Maserati returns to convertibles with open-roof version of recently launched V6 supercar flagship.
Maserati has revealed the long-promised convertible version of its recently launched MC20 supercar, which features a unique ‘smart glass’ panel in its folding roof.
Called the MC20 Cielo (Italian for ‘sky’), it will face off with a diverse crop of highly strung mid-engined convertibles, including the Chevrolet Corvette Convertible, Ferrari 296 GTS and McLaren 720S Spider.
Pricing for the MY23 MC20 models in Australia starts at $467,000 before on-road costs for the MC20 coupe and $528,000 for the MC20 Cielo. Production starts in November for the Coupe and January 2023 for the Cielo.
“The Australian response to both the MC20 and MC20 Cielo has been nothing short of remarkable, with our allocation selling out within hours,” says Grant Barling, General Manager Maserati Australia & New Zealand.
“So we’re delighted to be able to offer further allocation and opportunity to personalise your MC20 and MC20 Cielo with the introduction of these model year additions and updates.”
Maserati says its first convertible model since the V8-engined Grancabrio bowed out in 2019 “is a model devoted to driving pleasure in the great outdoors”, highlighting its folding roof window that can change from clear to opaque at the touch of a button.
It can go from open to closed in just 12sec, making it just one second slower than the 720S Spider’s but still among the quickest of any convertible on sale.
Apart from the roof, the MC20 Cielo is technically identical to the Maserati MC20 coupe, taking its power from Maserati’s new 463kW twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, the Nettuno.
The high-revving mid-mounted powerplant will propel the MC20 Cielo from 0-100km/h in around 3.0sec.
The carbonfibre tub and butterfly doors are also carried over and the roof mechanism adds just 65kg to the total kerbweight, which is posted at 1540kg.
The Cielo is the second of three planned variants of the MC20, alongside the coupé and soon-to-be-revealed electric variant.
“The Cielo offers a perfect mix of sportiness and luxury, courtesy of a specification unique to the segment: the innovative retractable glass roof,” Maserati said.
“In actual fact, the new spyder acts as a meeting point between Maserati audacity and the infinite sky, featuring a special ‘sky feeling’.”
Will Rimell