For many automotive enthusiasts, the passion for cars ignites from witnessing legendary drivers like Stewart, Prost, Senna, and Schumacher conquer world championships in Formula 1. Younger generations might point to modern F1 stars such as Lewis Hamilton as their automotive inspiration. However, my own journey into the world of speed began in a less conventional, yet equally captivating realm: the animated world of Speed Racer.
Yes, my fascination with cars blossomed from a cartoon, a confession that might sound less sophisticated than motorsport origins. As a child, I immersed myself in Speed Racer’s adventures, imagining myself outmaneuvering villains like Skull Duggery and Snake Oiler, all while chasing the checkered flag. The show’s iconic theme song still occasionally echoes in my mind, a testament to the enduring impact of childhood influences.
This early enchantment with a 50-year-old animated series explains my enduring preference for open-roof sports cars. Despite the historical performance advantages of coupes, I’ve always been drawn to the exhilarating freedom of open-air driving. Targas, spiders, and even certain cabriolets evoke the Mach 5 spirit I’ve sought since my feet barely reached the pedals.
This brings us to the breathtaking Maserati MC20 Cielo. The moment I first encountered this convertible marvel at Monterey Car Week, my heart resonated with a resounding, “This is it!” Completely captivated, I eagerly requested the opportunity to experience the Cielo firsthand.
Months later, that wish materialized. I found myself in Italy, poised to test drive both the Cielo and coupe versions, a fitting conclusion to the test program for the new GranTurismos earlier in the year. The mission: to discover if Maserati could transform my childhood fantasies into a tangible reality with the Maserati Cielo.
Unleashing the Nettuno Roar: A Performance Marvel
The defining characteristic of the MC20, whether in coupe or Maserati Cielo convertible form, is undoubtedly its twin-turbocharged Nettuno V6 engine. Upon ignition, the initial sound might evoke the robust rumble of a diesel tractor, a far cry from the refined purr of a traditional V12 supercar. Yet, beneath this initial impression lies a powerhouse boasting an equal number of spark plugs to a V12, thanks to its innovative dual combustion chamber design. This engineering marvel, amplified by twin turbos, unleashes a staggering 621 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque, all channeled to the rear wheels. Maserati confidently asserts a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in a mere 2.7 seconds for both variants, with a top speed exceeding 200 mph. Remarkable figures for a three-liter engine.
As the engine temperature rises, its character evolves dramatically. A gentle press of the throttle reveals a nascent snarl, gradually intensifying into a guttural growl. At lower RPMs, the subtle whistle of the turbos adds a layer of mechanical intrigue. However, as the tachometer needle sweeps past 3,000 RPM, the engine transitions into a full-fledged supercar symphony. With the engine positioned intimately behind the driver, these soaring notes are captivating in the coupe, but reach an unparalleled crescendo with the top down in the Maserati Cielo.
The name “Cielo,” derived from the Italian word for “sky” (pronounced chielo), perfectly encapsulates the convertible nature of this model. Weighing approximately 3,400 pounds, the Maserati Cielo carries a mere 143-pound weight increase over the coupe. Notably, the carbon fiber monocoque, the foundational passenger cell shared by both versions and instrumental in maintaining lightness and agility, was meticulously designed with the convertible variant in mind. This foresight ensures structural rigidity remains uncompromised, although the front suspension in the Maserati Cielo is subtly softened for enhanced open-top cruising comfort.
Driving Dynamics and the $250,000 Experience
Venturing beyond the Roman autostrada into the northern Italian countryside reveals a network of exceptional driving roads, offering ample opportunities to unleash the Maserati Cielo‘s power and navigate a thrilling sequence of twists and turns. In either MC20 guise, these roads become an irresistible playground. Full throttle acceleration delivers a rush of adrenaline, blurring the peripheral vision in a breathtaking display of speed. When deceleration is required, the exceptional Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes respond with minimal effort, ensuring precise control, while the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission executes lightning-fast gear changes.
Steering precision is paramount, offering instantaneous and almost intuitive responses, while grip levels defy expectations, even when equipped with winter tires necessitated by the crisp Lazio air.
Maserati provides four distinct dynamic driving modes: Wet, GT, Sport, and Corsa. Given the dry conditions during my drives, the Wet setting remained unexplored. GT mode excels in highway cruising and relaxed urban driving, though the throttle response feels somewhat subdued until a firmer input is applied. Sport mode awakens the MC20’s spirited character, offering agile and near-telepathic responses. The steering gains weight and feedback, enhancing driver engagement, while the traction control system relaxes its intervention, allowing for playful rear-end movement before seamlessly restoring control.
Despite warnings regarding the Corsa setting on winter tires due to its deactivation of traction assistance, curiosity compelled me to experience the most aggressive exhaust note (apologies to the tires, not sorry to my ears). While the auditory experience was exhilarating, a brief burst of acceleration on a rural road was sufficient to underscore the caution. After all, piloting a $250,000 machine that isn’t mine demands a degree of prudence.
Each driving mode also incorporates two suspension settings, allowing for customized ride comfort. On less-than-perfect road surfaces, softening the suspension setup maintains composure without compromising responsiveness.
A Legacy of Design: Vintage Inspiration Meets Modern Supercar
Contrary to my personal aspirations rooted in the animated Mach 5, the Maserati Cielo‘s design draws inspiration from a distinguished Maserati ancestor: the A6GCS Berlinetta.
While the visual connection might not be immediately obvious, as Klaus Busse, Maserati’s head of design, acknowledges, “Shape-wise, it’s completely different, right? But what always inspired me about the A6GCS was this super clean fuselage upper design. It’s very pure, very clean, and then this kind of brutal cutaway of the dorsal and the exposure of technology.”
The design team also found resonance in classic Formula 1 cars like the Maserati 250F, evident in the MC20’s low, wide front air intake.
The Maserati Cielo transcends mere transportation; it is a rolling sculpture that commands attention, eliciting a symphony of turned heads. Driving back from Ostia, just outside Rome, encountering standstill traffic in the opposite direction became a spectacle. Each driver, without exception, craned their necks in unison as the Maserati Cielo glided past.
Stripped Back to Thrill: Carbon Fiber and Essential Controls
The MC20 coupe and Maserati Cielo embody the essence of contemporary sports cars, characterized by an abundance of carbon fiber and microsuede, with a deliberate reduction of extraneous elements. The sport seats offer firm support without sacrificing comfort, although extended eight-hour journeys might test their endurance.
The steering wheel controls in the Maserati Cielo eschew the fanciful A through G lettering of the Mach 5, and sadly lack buzz saws, spring-loaded jump mechanisms, or submarine transformation capabilities. (Maserati, perhaps it’s time to embrace the gadgetry pioneered by Aston Martin). Instead, they govern essential functions: ignition, launch control, telephone, volume, and cruise control—the sole driver-assistance feature. After all, entrusting a computer to drive your Maserati Cielo seems counterintuitive.
The primary distinction between the Maserati Cielo and the coupe lies, of course, in the roof. However, this is no ordinary convertible top. When closed, the retractable glass roof incorporates electrochromic dimming, allowing for subtle adjustments to cabin light levels. When open-air driving beckons, the roof retracts (or deploys) in a swift 12 seconds. Operation is possible at speeds up to 31 mph, but the system lacks a dedicated switch. Instead, roof operation is managed via the central touchscreen, a system that may not be entirely intuitive, even causing momentary confusion for Maserati representatives.
During my initial drive, the navigation system initiated an update and subsequently remained offline, leading to minor navigational challenges. However, this unintended detour simply translated to more cherished time behind the wheel. La vita è bella.
The Open Road Beckons: Embrace the Cielo
In bygone eras, convertible supercars often suffered from compromised performance compared to their coupe counterparts. Today, advancements in engineering have minimized this disparity. In the Maserati Cielo, the performance difference is virtually imperceptible.
Consequently, even those who don’t share my Speed Racer infatuation will likely find themselves captivated by the Maserati Cielo. But for those who do resonate with that childhood dream, I’ve taken the liberty of configuring a personalized version on the Maserati website…
Perhaps Maserati might consider transforming those racing stripes into a bold “M” and adorning the door with the number 5? The Maserati Cielo stands ready to turn automotive dreams into exhilarating reality.
