MC20

Make
Maserati
Segment
Coupe

The Maserati MC20 is a big deal for the iconic Italian automaker. And it goes without saying Maserati needs every success it can get these days after several years of disappointing sales. Although the MC20 is a niche high-performance sports car, it's still an image builder and the expectations are high.

Before sales get underway in the coming few months, the MC20 continues high-endurance testing in a variety of harsh weather conditions. In the most recent case, intensive cold and snow-covered roads are in order. These aren't just any roads, but rather those of the Valtellina and the Ghiacciodromo Livigno, Italy's best-known snow and ice circuit.

The yellow MC20 shown in these photos and video had its 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine tested for cold-weather starting and to gauge its overall performance in crazy low temperatures. Engineers also evaluated the coupe's handling in the cold and on low-grip asphalt surfaces. Additional testing was done on the suspension, brakes, and battery. Future owners will also be happy to know the climate control system underwent further evaluation.

Maserati says the harsh conditions did little to nothing to the MC20's overall performance, but rather the opposite. The extreme weather only enhanced the car's multiple personalities, ranging in everything from its racing DNA to general handling.

Oddly, Maserati has not provided a more in-depth analysis post-testing at this time, but judging by the video it doesn't appear anything serious went wrong. What this does clearly show is that the MC20 looks like it'll be wickedly fun in icy conditions.

With a total of 621 horsepower routed to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, the MC20 is a true Italian exotic in every way, from the butterfly doors to the absolutely lovely exhaust note. Those interested in ice driving and the like are strongly suggested to equip their car with a set of grippy winter rubber, but perhaps Maserati's MC20 Master driving courses will cater to this sort of experience, too. Who knows, maybe an off-road variant could one day happen as well.