My GT7 Log: The First of its Kind

The Maserati MC20 is one of the most anticipated sports cars of the new normal and now that it made its way to Gran Turismo 7, there's nothing controversial about the new-era Maserati sportscar making its waves in the game.

So, what's it all about the Maserati MC20?

The Maserati MC20 is the brand's first mid-engined sports car since the Ferrari Enzo-derived Maserati MC12 of the 2000s. Although the styling is heavily inspired by the ancient Maserati supercar, the MC20 is powered by an all-new turbocharged 3.0L V6 Nettuno engine. It produces 630PS of power and 730Nm of torque and while mated to an 8-speed DCT, the MC20 can sprint from 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds and can go all the way to 325kph. Underneath, it features a double-wishbone suspension system with active shock absorbers as well as available carbon ceramic brakes and extensive carbon fiber bodywork, among others.

For Maserati's return to its sporty roots, it's difficult to explain how the MC20 behaves but I can tell you that it's putting a lot of emphasis on grip, meaning it takes time to get used to its dynamics that are questionable for an Italian sports car of this magnitude. It tends to understeer most of the time even with the traction control off but when things get rowdy, it spits it out like chewable tobacco, the Italian one. Also, the braking feels stuck even in a middle of a downshift, and above all, it feels mild and hypoallergenic.

To test out the MC20's mild but menacing dynamics, I went to Autopolis to prove my hypothesis, a true test to let its Nettuno engine do the talking while swiping through the technical portions of this Japanese racetrack. If by technical, it really is and I almost got away from them.

Roll the tape.

Having survived through Autopolis with the MC20, I managed to post a 2m05.943s lap time. That's the best I can do but whatever. At least, I have proven my point that the MC20 is downright mild but menacing in every way.

Despite its questionable grip that others would say it's dramatic, I am honored to experience the Maserati MC20 in Gran Turismo 7. I know I got hooked on it but because of its behavior, it takes time to get used to it and patience is a cliche. At least, the sensation made me thrilled to bits.

Thanks to the MC20, Maserati's back in the sports car business, and looks like they're on the roll right now. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed driving the MC20 in GT7.

Grazie.

Maserati MC20 Cielo

The MC20 marked the new beginning for Maserati and as the world is struggling with the new normal, where crossovers are superheroes, this is the antithesis every car enthusiast needs. With its strikingly great styling, driver-focused interior, and performance that is quintessentially Italian, the MC20 became every speedo boy's newest favorite Italian supercar for the time being.

2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo

Those who want an open-top version should consider the MC20 Cielo, the roadster version that offers the same thrills as its hardtop equivalent but with a foldable glass roof at the top. Yours for less than 220K Euros.

Unlike most drop-tops, the MC20 Cielo features a two-piece folding glass roof that takes 12 seconds to open or close and it can turn opaque at the touch of a button. Sounds like a party piece but the roof-folding mechanism adds 65kg of weight.

Despite the added weight, the Cielo behaves just like its hardtop equivalent as expected. Armed with the 630PS 3.0L 6-cylinder twin-turbo Nettuno engine mated to an 8-speed DCT, the MC20 Cielo can sprint from 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds and can go all the way to 325kph. It's still great to drive even with the roof down and because it features a double-wishbone suspension system with active shock absorbers as well as the composite material monocoque soaked in carbon fiber, the Cielo behaves like a racecar on the track, just like what the hardtop equivalent should.

Glass roof or not, the MC20 Cielo is all about taking leaps and bounds from its hardtop equivalent despite the added weight penalty. Like the hardtop equivalent, the MC20 Cielo is quintessentially Italian and it too will become every speedo boy's newest favorite Italian supercar for the time being.

Photo: Maserati

Maserati MC20

From its humble beginnings, Maserati is known for making the most iconic racing machines and sportscars for gentlemen who prefer something quintessential and Italian in every way but not Ferrari or Lamborghini. Today's Maserati is nothing more than an Italian BMW because the current lineup consists of the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons and the Levante SUV. Disagreed, Maserati prepares for its renaissance with the arrival of its brand-new sportscar called the MC20, the sportscar speedo boys can't wait to get their hands on it.

2021 Maserati MC20

2021 Maserati MC20

Priced at 210,000 Euros, the MC20 marks the true beginning of the Maserati renaissance and a true return to form where beauty and performance are what Maserati does best.

The story begins with the styling and this is where the MC20 showcases its critical side from every angle. Although mistaken for a lightweight sportscar like the Lotus Evora, the Maserati MC20's styling draws inspiration from the ancient MC12, the comfortable side of the Ferrari Enzo from two decades ago. With looks that can softly kill, the MC20's aerodynamics are beyond expectations.

Step inside the interior and you are greeted with its driver-focused cockpit that gives drivers an impression of driving a racing car on the track. Although track-focused in spirit, it's a well-tailored accessory every gentleman should have, especially when it packs a premium sound system and a Maserati Connect feature for their daily driving commodities. That sounds flashy and cheesy but this is all in the experience of being a high-value Italian sportscar that separates the men from the boys.

Speaking of separating the men from the boys, the main highlight of the MC20 is its performance and this is something everybody's feeling jealous of, wishing they want to drive one someday. Unlike most sportscars donning fancy hybrid tech, the MC20's powertrain is neo-20th-century stuff. It's a brand new 3.0L 6-cylinder twin-turbo Nettuno engine bolted to the middle at 90 degrees. It produces 630PS of power and 730Nm of torque and while mated to an 8-speed DCT, the MC20 can sprint from 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds and can go all the way to 325kph. This is a supercar performance the Italians can take pride in.

Aside from its supercar performance, the MC20's dynamics are worth driving for because underneath, it features a double-wishbone suspension system with active shock absorbers. They can really behave depending on which driving mode you're on; be it on WET, SPORT, CORSA, or on ESC OFF Mode.

Driving in CORSA Mode, the MC20's almost behaving like a true racing car on the track, but when the driver engaged ESC OFF Mode, this is where you'll need your adult diapers because, in this mode, the MC20's going all-out dynamic and it's going to be as crazy as trying to beat your favorite song on the EXPERT difficulty setting. It's struggling at first but when you are familiarized with it, the MC20 is a supercar you can't stop until you are fully satisfied with its result.

Also on the dynamics side, the MC20 really is a lightweight supercar from the start because underneath, it features a composite material monocoque soaked in carbon fiber, and combined with its lightweight materials assembled specifically for this car, it weighs one and a half tons.

The MC20 really marks the new beginning for Maserati and as the world is struggling with the new normal, where crossovers are superheroes, this is the antithesis every car enthusiast needs. With its strikingly great styling, driver-focused interior, and performance that is quintessentially Italian, the MC20 will soon be your newest favorite Italian supercar for the time being.

Photo: Maserati