Sometimes, convertible versions of sports and supercars are unjustly dismissed by enthusiasts.
They're often heavier and less structurally rigid. Those usually aren't things you'd want in a purpose-built car meant to set impressive times at the local track day. Thankfully, technology has progressed to the point where those factors can often be mitigated, if not eliminated. More on that later.
So, with that in mind, meet the Maserati MC20 Cielo, the brand's drop-top MC20. Let's get the headline specs out of the way now: It's powered by the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo Nettuno V6 as the coupe. While Maserati doesn't quote power figures, we expect it will produce the same 621 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque as the coupe.
The power is sent only to the rear wheels via an eight-speed DCT transmission.
Mercifully, this convertible isn't massively heavier than the coupe, especially when you take into account the healthy power and torque figures. Maserati claims it's only 143 pounds heavier than the hardtop.
The carbon fiber tub is identical to the one used in the coupe and upcoming EV, which helps eliminate the structural qualms we talked about earlier. Happily, the MC20's Instagram-worthy butterfly doors remain.
Maserati says testing was done in a wind tunnel with the roof up and down to help refine the convertible's aerodynamic profile. Ideally, that means a pleasant, comfy experience with the top down at most speeds. Maserati says the top takes a mere 12 seconds to fold down. The soft top also houses a new electrochromic window that will transition from transparent to opaque via a button in the center screen menu.
Broadly speaking, there isn't much that changes with the drop-top regarding styling. Many of you have already noticed the trident on the engine cover, which replaces the one stamped into the coupe's rear window.
The color is new as well. Maserati calls it Acquamarina, which is part of the Maserati Fuoriserie customization program. The color is supposed to shift in the light, with the base layer comprised of a pastel grey, layered under an iridescent aquamarine mica. We imagine this is one of those colors you'll need to see in person to appreciate fully.
Maserati has introduced some new safety and infotainment updates. These include automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera, so you don't curb those expensive wheels. The Cielo comes with Maserati's Sonus audio system, which has 12 speakers, as standard - impressive for a car this size.
Additionally, Maserati has put some thought into the name, much like the coupe MC20. The MC still stands for Maserati Corse, with "20" referring to the year that began Maserati's "new era." Cielo translates to "sky" in English.
From the looks of things, it would appear Maserati has managed to cut the top off the MC20 coupe without drastically changing the car. Such are the advantages of a carbon tub.
Frankly, we expect the convertible will enhance the experience. The V6 in the coupe can be a little quiet at times, and this should help buyers enjoy that brand new Nettuno V6 a little more.
Pricing hasn't been announced yet, but it will likely undercut the Ferrari F8 Spider.