MASERATI MC20 – MODENA IS MORE THAN THE CENTER OF ENGINES

By Fabrizio Ferrari.

Of the 5 billion investment announced by FCA CEO Mike Manley for the development of Italian companies, 2.5 billion euros are destined for Maserati and Modena in particular (remember that Maserati has the bulk of its production in Turin), as Maserati is now considered by the entire Stellantis group (FCA-PSA) as a great resource, as the only LUXURY brand of the entire group which, among others, also includes other premium brands such as Alfa Romeo (together with JEEP, Chrysler, Lancia, FIAT and, as regards PSA, Peugeot and Citroen).

In fact, it is no coincidence that in Modena, since the time of the “Giorgio” project (Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio), a structure dedicated to advanced design and development has arisen which, in the short span of five years, has become a point of reference , recently transforming itself into what we now know as the “Innovation Lab”: a true research and advanced design center where, in addition to the MC20, the new Maserati range is now being born which, between now and 2024/25, will expand to to offer, not only the new Quattroporte and Ghibli sedans and a new Levante; but also future cars by Maserati, such as the new “GRECALE” SUV, which will fit into a segment immediately below that of the Levante, as well as the new GranTurismo and GranCabrio.
And the MC20, the new sporty “mid-engine” which, in addition to the road version, will be entered in a much more thrilling racing version (thus becoming the “weapon” with which Maserati will officially return to compete in the GT Championship – remembering the 9 consecutive titles won by the amazing MC12 in her long and very successful career); we said the MC20 today represents not only the starting point for the new ERA Maserati, but also the “technological flag” of this new Maserati course which, in addition to the indisputable motoring tradition of the Trident House, is well represented by the incredible V6 turbo “Nettuno” (over 200 HP / liter) also adds the novelty of electrification, connectivity and assisted driving.

But beware, Maserati will not make any hybrid model, as is in vogue today among many automotive manufacturers around the world! In fact, Maserati, after careful analysis, has focused on the choice of maximum flexibility, with new models, all equipped with either the classic internal combustion engine, or completely “full electric”.

As in the case of the MC20 itself, now presented and available with the fantastic V6 “Nettuno, but which will soon also be available in a fully electric version. Not surprisingly, the Maserati philosophy provides layouts that are as simplified, light and performing as possible, without the overlapping of the two engines which inevitably tends to complicate and above all to increase the weight of the layout of the hybrid cars.

What about the beautiful and charming MC20? The layout with central rear engine (in the fully electric version at the rear, in addition to the electric motors, the battery pack will obviously be centrally housed) has allowed an ideal weight distribution for handling and driving pleasure like a real racing car on road, without sacrificing typical Maserati comfort. The passenger compartment is in fact unexpectedly large, in relation to the type of car and accessibility has also been optimized, thanks above all to the new doors opening upwards, together with the refinement of the tapering of the sill, exactly in the exit area of ​​the legs ( close to the front wheel arch). A solution never seen before on a Maserati, that of opening the doors upwards (GT1 racing style) which, once again, confirms the refined search for perfection typical of Maserati engineers and designers.

Another technological excellence of the MC20, the refined carbon frame, in the central “cell” of the passenger compartment: a guarantee not only of rigidity and performance, in terms of weight reduction, but also of occupant safety in the event of an impact. The structure of the frame is formed by the central “cell” in carbon, completed by the two classic front and rear aluminum frames which, in addition to guaranteeing perfect management of all the connected mechanical parts, are also a great advantage for creating a shock absorption; moreover, it is also easier to manage for any repairs and restoration (in the event of an accident, the subframe affected by the impact is replaced as a whole).

I’m really curious to drive this fantastic sports car, especially on the road; as the real challenge of Maserati is precisely this: to have created an uncompromising sports car, able to have its say in GT1 races but, at the same time, absolutely manageable in tranquility and safety on everyday roads, without forgetting even the typical refinement, luxury and above all traditional Maserati comfort!

I conclude by saying that I am extremely happy at the news that this is only the first piece of a new ERA Maserati that, without any doubt, will carry this historic Brand born from and for racing into the future: a certain future marked by connectivity, electrification and assisted driving. , but without absolutely forgetting the historical roots of the brand: that is, sportiness, efficiency and driving pleasure. And above all, by now it is clear to everyone, is the heritage of the people who work in Modena: technicians, engineers, designers. Modena has always been the land of motors!