Maserati has unveiled the long-promised convertible version of its newly launched MC20 supercar, which includes a unique “smart glass” panel on the folding roof.
Called the MC20 Cielo (Italian for “sky”), it will face a diverse harvest of heavily crafted center-engine convertibles, such as the Chevrolet Corvette Convertible, the Ferrari 296 GTS and the McLaren 720S Spider.
Maserati says its first convertible model since the V8-powered Grancabrio was retired in 2019 “is a model dedicated to the pleasure of driving outdoors”, highlighting its folding roof window that can change from transparent to opaque at the push of a button.
It can go from open to closed in just 12 seconds, making it only a second slower than the 720S Spider, but still one of the fastest convertibles on sale.
Aside from the roof, the MC20 Cielo is technically identical to the Maserati MC20 coupe, taking its power from Maserati’s new 3.0-liter 621bhp twin-turbo V6, the Nettuno.
The mid-range high-speed engine will drive the MC20 Cielo from 0 to 62 mph in about 3.0 seconds.
The carbon fiber tub and butterfly doors are also moved and the roof mechanism adds just 65kg to the total sidewalk weight, which is posted at 1540kg.
No pricing details have been announced, but the convertible is expected to be slightly more expensive than the coupe, which costs £ 187,230.
The Cielo is the second of three planned variants of the MC20, along with the coupe and the electric variant that will soon be unveiled.
“The Sky offers a perfect combination of sportiness and luxury, courtesy of a unique specification for the segment: the innovative retractable glass roof,” Maserati said.
“In fact, the new spyder acts as a meeting point between Maserati ‘s audacity and infinite sky, with a” special “sky feel.”