Maserati MC20 Features New Nettuno V6 Engine
Maserati has debuted its all-new MC20 sports car at a global premiere in Modena recently. The MC20, which basically stands for Maserati Corse 2020, represents the Italian Trident’s step into a new chapter of its storied history. It is powered by the new Nettuno V6 engine which is the first engine the brand has produced after more than 20 years.
The Nettuno engine is a 3.0L twin turbo V6 channeling 630 hp and 730 Nm of torque. This powers the MC20 from standstill to 100 km/h in under 2.9 seconds and carries it to a top speed of over 325 km/h. The power is transferred to the rear wheels via an 8-speed DCT transmission. Additionally, the groundbreaking Maserati Twin Combustion (MTC) twin spark system developed in-house has been awarded an international patent.
Weighing in at under 1,500 kg (kerb weight), the MC20 is considered a lightweight sports car. With its power output of 630 hp, it comes out with best-in-class weight/power ratio, at 2.33 kg/hp. This is achieved through the use of choice quality materials, exploiting all the potentials of carbon fibre without any sacrifices with to comfort.
The design process for the MC20 was done in about 24 months, with the involvement from the outset of a team of Maserati Innovation Lab engineers, technical specialists from the Maserati Engine Lab and designers from the Maserati Style Centre.
The Virtual Vehicle Dynamics Development system, which includes the use of one of the world’s most advanced dynamic simulators, was developed in-house by the Maserati Innovation Lab. It is based on a complex Virtual Car mathematical model. This method allowed performance of 97% of dynamic tests to optimise development times. The car was then finetuned in the best Maserati tradition with exhaustive track and road test-driving sessions in a wide variety of conditions.
The guiding theme of the MC20’s design is the Trident’s historic identity of elegance, performance and comfort. The focus on performance led to the conception of a car with a distinct personality and an unmistakable form.
The car’s aerodynamics are a result of over 2,000 man-hours in the Dallara Wind Tunnel and over 1,000 CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations. The Cd (coefficient of drag) is 0.38 allows the car to be quick yet has enough downforce in the corners. The resulting car has a sleek line, with no mobile appendages but just a discreet rear spoiler to improve downforce without detracting from the MC20’s simplistic beauty.
In addition, the butterfly doors are not only beautiful but also functional, as they improve the car’s ergonomics and enable optimal access to and from the cabin.
In the cabin, the driver gets priority and little distraction from the driving experience. Every component has a purpose, and is completely driver-oriented. Simple forms, very few sharp edges and minimal distractions. There are two 10″ screens inside i.e. one for the cockpit and the other for the Maserati Touch Control Plus (MTC Plus MIA).
Simplicity is also the keynote of the carbon-fibre-clad central console, with just a few features i.e. the wireless smartphone charger, driving mode selector (GT, Wet, Sport, Corsa and ESC Off, which deactivates the control functions), two speed selection buttons, the power window controls, the Multimedia System controls, and a handy storage compartment underneath the armrest. All the other controls are placed on the steering wheel, with the ignition button on the left and the launch control on the right.
Further, the MC20 is always connected with the Maserati Connect programme. The full range of services includes connected navigation, Alexa and WiFi hotspot. Functions can also be managed via the Maserati Connect smartphone or smartwatch app.
The MC20 is also designed to enable coupé and convertible versions and full electric power as possible future applications. Both visually and conceptually, the MC20 has strong references to the MC12, the car that marked Maserati’s racing comeback in 2004. Like its predecessor, MC20, with its explicitly racing soul clear from its name alone, announces the intention to return to the world of racing.
The MC20 will be built at the Viale Ciro Menotti plant where the Trident’s models have been built for over 80 years. The new production line was created in the spaces where the GranTurismo and GranCabrio models were assembled up until November 2019. The site also features a new paint shop that incorporates innovative, environment-friendly technologies. The Nettuno will also be built in Modena, at the newly established Maserati Engine Lab.
The Maserati MC20 comes in six new colours i.e. Bianco Audace, Giallo Genio, Rosso Vincente, Blu Infinito, Nero Enigma and Grigio Mistero. Each of them is conceived, designed and developed exclusively for this car and all convey important themes – a strong reference to Made in Italy, to Italian identity and to the land, as well as one linked to Maserati tradition.
Gallery:
