By Otsile Kadiege

Are you in the market for an Italian two-seater drop-top? Well, Maserati’s recently unveiled MC20 Cielo spyder might just be what you’re looking for. New to the drop-top MC20 is of course an electrically retractable glass roof with state-of-the-art electrochromic technology. It’s still powered by the revolutionary V6 Nettuno engine and has refined aerodynamics. Also new to the MC20 Cielo are a new wheel design, a new colour, a restyled interior, new active safety systems and a limited Launch Edition model.

Exterior design

The design of the MC20 Cielo was developed at the Centro Stile Maserati in Turin. The component that makes it stand out from every other spyder is the electrically retractable, clear glass roof which is 909 mm long, 615 mm wide and has a surface area of more than half a square metre (5,268 cm2). The new model is equipped with a state-of-the-art electrochromic (smart glass) window that can instantly be transformed from clear to opaque at the touch of a button on the central screen, courtesy of Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) technology. Maserati claims that the opening and closing speed of the MC20 Cielo is just 12 seconds. One major downside of the fancy drop-top with all its state-of-the-art technologies is weight. The MC20 Cielo weighs just 65 kg more than the coupé.

For the MC20 Cielo, Maserati has created a new colour: known as Acquamarina, it is available as part of the Maserati Fuoriserie customisation programme. Other than the launch hue, MC20 Cielo revisits the colour palette created for the coupé, plus Grigio Incognito (a pastel grey). The range therefore encompasses five other colours: Bianco Audace, Giallo Genio, Rosso Vincente, Blu Infinito, and Grigio Mistero.

Also new to the MC20 range is a set of new diamond-cut alloy wheels featuring a refined design, where the key component is the double the Roman numeral that recalls the car’s name and the year that marked the beginning of a “new era” for Maserati. These rims are available as an optional extra for both the coupé and the spyder.

Interior design and technology

Inside, standard versions of the Maserati MC20 Cielo will feature a black leather interior whereas the launch version will make use of ice-coloured Alcantara and leather. The spyder has a thicker Alcantara wrapped steering wheel developed and designed with input from Andrea Bertolini, Maserati Reference Driver and former World Champion in the MC12. As with all the models in the Maserati range, the new spyder can also be customised, making it a blank canvas for your own tastes, made possible by the Maserati Fuoriserie programme.

Another noteworthy feature is the drive mode selector – positioned in the middle of the tunnel – is now a digital touch device, showing the drive mode preset by the driver, suspension calibration management and ESC Off, all on its small screen. Customers who want a banging sound system can opt for the High Premium Sonus faber audio system which comprises of 12-speakers.

PrimaSerie Launch Edition

Specially and only at launch, the MC20 Cielo is also available in the PrimaSerie Launch Edition, a limited series of around 60 models featuring exclusive content. The very name – PrimaSerie – indicates the privilege of owning an all-new model, and makes exclusivity a clear strength. Its unique features are clear to see, all the way to the minutest detail: the exterior in the new Acquamarina colour is complemented by new MM20″ wheel rims in a special version with Gold finish and laser-engraved “PrimaSerie” wording. The badges on the bodywork also come in a specific finish.

The interiors are upholstered in ice-coloured Alcantara and leather, embellished with specific contrasting stitching in aquamarine on both the dashboard and the “PrimaSerie” wording on the headrest.

Safety systems

The MC20 range has a host of Advanced Safety Systems. The new spyder introduces autonomous emergency brake, traffic sign information and a new 360° camera.

Performance

The MC20 Cielo spyder is still powered by a Nettuno 3.0-litre V6 engine producing 456kW and 730Nm. It’s paired to an 8-speed oil-immersed Dual Clutch design with six power and two overdrive speeds to ensure emissions compliance. According to Maserati the MC20 Cielo will sprint from 0-100km/h in approximately 3.0 seconds and reach a top speed of 320km/h.

There are five drive modes to choose from: Wet, GT, Sport, Corsa and ESC Off. Each one is identified by its own colour: Wet is green; GT blue; Sport red; Coras yellow; ESC Off orange. With the new digital drive mode, the way to change the suspension settings has changed. Swiping on the display switches from drive mode to suspension settings. By turning the bezel surrounding the screen, the driver can adjust rigidity depending on the drive mode selected. In the GT and SPORT drive modes, the suspension can be set to SOFT or MID, whereas in CORSA drive mode, the settings available are MID and HARD. HARD is the most rigid setting, suitable for driving conditions on the track.

MC20 Cielo has a double-wishbone suspension system with active shock absorbers. The short spindle semi-virtual double-wishbone layout is used on both the front and rear axles. This suspension type is said to ensure the best performance in terms of handling and ride comfort.