The MC20 prototype, centre, the Maserati Eldorado, top left, and the Maserati 250F.
Photo: Maserati S.p.A.
Made in Modena: Maserati poised to unleash new ‘super sportscar’
Supercar junkies, along with the international motoring world, will have their eyes firmly fixed on Modena in Italy come September when Maserati unveils its ‘new era’ in high-performance motoring.
The MC20 prototype, centre, the Maserati Eldorado, top left, and the Maserati 250F.
Photo: Maserati S.p.A.
Centred on the launch of its all-new and home-grown Nettuno engine – described as a “100% Maserati engine that adopts F1 technology for a road car” – the event – set down for 9 and 10 September – will also see the world premiere of the much anticipated MC20 “super sportscar”.
Announcing the launch of the moniker’s “new era” on Tuesday 1 July, Maserati South Africa said the event would also showcase new models which will go into production over the coming years, reveal new propulsion systems, and outline other ambitious projects and plans for the luxury brand going forward.
The future of the renowned trident logo will be unveiled at its “MMXX event” to be staged in Maserati’s home base of Modena. MMXX represents the Roman numerals for 2020, while similarly, the MC20 stands for Maserati Corse with the 20 denoting the year 2020.
Will South Africans be able to get behind wheel of an MC20?
With growing interest in the new MC20 having been recorded locally and some months ahead of its official premiere, the good news for South Africans is that the MC20 will be available on order, through Maserati South Africa, after the launch.
While pricing has not yet been revealed, local access to the MC20 was confirmed on Wednesday by dealer principal of Maserati Johannesburg Nagesh Naidoo.
Naidoo, who has first-hand knowledge of the MC20, confirmed that a number of production units had already been prepared for the launch – which had been bumped up from May this year to September due to the global pandemic.
Holding Maserati’s cards close to its chest ahead of the world premiere, Naidoo was unabashed about the MC20 – describing the new edition to the Italian automotive royal’s stable as exceptionally exciting.
Rich racing legacy
Without going into detail, Naidoo also gave acknowledgement and much weight to statements published by Maserati both online and in its media statements which point firmly at racing.
According to Maserati – which was founded on a rich and successful motor racing legacy – the new “Made in Modena” engine, a traditional 90° V6, has been taken to unheard-of power and torque levels and will be used for the first time on the MC20 super sportscar.
“The MC20 will take Maserati back to the world of racing,” said the automaker.
What the hype is all about
In the most simplest terms, Maserati describes its September reveal as the culmination of a strategic operation for the manufacturer.
“…a brand that, today, is preparing to launch the new MC20, a project that is ‘100% Made in Modena’ starting right from it’s engine, the heart of the new car.”
And this heart, which Maserati claims produces a whopping 464 kW at 7500rpm and 730 Nm of torque from 3000rpm – is certain to set the hearts of scores of supercar enthusiasts aflutter.
“(It’s) a futuristic engine produced by Maserati’s team of technicians and engineers, protected by international patents. Technical specifications confirmed for the new engine include technological features derived from Formula 1, resulting in improved engine efficiency, increased performance and reduced consumption,” said Maserati in its announcement.
“The unit was designed at Maserati’s Modena facilities: The Maserati Innovation Lab on Via Emilia Ovest, the workshops on Via Delle Nazioni (Maserati Corse’s historic base) and developed at the Engine Hub, situated at the famous Viale Ciro Menotti address where it will be built.
“Currently the new production line and new paint shop are being modified to host the much-anticipated MC20,” continued the manufacturer.
“The new power unit is a V90° architecture, with a three-litre, six-cylinder twin-turbo, and features a dry sump (a classic solution on super sportscars). It delivers 630bhp / 464 kW at 7500rpm and 730 Nm of torque from 3000rpm with a specific power output of 210bhp/litre,” revealed Maserati, adding that the compression ratio is 11:1, the stroke is 82mm and the bore 88mm.
Innovative pre-chamber combustion system
“The soul of the engine is the innovative pre-chamber combustion system featuring twin-spark plugs. This technology is derived from Formula 1 and is now available, for the first time, on an engine destined for the road.”
Revealing further specifics, Maserati said the pre-chamber (a combustion chamber is set between the central electrode and the traditional combustion chamber and connected by a series of specially-designed holes) and a lateral sparkplug system were two of three innovative attributes which set the engine apart.
The third technical attribute was described as a twin injection system – direct and indirect.
This, Maserati concluded, when linked to the fuel supply pressure at 350bar, the system reduces noise low down on the rev range, lowering emissions and improving consumption.
