By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(October 24, 2020) SCOTTSDALE, Arizona — Over the years there’s been a ridiculous number of car songs — from dusty old favorites like Wilson Pickett’s “Mustang Sally” (“I bought you a brand-new Mustang ‘bout 1965”) to “Fun, Fun, Fun” by The Beach Boys (“And she’ll have fun, fun, fun, til her daddy takes the T-Bird away”). Then there are songs about GTOs, Hot Rod Lincolns, and Cadillacs.

But most improbable are the songs about the glories of a Maserati. There’s “Old Town Road” by Billy Ray Cyrus with Lil Nas X: “Baby's got a habit: diamond rings and Fendi sports bras. Ridin' down Rodeo in my Maserati sports car.” There’s  Rod Stewart’s “Italian Girls.” “She was tall, thin and tarty and she drove a Maserati, faster than sound. I was heaven bound.” Perhaps best known is Joe Walsh’s “Life’s been good”: My Maserati does 185 I lost my license, now I don’t drive.”

Gushing lyrics aside, the truth is, Maserati has never aspired to the promise of pure, concentrated essence of Italian motoring in the same mise en scene as Ferrari and Lamborghini.

But, for the first time, the Trident is taking aim at Italian superstars with an all-new 630-horsepower mid-engine supercar of their own: 2022 Maserati MC20. You can order one now, and expect delivery next October.

Under the rear hatch of the mid-engine MC20 is an all-new 90-degree twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 connected to an eight-speed automatic transmission, capable of launching the rear-wheel drive MC30 from zero to 62 mph in under 2.9 seconds, with a top speed of 202 mph.

The MC20 will be available as either a coupe or convertible with  stunning carbon-fiber monocoque design. Butterfly doors give access to the roomy, clean and uncomplicated two-seat interior.



A pre-production version of the Maserati MC20 has been touring around the country and I was able to preview it at a stop in Scottsdale. We weren’t able to get behind the wheel, but were assured by 6-foot, 6-inch Maserati design chief Klaus Busse that he fits it comfortably, with ample leg and headroom.

Maserati says the MC20 will start at $210,000 and will be available in six exterior and eight interior color combinations. Optional packages include a full exterior and/or exterior carbon fiber package, premium sound system, and others.

Vital Stats
Base Price: $210,000
Price as Tested: Not Available
Engine/Transmission: 3.0-liter 630-hp twin turbo V-6 paired with an 8-speed DCT automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive.
Fuel Economy: Not Available
Seating: 2

Where Built: Modena, Italy

Crash Test Results: The MC20 hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and it likely won't be, since low-volume exotic sports cars rarely undergo that type of scrutiny.

Competes With:
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
Ferrari
Lamborghini
McLaren
Pagani

Fab Features:
A genuine mid-engine supercar
Eye candy aerodynamic styling
Massive power and acceleration