I’m back in the world of supercars. Maserati MC20
I’m back in the world of supercars. Maserati MC20
Maserati knows better than to mess this up. There’s too much at stake. For the legendary Italian brand, MC20 is described as the beginning of a whole new era. It is a new performance indicator to lead Maserati to a more prosperous future and to solidify its presence among several well-known competitors. The importance of the MC20, the first mid-engine car developed by Maserati in this generation, is reflected in the development method.
It is not Maserati in the traditional sense. The two-seater model is designed using a new digital process that can move from concept to production in just two years. It started to produce prototypes quickly by combining computer-assisted simulations and conventional road test, which are mostly borrowed from motorsports.
“When we started this project, we decided to take a different path from what we used in the past.” Federico Landini, head of MC20, says. “A lot of development has been digitally carried out with new partners at Motor Sports. It included not only cars but also new engines. The related process played a key role in ensuring that cars can be released on time even though it has been a very difficult time.”
It is a new beginning for Maserati, but the name MC20 follows a custom first created in the early part of this century. MC stands for Maserati Corsa (racing in Italian) and the number refers to the year it was released to the public.
It aims for a mid-engine rival with a very strong position. V8 Ferrari F8 Tributo, V10 Lamborghini Uracan and V6 McLaren Atura. Production has just begun in Modena and is expected to be delivered to the UK this summer.
Maserati plans to produce 1,500 MC20s a year, combining the road model that was tested this time and the racing model that will appear in the future. The idea is to build a more engineering-driven and sporty image by leveraging the brand’s presence in the elite sectors of supercars and motorsports for the more mass-market-oriented Ghibli, Quatroporte sedan and Levante SUVs.
The MC20 is based on an advanced carbon fiber monocoque. Designed to carry both gasoline and electric powertrains, there are sturdy aluminum subframes on the front and back. The structure is said to be the most robust Maserati has ever put into mass production. This exceeds the high engineering standards of the Ferrari Enzo-based Maserati MC12, which was made in very small quantities in 2004. It also helped to tie MC20’s tolerance weight to 1,475kg because it is relatively light.
The body is mainly made of carbon fiber and carbon fiber reinforced plastic. It is one of the cars where you can feel various nuances when you look closely. Elements brought from the past maserati, such as low grill and chrome trident, are noticeable.
The top of the body is quite sculptural. However, it is the lower part that has a real impact on performance. It is highly technologically designed using various methods to induce efficient cooling and downforce without the help of active aerodynamic devices.
There are elements that look very functional, such as a front splitter that is folded outward. Vertical fins incorporated in the front of the door, yarn with structured properties, vents above the rear hip, diffusers throughout the rear. The floor is completely paneled and has vortex generators and vertical fins to manage airflow.
The Maserati MC20 is not a big car. It is 4669mm long, 1965mm wide and 1221mm high, 58mm longer than Ferrari F8, 14mm narrower and 15mm higher. The wheelbase is 2700 mm with a front 1681 mm and a rear 1649 mm.
The butterfly door opens high forward on a large hinge. The opening is large and the door seal can easily be crossed. If you go inside, you can see that the relatively simple but incredibly effective interior is mostly dark-toned. It’s not a design aimed at a luxurious atmosphere. Two high-resolution displays for digital devices and infotainment systems and the operating device configuration placed absolutely minimised in a slim transmission tunnel are rather minimalist.
Four-belt seats with carbon fiber frames are electrically controlled. It is functionally as a race car, including considerable support and excellent lateral support. The driving posture is excellent. It’s low and has a good forward view. The digital rearview mirror shows real-time video footage transmitted from cameras mounted on trunk covers. The luggage compartment is not big. There is a 100-liter shallow trunk at the back and a 50-liter loading space at the front.
Pressing the start button mounted on the steering wheel wakes up the MC20 with a light exhaust sound. The transmission is selected via buttons on the center console, D being automatic and M being manual.토토사이트
Let’s take a look at the MC20’s engines to see how seriously Maserati is returning to the mid-engine supercar ranks. Known as the Netuno, the twin turbocharged 3.0L V6 is a brand new engine. It is not based on any existing engine. It is based on a 90-degree architecture that will play a major role in Maserati’s new road vehicle and support his return to racing. Let’s forget the connection with Ferrari. Engineering was all done at Modena’s new Maserati Engine Laboratory.
Quad camshafts, variable valve timing, two IHI turbochargers, direct injection developed by Bosch, twin spark cylinder heads, Formula One patented pre-chamber ignition technology and dry sump lubrication.