Maserati Lightweights to new Performance Heights

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

---

11th September 2020

Maserati’s latest super-sports car owes as much to an extensive lightweighting program for its performance as its powerful V6 motor.

While the MC20’s gasoline new 3.0-liter twin-turbo Nettuno engine boasts 630bhp V6 and 538ft-lbs of torque, it’s the curb weight of less than 1,500kgs (3,300lbs) that really delivers the power-to-weight performance. A performance that claims the 0-62mph sprint in 2.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of over 202mph. Nettuno, the first engine in this new chapter of the Trident’s history, is the MC20’s twin turbo V6 puts the MTC (Maserati Twin Combustion) technology onto the road for the first time.

Naturally, the lack of weight will also enhance the MC20’s handling dynamics a track-day lap-time credentials. This claimed best in class in power to weight ratio of just 5.1lbs per horsepower, has been achieved through extensive use of carbon fiber but, Maserati says, without any sacrifices with regard to comfort.

The butterfly doors are designed not just for aesthetics but also function, improving the car’s ergonomics and enabling easy access to and from the cabin. Body aerodynamics were designed through over two thousand man-hours in the Dallara Wind Tunnel and more than a thousand CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) simulations. The resulting car has no mobile appendages but just a discreet rear spoiler that improves downforce and allowing a co-efficient of drag of under 0.38. The production launch is scheduled for the end the current year.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_