Two years ago, at the launch of Maserati’s MC20, the company said there would also be a convertible version. And the model is finally here. The convertible version of the MC20 is called the Cielo. The MC20 Cielo marks the next iteration of Maserati’s latest supercar, and it won’t be the last. The mid-engined convertible’s name, ‘Cielo’, means sky in Italian.
The new MC20 Cielo does not look all that different from the coupe. However, Maserati had to make several changes to accommodate the retractable roof. Furthermore, the company relocated the engine air intake as well. Although, the company retained the MC20 Coupe’s butterfly doors.
The new hardtop on the Cielo can retract in just 12 seconds. The roof also features a Webasto glass roof panel, which can turn from opaque to clear with a touch of a button. Making this possible is the use of Advanced Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC). The system works in temperature ranges from -30°C to 85°C. Maserati says it also provides perfect heat sealing and reduced in-car noise. The system sets a benchmark in a segment where competitors often use retractable roofs made of canvas or sheet metal.
The new convertible version also shares updates Maserati introduced for the 2023 MC20. These include Roman numeral-themed alloy wheels, carbon fibre steering and an optional electrically-adjustable steering column. Also optional are carbon fibre rims that are 30 kg lighter than the standard ones. Other updates to the interiors include new control levers, light buttons and also additional safety systems.
Maserati will also exclusively offer a PrimaSerie Launch Edition with the MC20 Ciele. The Italian carmaker will limit its production to just 60 units. The limited-edition will receive unique and exclusive touches, such as a three-layer Acquamarine paint option. The colour will be a part of the Maserati Fuoriserie customization program.
The interior of the PrimaSerie Launch Edition will feature an ice-coloured Alacantara and leather upholstery. It will also get contrasting aquamarine contrast stitching on the dashboard. The headrests also get a PrimaSerie wording in contrast-stitching. The PremiaSerie MC20 Cielo will also get 20-inch gold-finished wheels with PrimaSerie detailing. Completing the look will be a gold finish to all the badging.
Powering the MC20 Cielo is the same engine as the MC20 Coupe. Hence, it uses the same 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6. The engine also makes the same 630 PS and 730 Nm of torque. The transmission is also the same 8-speed dual-clutch unit as the coupe.
The conversion from a coupe to a convertible adds weight. Although, Maserati claims they limited it to just 65 kg. With the additional weight, the MC20 Cielo weighs in at 1,540 kg. Unsurprisingly, that does affect the performance a bit. The MC20 Cielo will hit from 0 to 100kmph in 3 seconds flat. A 0 to 200kmph sprint takes 9.2 seconds. These figures are 0.1 and 0.4 seconds more than the coupe.
Maserati claims a top speed of more than 320 kmph. In comparison, the company claims a top speed of more than 325kmph for the coupe. Maserati does not provide an exact top speed figure for either of the models.
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