Maserati MC20 Cielo

Wrapped in Nero Alcantara leather upholstery, the all-black plush cabin of the Maserati MC20 Cielo has a driver-centric approach – just like any other souped-up supercar. The overall layout of the cabin of the MC20 Cielo looks minimalist, but it is the choice of elements and features on offer which make this space feel special.

Behind the three-spoke, flat-bottom multi-functional steering wheel, the MC20 Cielo is equipped with aluminium paddle shifters and a 12.3-inch full-TFT instrument console. The minimalist centre console of the MC20 Cielo has only a large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with the co-passenger side of the dashboard having AC vents integrated within them.

Between the front seats, the centre tunnel accommodates the minimalist transmission lever, drive control knob and buttons for other functions, including an electronic parking brake. Like the exterior, the interior of the MC20 Cielo is also available with an optional carbon fibre package for the gear shift paddles, cluster gaps and door sills.

The Maserati MC20 Cielo is based on the low-slung body line of the MC20 coupe. However, here, the fixed hard-top roof has been swapped for a two-piece foldable hard-top roof, which can fold or unfold completely in 12 seconds. The MC20 Cielo can be customized in one of the two solid, five metallic and five Fuoriserie colour options.

Save for the foldable hard-top roof, the Maserati MC20 Cielo retains the aerodynamic and curvy bodyline of its coupe version. It means that this convertible version of the MC20 features smooth flares over the wheel arches and has air vents integrated into the mid-passage of the bonnet. On the front edges of the hump over the wheel arches, the MC20 Cielo comes with sweptback, vertically-aligned all-LED headlamps, which also come with segmented daytime running LEDs. The low-positioned round-themed front bumper has a Trident logo in the middle, while it is flanked with large air ducts to its sides.

The Maserati MC20 Cielo also retains the low-slung aerodynamic side profile of the coupe version, which has the same flowing front and rear fenders and door panels, featuring air passages within them. However, the design of the roof and rear pillars have been tweaked to make it look edgier and sportier. The MC20 Cielo gets butterfly-type door panels, which come mounted with swanky-looking rear-view mirrors. Maserati is offering five options of 20-inch Birdcage gloss black alloy wheels.

Like the front, the rear profile of the MC20 Cielo also has a liquid flow-like curvy design, featuring a wide and muscular boot with horizontally-laid LED tail lamps on the sides. Compared to the front splitter, the diffuser mounted on the rear bumper is larger and looks sportier, while integrated with twin exhaust ports in the middle. A carbon fibre package for the front splitter, rear diffuser, exhaust tips and door and wing sills is offered for the MC20 Cielo as an option.

Measuring 4669 mm long, 2178 mm wide and 1224 mm tall, the Maserati MC20 Cielo features a front track width of 1681 mm and a rear track width of 1649 mm, while having a wheelbase of 2700 mm. The MC20 Cielo is based around a carbon-fibre monocoque frame and is available with five drive modes (GT, Sport, Corsa, ESC-Off and Wet) and sports suspension. All these attributes contribute to delivering a sporty driving experience and excellent grip on corners and fast stretches for the MC20 Cielo.

Powering the Maserati MC20 Cielo is a high-revving 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged Nettuno V6 petrol engine. Capable of producing 630 PS of maximum power and 730 Nm of maximum torque, this engine is mated to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Maserati claims a top speed of over 320 kmph and a 0-100 kmph sprint in 2.9 seconds.

The MC20 Cielo is equipped with basic safety features like four airbags (front and side), ABS with EBD, reverse parking sensors and camera and high beam assist.

While the retractable roof adds 15 kilos to the Maserati MC20 Cielo over its fixed-top coupe version, it feels even more visually dramatic to look at inside-out and has equally-well driving dynamics.