The Maserati MC20, the brand’s first mid-engined car since the MC12 homologation special, is one of the most anticipated debuts of the year.
The good thing is the wait is almost over as Maserati will lift the veils off the MC20 on September 9 in Modena as part of an event called “MMXX: The time to be audacious”. While we’ve already caught glimpses of the MC20 supercar courtesy of official photos, we can now bring you a set of spy shots that offer the best look yet at Maserati’s first all-new car since 2015.
Our photographers spotted the car undergoing testing near Maserati’s plant in Modena and it’s plain to see we’re dealing with a looker – despite the heavy camouflage that even covers the wheels.
It would be easy to mistake this prototype for a new Ferrari model if we didn’t already know it is a Maserati. The mid-engine sports car proportions appear spot on and we can’t wait to see it without any disguise.
Visible highlights include Maserati’s signature grille, vertical headlights that somewhat remind of those from the Ferrari F430, muscular rear haunches that accommodate two massive air intakes, the horizontal taillights, and the two central exhausts. We’re sure there will be many surprises once the camouflage comes off as this prototype still features padding in essential areas.
We already know what motivates the Maserati MC20: an all-new 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine dubbed ‘Nettuno’. Featuring a 90-degree angle between the cylinder banks, dry sump, an electronic wastegate, and an F1-derived pre-chamber combustion system featuring twin-spark plugs, the engine delivers 630 PS (621 HP) at 7,500 rpm and 730 Nm (538 lb-ft) of torque from 3,000rpm.
Thanks to a specific power output of 210 PS (207 HP)/liter and a Getrag eight-speed twin-clutch automatic transmission, the performance should be more than worthy of the trident logo. The MC20 will be the first model to use this engine but Maserati has hinted that the ‘Nettuno’ could find its way in other models as well. After the V6 engine, the Maserati MC20 is expected to gain a hybrid and all-electric variants as well.