I would be lying if I told you that I’ve been particularly pleased with Maserati’s lineup over the last decade. Once a company synonymous with performance and luxury as, at least in my eyes, become quite uninteresting. Now, 15 years after the MC12 thrived, Maserati is introducing the mid-engined MC20 – a car that doesn’t only mark Maserati’s return to the world of racing, but also gives the company’s lineup something unique and attractive. I’d even go so far as to say that this is exactly what Maserati needed if it’s going to remain relevant this decade.

What Powers the Maserati MC20?

Ever since Fiat handed control of Maserati over to Ferrari back in the 1990s, every single Maserati to roll of the line has been powered by a Ferrari engine. To be more specific, I’m talking about the F136 – an engine co-developed by both companies but produced exclusively by Maserati. However, before the turn of the Decade, Ferrari basically said no more and declared that it would cease supplying Maserati with engines by 2021 or 2022. Maserati was depending on the Ferrari to be a big selling point that could help to revitalize the brand, but now one could argue that Maserati has something better. And that comes in the form of the brand new Maserati-built 3.0-liter V-6 mounted in the middle of the MC20.

This new V-6 pumps out an impressive 630 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque, which helps to make the MC20 a worthy successor to the MC12 and the most powerful Maserati production model to date. This power is enough to propel Maserati’s new sports car to 62 mph in just 2.9 seconds and up to a top speed of 201 mph. Power is channeled to the wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. These figures aren't surprising, considering the weight of just 3,306 pounds means a power-to-weight ratio of just 5.07 pounds per horsepower.

What really sets thing engine apart, however, is the integration of F1-derived technology that allows for improved engine efficiency and better performance. According to Maserati, the engine features a dry-sump oil system similar to that of supercars, dual combustion chambers with a pre-chamber, and secondary sparkplugs – all of which, when paired with a twin-injection fuel system, reduces noise and ensures a consistent and reliable combustion process throughout the engine’s entire rev range.

This engine will eventually circle down to other models in Maserati’s lineup within the next year or two as the company revitalizes its current lineup and prepares to introduce the Alfieri. It’s not clear what car will be the next to get it, but we’ll definitely find out soon enough.

2021 Maserati MC20 specifications

Maserati MC20 Interior – Impressive and Unique for Maserati

Compared to models like the Maserati Ghibli, Levante, and even the GranTurismo, the MC20 feels like a big step forward, both in terms of layout and technology. There’s plenty of leather and Alcantara to go around, including on the seats, center console, dashboard, and door panels. The flat-bottom steering wheel is about as functional as it can get and (thankfully) ditches the panty-shaped center hub found across the lineup for a modern round hub with an elevated trident in the center. The flat bottom is also a nice touch, but we’d be lying if we didn’t say the push-button drive mode selectors don’t look stolen straight from McLaren.

The digital instrument cluster is far beyond anything Maserati is offering on its current models, but the infotainment display almost looks like it’s just a tablet glued to the dash as an afterthought. Not that you’d buy a successor to the MC12 for its infotainment system, but Maserati could have done better here. The seats offer up great support, and the blue accents that surround the buckets are a bit aesthetic plus. Overall, the MC20’s interior is a big step forward and definitely strays away from the 90’s-like economy design that has been plaguing Maserati’s cars.

The Maserati MC20 Has a Somewhat Generic Exterior Design

Unfortunately for Maserati (and any other automaker for that matter), there’s only so much that can be done to make a mid-engined car stand out among its peers. All mid-engined cars have the same general silhouette, and the MC20 is no different. With that said, however, the MC20 ditches a lot of the brand’s current DNA with the only real recognizable bits being the typical grille and the obvious louvers on the rear glass. The body is beyond sculpted and far from generic, too, and those massive intakes in the rear wheel arches assist with this aggressive look. The two central mounted tailpipes, however, are pretty generic, but the small lip spoiler on the rear deck really helps to make up for it.

Overall, we can really appreciate the car’s low-slung and aggressive stance, something that makes the MC20 look way more purposeful than anything else in Maserati’s lineup. It does look like Maserati too the DNA from a bunch of existing supercars (hello there, Ferrari), threw it all in a blender, and let nature take its course. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but the MC20 definitely has the supercar look and gives the impression that it has more power than it does. It is built almost entirely out of carbon fiber, though, so it's impressively light at just over 1,400 Kilo. Overall, it’s a big step up for Maserati, and we’re curious to see what the automaker does next.

2021 Maserati MC20 exterior dimensions

A Unique Maserati Comes With a Unique Price

Naturally, the Maserati MC20 won’t come off the line very cheap, so you better be ready to pony up. We’re still talking about a mid-engined sports car here and not some random sedan that tries to be fast. Pricing and availability for the MC20 isn't available yet, but the MC12 started at $670,000, and only 50 examples were built, so expect similar availability and an outlandish price when details are finally released.