MASERATI, one of motoring's most evocative names, has been absent from the supercar paddock for a while.
The Italian marque is returning in emphatic style with this all-new car, the MC20, a lightweight racer for the roader.
The MC20 showcases Maserati's first in-house powerplant for more than 20 years, a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 with a ground-breaking twin combustion system and healthy outputs of 621bhp and 538lb ft.
Thanks to all that power and torque a sub-1,500kg kerb weight, the MC20 can sprint to 62mph in less than 2.9 seconds and top 200mph.
It uses an eight-speed double-clutch automatic gearbox and is rear-wheel-drive; a mechanical limited-slip differential is standard, with a trick electronic diff optional.
As well as the performance, the MC20 ticks other must-have supercar boxes, including those marked 'carbon fibre' and 'butterfly doors'.
MC20 production is due to start later this year at Maserati's storied Viale Ciro Menotti factory in Modena.
It has been building cars there for more than 80 years, and the MC20 will be assembled where the GranTurismo and GranCabrio were built until production of the big GT ceased last November.
Maserati says a convertible version will follow the coupe, and the car has been designed to accommodate a full electric drivetrain in the future.
