Maserati MCPura builds on the MC20's short-lived legacy
Building on the superb foundation of the Maserati MC20 sportscar, which marked the return of the brand to racing and supercars, Maserati has now revealed its new MCPura alongside its convertible version dubbed MCPura Cielo at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
If you’ve ever tuned into the Festival, you’ll know there’s plenty that happens with brands using it as a platform to show off their most daring and desirable products. For Maserati, the brand has absolutely delivered this year.
As the brand’s new sportscar, the MCPura simply replaces the short-lived MC20, and based on what it brings to the table, it should be better in all departments in comparison to its predecessor. Everything underneath and what powers it, as well as the dimensions, are all the same. As a refresher, the MC20 uses an in-house 3.0-litre V6 Nettuno engine that delivers 463kW and 730Nm. And performance? It’s also the same. That’s 2.9 seconds from 0-100km/h for both body configurations, with the top speed kicking in at 325km/h (320km/h for the Cielo) while shifting through an 8-speed DCT transmission.
Same, same, but different. Yes, while the MCPura shares a lot with the outgoing MC20, it definitely has an updated look that is sharper and more refined. This comes courtesy of new shapes and finishes throughout the lower part of the car, including the side skirts. If you look closely, you will notice that Maserati has given the MCPura a ‘shark nose’ design, which nods to the racing single-seaters. This should also help improve aerodynamics to enhance performance and handling.
The rear has also undergone a significant revamp, thanks to a new optional oversized spoiler from the GT2 racer. According to Maserati, a decision was made to use Gloss Black for the MCPura’s lower fascia, available in addition to the hyper dark myron matte and carbon-fibre finish as a tribute to the essence of performance.
Apart from the exterior colours available with the MC20, the MCPura debuts a new shade called Devil Orange, which means the sportscar can now be ordered with a choice of 10 colour options.
With regard to the dimensions, the MCPura is slightly shorter at 4,667mm (4,669mm for the MC20), but wider at 2,178mm (1,965mm), with the wheelbase and weight remaining the same at 2,700mm and 1,475kg, respectively.
Inside, everything looks remarkably similar, and there’s a lot of Alcantara finishing on the seats, door panels, dashboard, and other components of the new steering wheel. Speaking of the steering wheel, a new one makes its debut and features a design inspired by GT2 racing. As such, it comes with a flat top, which should work to the driver’s advantage by offering better visibility. Also, it’s wrapped in Alcantara for improved grip and features a start button as well as column-mounted paddle shifters that can be had in dark aluminium as standard or optional carbon fibre.
As for the MCPura Cielo, the roof can be opened and closed in 12 seconds at certain speeds. What’s stunning, though, is that it comes with a smart glass window that transforms from clear to opaque.
The MCPura looks all set to become a solid sportscar, one that represents a thoughtful evolution of the MC20, and in many ways, perfects it. And honestly, no one’s too eager to be reminded of the Covid years, which the MC20’s name subtly referenced with its 2020 debut. The MCPura feels like a fresh chapter.
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