” he says. “Technology and performance come first.”
Of course, Maserati has incorporated a number of technological innovations into its carbon fiber supercar. And at least aesthetically pleasing, in the form of a coupe, the MC20 has a touch of seriousness with its angular nose, its decided mid-section and subtly arched shoulders. It leaves the lid fixed and the roof line of the Maserati retains much of its former luster, only adding an incremental amount of height to the carbon fiber flying buttresses to accommodate the complex folding parts underneath. In order to prevent the rear cover from appearing inflated, the designers persuaded the engineers to reposition it as low as possible, which involved tactics such as repositioning the engine wiring to a lower position to improve the overall visual proportions of the car.
In terms of performance, the MC20 Cielo covers from zero to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds and can reach over 199 mph. Aldo Ferrero, courtesy of Maserati SpA
Like some carbon body competitors in the UK, Maserati has incorporated a “Smart Glass” window that promises to block the sun or let light in at the push of a button. However, unlike its Surrey counterparts, the Maserati system has a completely opaque configuration when the system is not powered, creating a light-proof barrier unlike the competitor’s, which does not completely block the sun’s rays. The polymer-dispersed liquid crystal folding roof adds a little more complexity and weight compared to what a non-transparent panel would do, helping to increase the total weight to 143 pounds. But the performance figures remain essentially unchanged – from zero to 62 mph in about 3 seconds and a top speed of over 199 mph.
A polymer dispersed liquid crystal roof allows the management of sunlight inside the cabin. Aldo Ferrero, courtesy of Maserati SpA
Responsible for these metrics is the Sky’s twin-turbo Nettuno V-6 at 8,000 rpm and produces 621 hp, figures identical to those of its counterpart coupe. While the car’s stability control systems remain unchanged, the suspension configuration has been adjusted to accommodate the added weight. Although we still have to drive the MC20 Cielo (look at this space for a first driving review), its athletic soul seems to have remained intact, apart from a recalibrated active rear differential that could offer features slightly more predictable handling. Maserati claims that the Cielo will offer the best thermal insulation in its class from the folding hard cover and a closing time of 12 seconds at speeds of up to 31 mph, offering a degree of versatility that makes it suitable for use. diary.
The roof structure of the Sky can discourage purists when the top is up, as the center section is not as aerodynamic as that of the fixed coupe. However, when the tonneau rises and reveals a large trident logo embedded under the clear, titanium-finish coating, the MC20 becomes an intangibly cool-looking supercar whose spirit brings a little more of contempt than the non-outdoor alternative.
A large trident logo is embedded under the transparent layer and finished in titanium. Aldo Ferrero, courtesy of Maserati SpA
The three-layer metallic release color, called Acquamarina, sets a subtly iridescent vibe to the acts, emphasizing the more elegant side of the model. The convertible does not reach the languid hedonism and disappointment of the film La Dolce Vita, but it is certainly a convincing way to let your hair fall out. The Maserati MC20 Cielo Spyder 2023 will hit U.S. showrooms later this year.