Maserati is back in the game with its all-carbon Maserati Corse 20 (MC20), a 463 kW super sportscar destined for South Africa in early 2021.
The newly announced MC20 (Maserati Corse 2020) take the iconic Italian brand back to its roots and sporty DNA and introduces the first new Maserati in five years.
With the MC20, Maserati returns to its motorsport heritage with an in-house developed twin-turbo V6 that Maserati back to the league of the super sportscars with more than 450 kW and far more than the magical 100 horsepower per litre.
Maserati says that this is ‘n true racer, designed and build in Modena, with a rear mid-engined hand-built engine, carbon fibre body, butterfly doors and rear wheel drive.
Its V6 Nettuno engine delivers an astonishing 463 kW with 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 2,9 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 8.8 seconds and a top speed over 325 km/h. A patented, 100% Maserati engine, benefiting from the MTC (Maserati Twin Combustion) technology, the innovative combustion system developed by the brand, evolved from the pre-chamber technology used on Formula 1 powertrains.
Conceived, designed and built entirely in-house it is currently the highest-powered 6-cylinder powerplant in production and produces 157 kW/litre. This makes it the best-in-class 6 cylinder engine in terms of specific power output. The MC20 also boast a best in class weight to power ratio (2.33 kg/hp) and is particularly light at just under 1 500 kg.
Conceptually, the MC20's aerodynamic design divides the car into two parts: an upper part where stylistic considerations predominate and a more technical lower part, colour-coded in black and carbon fibre respectively.
The incorporation of this highly racing-derived feature implied a special conformation for the carbon fibre monocoque, the wheel arch and the doors, as was also the previously case on the MC12.
The door sill air ducts, located immediately in front of the rear wheels in a zone with natural over-pressure, enable the necessary air flow through the engine compartment without impacting resistance.
The automatic transmission is an 8-speed oil-immersed Dual Clutch design with 6 power and two overdrive speeds to ensure emissions compliance.
The form of MC20, which will also be available in convertible and electric versions, is composed of a chorus of elements singing in mechanical perfection.
When it arrives in South Africa, the model will compete in price and performance with its sister, the Ferrari F8 Tributo.
Electric vehicles (EVs) have introduced a whole new vocabulary into motoring. Instead of simply talking about litres of fuel, cylinders and kilometres per tank, motorists are now confronted with kW, kWh, AC, DC, WLTP, regenerative braking and a host of other terms.
Young South African motorists are increasingly opting for more affordable and practical vehicles as the cost of living puts pressure on household budgets, while still maintaining comprehensive insurance cover.
The row over BMW’s Spider-Man promotion is not really about superheroes. It is about trust, control and the creeping feeling that modern cars are becoming digital platforms first and private possessions second.
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