We were stopped at a T-intersection, the hum of the Maserati’s twin-turbo Nettuno V6 engine barely audible, a typical trait of Italian power plants at idle. To our left, a winding uphill road promised a tempting series of curves. My passenger, a seasoned F1 enthusiast and BMW M3 driver, was about to experience her first Maserati, and not just any Maserati, but the MC20. Her eyes darted around the cabin, absorbing every detail, a silent anticipation filling the air. She knew speed, but the MC20 was in a different league. Impatience crept in.
“Hang on,” I announced, the words a mere formality.
Her response was to sink into the sculpted seat and tap “record” on her phone. The moment the traffic cleared, I slammed the throttle. The Rosso Vincente MC20 exploded into the intersection, launching up the incline with a ferocity that defied physics. Speed climbed rapidly – 40, 70, 95, 120 mph – before I eased off, a gentle tap of the brakes, a slight turn of the wheel, and then back on the accelerator as we plunged into the first curve. We were instantly swallowed by the traffic we had patiently waited for. The irony of piloting a 200 mph supercar at the pace of a Sunday drive wasn’t lost on me.
“Did you get a good video?” I asked, hoping she had captured even a fraction of the initial burst.
“Video? Oh, I completely forgot,” she confessed, eyes wide with astonishment. “WOW. This thing is just… AMAZING.”
MC20 Exterior
“Amazing” is a word that perfectly captures the essence of the 2023 Maserati Mc20. Over several days with this Italian supercar, that word, along with a string of involuntary expletives, became commonplace. The MC20 possesses an almost primal ability to elicit extreme reactions, often leaving passengers speechless, their vocabulary momentarily limited to expressions of pure awe. The ferocious acceleration is so intense, it feels like the brain struggles to keep up, leaving only instinctive, primal responses.
We seized the next side street for another acceleration test, the rich Alcantara seats embracing us as I engaged the exquisitely crafted carbon fiber paddle shifters. The Nettuno V6 behind us transformed from a quiet hum to a ferocious growl, rapidly ascending to its 7,000 rpm redline. The traction control worked tirelessly to manage the immense power, preventing the wide rear tires from dissolving into expensive blue smoke. My senses heightened, attuned to the MC20’s lightning-fast responses, yet restraint was paramount. Maintaining speeds below triple digits required a constant exercise of willpower. We navigated onto a road with more character than the typical Midwestern grid, a welcome change allowing the MC20 to stretch its legs, if only slightly.
MC20 Interior & Details
We managed to weave through a few corners, experiencing the undulating roads, constantly testing the boundaries between exploring the MC20’s immense capabilities and staying within legal limits. A sharp 70-degree corner was dispatched with ease, but as I reapplied the throttle, the rear end momentarily stepped out. A quick lift, a subtle correction, and then back on the power, a touch more cautiously this time – just a touch. The 2023 Maserati MC20 felt remarkably composed, unflappable even. Its inherent balance and engineering brilliance shone through, making hard driving feel surprisingly accessible, even in Race mode with all electronic aids disengaged. Another stop sign appeared. Seeing clear traffic, we unleashed the MC20 onto the freeway on-ramp. The Nettuno engine roared, the wheels scrabbled for grip once more, and the coupe rocketed towards the merging traffic. Our destination: to return our passenger, still giggling from the adrenaline-fueled experience.
Maserati has crafted exceptional vehicles in recent years, but the MC20 truly embodies the promise inherent in the Maserati name. For many, “Maserati” conjures images of speed, exotic Italian design, and undeniable sex appeal. While the Trofeo range delivers on much of this with their stunning aesthetics and potent 590 hp turbocharged V8 engines, the 2023 MC20 elevates the experience to another dimension. Just look at it. It’s breathtaking. It’s the closest road-legal embodiment of a Maserati race car in decades. Every facet of its design screams “performance-driven functionality.” Each inlet, each vent – a testament to stylized speed. And finished in Rosso Vincente, a triple-coat red paint of mesmerizing depth, it’s simply gorgeous. It’s a magnet for attention. At every stoplight, glances turned into stares. Returning to the car after a quick errand meant navigating through small crowds, cameras in hand, dissecting every design element, eager to discuss it, to peer inside. And honestly, who could blame them?
MC 20 Rollers
Reaching for the door handle, a gentle press of a button, and the large, forged carbon-fiber butterfly doors gracefully ascend, surrendering to the sky. Fully opened, they reveal the carbon-fiber monocoque chassis curving inwards towards the car’s core. This ingenious design element surprisingly simplifies entry and exit. You can either slide onto the seat first and then bring your legs in, or step directly into the monocoque and lower yourself into the embrace of the seat. Having previously driven the Alfa Romeo 4C, another monocoque chassis car, the MC20 proves to be significantly more user-friendly in this regard. The doors themselves contribute by positioning you closer to the seat, and the sill is notably less imposing than the 4C’s.
Once settled into those seats, departure becomes a distant thought. While providing excellent lateral support, they avoid feeling restrictive, allowing for comfortable movement. The substantial steering wheel offers both height and depth adjustment, ensuring a quick and effortless attainment of the perfect driving posture. The interior is a sophisticated blend of matte-weave carbon fiber, forged carbon fiber, black leather, black Alcantara, accented with yellow stitching and aluminum details. A decidedly business-like ambiance, especially for those whose business involves rapid transit. A touchscreen infotainment system resides in the center stack, while the central console houses the controls for driving mode selection and other essential functions. Headroom is generous, even accommodating my 6’1” frame with a helmet. The view through the windshield is dominated by the fenders and the road ahead – precisely what’s needed for confident corner placement. The side mirrors offer an expansive view past the rear haunches, and Maserati has thoughtfully incorporated a rear-facing camera, feeding its feed to the rearview “mirror.” The digital display takes a moment to acclimate to, but once you adjust your focus beyond the surface of the “mirror,” the digital video image becomes intuitive.
The start button, a Ferrari-esque touch, is located on the steering wheel. Maserati’s new turbocharged 3.0L V6, dubbed the Nettuno, doesn’t possess a particularly distinctive sound at idle. However, true to Italian engine character, it awakens with increasing fervor as the revs climb. Producing 620 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque, it revs with such eagerness from idle to its 7000 rpm redline that it feels as though the tachometer needle is propelled by the sheer will of the engine. Maserati claims a 0-60 mph time of 2.9 seconds, a figure that feels entirely believable from behind the wheel. Their stated top speed exceeding 200 mph also seems plausible, though a sufficiently long and empty stretch of autobahn remained elusive during our test. Joking aside, the ferocity with which the car accelerates even from 90 mph on the freeway leaves little room for doubt in its claimed performance figures. The Nettuno engine boasts immense power, propelling the lightweight MC20 with mind-bending speed. It’s paired with Maserati’s dual-clutch 8-speed transmission, offering seamless automatic operation or manual control via the generously sized carbon fiber paddle shifters. Gear changes are executed with lightning-quick precision at the pull of a paddle. An e-differential at the rear axle manages power distribution between the wheels, effectively limiting slip. Its performance was evident in maintaining rear-end composure even during spirited driving, with a perceptible transfer of power during hard acceleration with traction control engaged.
Surprisingly, the 2023 Maserati MC20 is not an intimidating car to drive. Initial apprehension might arise from the specifications sheet and the price tag, perhaps amplified by the moment you settle in, press the start button, and hear the assertive bark of the engine. The question of what you’ve gotten yourself into might linger momentarily. However, once underway, the MC20 quickly dispels any notion of being a temperamental beast. It feels approachable, almost inviting, eager to be driven. In its default driving mode, the traction and stability control systems provide a safety net, provided you exercise a modicum of common sense. Comfort with the MC20 develops rapidly, paving the way to explore its more focused driving modes: Sport, Race, and Wet, each progressively unleashing more of the car’s inherent performance.
The steering is remarkably sharp, with an incredibly quick ratio. Navigating through a series of esses requires only minute steering inputs, creating an almost telepathic connection between driver intention and car response. Its responsiveness is truly exceptional and a genuine pleasure to experience.
The suspension inspires complete confidence. Employing double-wishbones and active dampers, it effectively filters out minor road imperfections while capably absorbing larger bumps, all while maintaining responsive and aggressive handling. While we managed to induce slight rear-end slip on occasion, it always remained easily controllable, fostering a deep sense of trust in the chassis. The inclusion of a hydraulic lifting system is a particularly appreciated feature, safeguarding the vulnerable front splitter from damage caused by speed bumps and steep driveways. For anyone accustomed to the careful maneuvering required to avoid scraping a low front splitter, especially one crafted from exquisite carbon fiber like the MC20’s, this feature is invaluable.
Braking duties are handled by Brembo carbon-ceramic matrix units: massive rotors and calipers of truly substantial size. Widely regarded as the pinnacle of braking technology, they live up to their reputation. While familiar from other high-performance vehicles, these Brembo brakes in the MC20 exhibit an enhanced level of real-world usability. Initial pedal feel might seem slightly wooden before they engage, but once warmed, they offer immense stopping power. When decelerating from high speeds, their performance is nothing short of phenomenal. Effortless to modulate and providing crystal-clear feedback, they inspire absolute confidence in their capabilities.
My local roads are far from ideal for a car of this caliber. Typically, when I get a performance car, I seek out a 120-mile route north, known for its engaging curves and elevation changes. However, Maserati understandably limited the mileage on this precious 2023 MC20 press car. Therefore, I had to make the most of the available terrain – a mix of freeways and moderately interesting country roads. Over several days, we gained a comprehensive understanding of the MC20’s character. My expectations were high, but the MC20 surpassed them. This car is a unique blend of exotic sports car and race car, simultaneously refined and raw. It demands heightened reflexes, pushing you to drive with greater precision, which in turn fuels the desire to push harder. A mere twenty-minute drive can be mentally, physically, and emotionally exhilarating. It doesn’t have to be, of course, but for those who appreciate performance driving, resisting the intoxicating siren song of the engine at full throttle, the rapid ascent to redline, and the blur of the passing scenery is virtually impossible.
Fuel efficiency? Frankly, it’s irrelevant. This car isn’t about economy, and any mention of a “carbon footprint” would likely be met with a dismissive wave, if not something more forceful.
The sound system? Admittedly, I have no recollection of it. It might have been activated briefly at some point, but I couldn’t attest to its quality. Who needs music when you have the sonorous Italian V6 just behind your head, orchestrating a symphony of roars, pops, and pure auditory delight?
Would I buy one? In an instant, if lottery winnings or a sudden inheritance materialized. Personally, the Ciello roadster version holds even greater allure. The appeal of open-air driving, being even closer to the raw engine note, is undeniable. Perhaps, if Maserati extends its forgiveness for the delayed review, they might grant us the opportunity to experience the Ciello someday.
The Maserati MC20 starts at approximately $212,000 USD. Our test example, laden with around $90,000 in optional extras, was demonstrably enhanced by these additions. The exterior carbon fiber package ($35,000), carbon-ceramic brakes ($11,200), suspension lifter ($4,000), carbon fiber engine cover ($5,000), and the $10,000 Rosso Vincente paint were all highly desirable. I wouldn’t have altered a single option.
Equal parts visceral racing machine, exotic sports car, work of art, and ultimate trophy, the 2023 Maserati MC20 proved to be an unadulterated joy to drive. Used as a daily driver for nearly three days, it remained perfectly comfortable and accommodating. No complaints about driving position, ingress or egress, excessive heat, or switchgear – nothing. There was simply nothing to fault. It’s a car that commands attention, captivates the heart, and somehow convinces your rational mind that acquiring one is a perfectly sound decision.
Frankly, it seduced me on every conceivable level.
Performance: 10
Handling: 10
Design: 11
Interior: 10
Infotainment: 10
Sound: 10
Fun: 10
Overall: 10
Special thanks to Nick Nardi for his invaluable assistance with the rolling photography.
