The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2021 - Issue 30

bitecars with the most advanced engineering techniques. Through small, full-scale wind tunnel experiments, the Computational Fluid Dynamics has been deployed to optimise every detail to increase the downforce coefficient and keep the drag coefficient low through aerodynamic elements like the air vents or rear spoiler. Like the MC12, the new model has a big oval grille that extends downwards from the nose, albeit with bigger dimensions. These are flanked by irregular vents at the bottom and vertical LED headlamps at the top. The MC20’s front hood is slightly small- er than its predecessor with considerable cooling vents. It also has deeply sculptured side skirts and big vents in the upper rear fenders which are influenced by the MC12, while the wheel arches, also similar in design, are fully muscular. At the rear, you may notice the taillights are familiar but essen- tially longer. While the design retains the layout with red brake lights on the edges, it has a much thinner look and features LED technology. With the car designed in majority carbon fibre, the bumper incorporates the sporty and stylish licence plate recess, centrally mounted exhaust pipes, and a small diffuser flanked by two vents. Other components, including the doors, are made from lightweight carbon fibre material as well. Final Word It’s interesting to note that the Maserati MC12 received its name from the number of cylinders under its bonnet while the MC20 was named after the year it debuted. Beginning life on the race tracks, the revolutionary road-ready MC12, based on the name- sake GT1 that won several championships in 2005 and 2006, paved the way for the natural MC20 evolution. The difference in engine capacity saw the MC12 with a 6.0-litre naturally aspi- rated V12 while the MC20 has an inborn 3.0-litre Nettuno V6 powerhouse. Although inspired by its predecessor, the MC20 was born from the exclusive Nettuno engine, the first in a Maserati, rather than a design perspective. No longer under the ownership of Ferrari, where they were restricted to luxury saloons, laid-back coupés and recently, SUVs, Maserati convinced their new own- ers, Dutch-domiciled multinational automotive manufacturing corporation, Stellantis, to allow them to advance back into the supercar segment. MC20 owners will find the coupé blisteringly quick and the handling race-car sharp with a refined ride that is smooth in the most comfortable driving mode. Whilst it is deemed as a pure race car made for the track with precise and agile tendencies, this typical Italian Gran Turismo is perfectly built for country roads. In snowy conditions, drivers will find that the Maserati MC20 really grips the surface thanks to the bespoke Potenza tyres exclusively provided by Bridgestone. To complete the line-up of the new MC20, Maserati will be in- troducing an open-top Spyder, followed by a high-performance electrified version. https://www.maserati.com/gb/en/models/mc20