2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo

Maserati has launched a new open-roof version of its MC20 supercar, called MC20 Cielo, the Italian word for ‘sky’.

Its retractable hardtop roof features electrochromic liquid crystal ‘smart glass’ that can instantly transform from clear to opaque at the touch of a button. Maserati claims its roof is best-in-class in terms of thermal insulation and opening/closing speed (12 seconds). The roof can be activated on the move at speeds up to 31mph, folding away behind the passenger compartment beneath a carbonfibre lid that features a Maserati trident logo.

Lost rigidity in the carbonfibre chassis is restored by a different carbon weave pattern, extra strengthening bars in the doors and a new rear panel. The butterfly doors, 50-litre front load area and 100-litre rear boot are unchanged. The MC20 Cielo is powered by the same Nettuno 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 engine as the coupe, providing 630hp and 730Nm of torque., good for 0-62mph in 3.0 seconds. Top speed is slightly lower than the coupe’s at 198mph, partly because of a slightly higher drag coefficient (Cd 0.39). The Cielo weighs 65kg more than the coupe, at 1540kg. To cope with the extra weight, it has slightly firmer springs and dampers. The Cielo’s new digital drive mode selector will now feature in the MC20 coupe model, too, while a new Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel has a blue start button that references the MC12. The launch version features a new Fuoriserie triple-layer metallic colour called Acquamarina (as pictured) that mixes a pastel grey base with iridescent blue mica. The optional Sonus Faber 12-speaker audio system has been specifically tweaked to suit the convertible cabin. The MC20 Cielo will be priced at an estimated £215,000, with deliveries due to begin at the end of 2022. About 40% of MC20 production will be the open-top model.