Verdict

Maserati’s return to the supercar premier league began with the spectacular MC20, and now there’s a brand new convertible model known as Cielo right here to play. But whereas there’s no query of the Maserati MC20 Cielo’s static attraction, it’s not as thrilling to drive because the coupe, and feels slightly sparse contemplating its excessive price ticket. 

When the Maserati MC20 first appeared, we have been stunned by its distinct and immensely interesting character. Restrained on the surface, however hiding away a brilliantly uncouth turbocharged V6 engine, its intense efficiency was simply as spectacular as its capability to adapt to even essentially the most difficult driving circumstances. 

However once you take the roof off a superbly sensible supercar, two issues usually change. First come the plain technical challenges of slicing the roof off then compensating for the ensuing lack of structural integrity. Within the case of the MC20, and some of its supercar companions, the carbon fibre tub-style chassis is nicely outfitted to take care of this loss, as a lot of the stiffness comes from the ground construction, moderately than a static roof part. 

The second is {that a} automotive dropping its roof immediately good points an added sense of glamour, one thing the MC20 Coupe isn’t so generously endowed with, by supercar requirements anyway. A serious a part of the MC20 Coupe’s attraction is that its execution is extraordinarily pure. The design is restrained, its bodywork is subtle and never adorned with the kind of race-car paraphernalia and sophisticated aero-optimised wings you’ll discover hooked up to a Ferrari, Lamborghini or McLaren. Don’t get us improper, Maserati is maybe some of the glamorous marques within the enterprise, however the MC20 coupe’s purity despite the model is a part of what makes it so particular. In roofless Cielo type it is a lot better outfitted to show heads. 

The Cielo has the identical 3-litre ‘Nettuno’ V6 engine because the coupe, packing a intelligent twin-chamber combustion system that basically permits for an even bigger bang and due to this fact extra energy. Maserati quotes a peak determine of 621bhp at 7,500rpm, with an enormous 730Nm of torque produced between 3,000 and 5,500rpm. In contrast to with the subtle torque administration techniques present in fashionable turbocharged Ferraris, the complete whack of torque is offered in any gear. To this intense powerplant, Maserati has fitted an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission constructed by American agency Tremec. It sends energy to the rear wheels, by way of an optionally available electronically-controlled restricted slip differential if you happen to tick the correct field. 

Maserati claims a 65kg weight achieve for the Cielo over the fixed-head model, however the distinction feels slightly bigger than that. Completely different specs and choices can swing the steadiness both means, too. Regardless, acceleration is simply that little much less vicious than within the coupe, the turbo’s capability to construct enhance feels smoother and extra restrained, a possible byproduct of the delicate 2022 mannequin 12 months replace all MC20s acquired. One other small, however welcome replace is the mode-selector, which now locations a show display on the rotating knob that controls the 5 driver modes and damper charges. 

The core carbon fibre chassis might look similar, however the weaves and thickness of the fabric have been modified to assist compensate for the open-topped configuration. There are completely different springs and re-tuned dampers, too. Each measure was taken to protect the texture and agility of the coupe. 

Even the aluminium housing for the stowed roof provides to the rigidity of the Cielo. The mechanism is easy and purely electrical (lighter and quieter than electro-hydraulic) and could be raised or lowered at speeds as much as 31mph in 12 seconds. The roof panel itself options polymer-dispersed liquid crystals and could be utterly opaque or flood the clear, properly executed inside with pure gentle on the push of a button. 

Roof down there’s little or no wind swirl or discomfort, simply extra quantity, extra sensation. This is top quality stuff however, extra importantly, the MC20 Cielo feels utterly snug in its personal pores and skin. This isn’t a Ferrari or McLaren clone, nor does it slavishly pay homage to Maserati’s personal long-forgotten glory days. 

But the Cielo does have its compromises. Whereas the construction is stiff, admirably so, on actually tough roads you do sense only a shade of steering corruption and reverberation inside the chassis. It’s minor however coupe purists will discover. It feels a shade heavier than the closed automotive in these moments, too. On UK roads, the entire expertise can come throughout as being a contact uncouth, with massive baggage of torque to must handle and a chassis that feels just a bit much less snug whereas it is doing so. 

The optionally available carbon-ceramic brakes even have an extended pedal journey than these of, say, a Porsche or Ferrari and therefore don’t encourage fairly a lot confidence. This actually is nit-picking, although. The Cielo will get a lot proper. The steering is gentle and exact, the V6 embraces and celebrates its turbochargers with all kinds of chirrups, whistles and sneezes and the automotive has a beautiful, clear steadiness. The gearbox is quick and creates an actual feeling of mechanical connection, too.

However, in case your thought of an open supercar additionally has to encapsulate that aforementioned glamour, the MC20’s sparse inside and introverted design may not hit the identical highs as rivals from Italian and British supercar producers. Whereas we love the back-to-basics inside of the Coupe, once you open it as much as the weather, the dearth of pomp would possibly deter clients anticipating a excessive class world of complicated shapes and hand-stitching. 

At simply over £235,000 on the street (or a staggering £305k as specified for this take a look at), some would possibly discover the Ferrari 296 GTS and its hybridised powertrain a extra compelling choice, or maybe McLaren’s incoming 750S Spider could also be much more thrilling with its 100bhp energy benefit. However make no mistake, the MC20 in any type is a beguiling supercar that, if you happen to’re right into a extra raw-edged expertise, won’t ever, ever be tiring. It has breadth, nearly a twin character, however stays laser focussed on being the perfect model of Maserati we’ve ever identified.