Maserati has announced the name of its MC20 sports car’s upcoming top-down version. The convertible model will be known as the MC20 Cielo, using the Italian word for ‘sky.’
The upcoming Maserati MC20 Cielo will be a convertible version of its MC20 super sports coupe (pictured)
That much should have been apparent when the luxury automaker released preview images of the model’s first completed prototype last year. The car rolled off Maserati’s facilities for real-world road tests, covered in bright blue camouflage dotted with cloud patterns all over. Turns out that the name was already staring everyone right in the face.
Maserati says the choice of name reflects the MC20 Cielo’s devotion to open-air driving pleasure, even as the car retains the characteristics of a true performance model. As with its standard version, the MC stands for Maserati Corse (racing) and the ‘20’ refers to the year 2020, when the brand announced its return to motorsport.
That bright camouflage pattern should have been a clue
Just like the MC20, the MC20 Cielo will be built using the same monocoque body made of carbon fiber and composite materials. There is a slight weight penalty to be expected, on account of the mechanism required for the folding roof. The MC20’s interior will likely be carried over to the MC20 Cielo, with black bucket seats and plenty of carbon fiber.
Tech features are anticipated to include a 10-inch all-digital instrument cluster and touchscreen central monitor. But the real centerpiece lies behind the seats, where the MC20’s 3.0-liter Nettuno twin-turbo V6 engine will again make an appearance.
The MC20 Cielo will also use Maserati's first homemade power unit
Engineered with Formula One technology, the power unit is rated at 621 horsepower and 730 Nm of torque, with the rear wheels receiving all that power thanks to an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission by Getrag. Interestingly, Maserati says that an electric powertrain for the MC20 series is also under development.
The upcoming convertible will be wholly made in Italy, sharing production facilities with its hardtop sibling at Viale Ciro Menotti in Modena. It is scheduled to make its global premiere on May 25.
We uncover more than just model names at Philkotse.com.