Maserati MC20 Cielo

Maserati has unveiled the new MC20 Cielo, a V6 supercar with a convertible top that can drop down in 12 seconds.

However, this isn’t your average hardtop, as it’s a “first-of-its-kind electrochromic” glass roof that can go from opaque to clear at the push of a button.

“[Maserati’s] state-of-the-art polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) technology lets you look up at the stars even when the top is on,” said the company.

“It only takes a moment for the roof to become clear, at virtually any temperature, while the sound insulation keeps you cradled in the greatest comfort there is.”

Details

At launch, the new Maserati MC20 Cielo will be offered in two specifications – standard and PrimaSerie Launch Edition.

The PrimaSerie trim will be sold in a limited number of units, each boasting an “ice-coloured” interior with gold accents and finished in an exclusive Acquamarina exterior colour that is usually only available to customers of the Fuoriserie customisation programme.

As with its sibling, the Cielo is powered by a 3.0-litre, V6, twin-turbo petrol engine generating a mammoth 470kW and 730Nm.

Power is translated to the rear wheels via an eight-speed, dual-clutch gearbox, and despite the 65kg-heavier kerb weight of the convertible, its performance figures are equal to that of the coupe.

The Cielo achieves a swift 0-100km/h time of 2.9 seconds and goes on to a top speed in excess of 325km/h.

The carbon fibre monocoque chassis further ensures tight torsional rigidity, which enhances the exceptional handling characteristics of the MC20.

Unlike most other supercars, this MC20 also brings a raft of driver assistance features to help owners keep the wide fenders of their Maserati unscathed, including parking sensors, a 360-degree camera system, blind-spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, and traffic sign information.

The manufacturer even managed to retain the butterfly doors from the MC20 coupe, the “wow factor” of the supercar family.

MC20 Cielo in South Africa

Maserati has confirmed that order books for the new MC20 Cielo and MC20 Cielo PrimaSerie Launch Edition are open in the country.

“The order book is already open and there is significant interest in the MC20 Cielo,” Maserati South Africa told TopAuto.

“We expect the first units of the MC20 coupe to land in South Africa in Q3 [2022], which means that – depending on customer orders – the MC20 Cielo will only arrive late in 2022 or early in 2023.”