Maserati MC20: What Those in Automotive School Should Know
The new Maserati MC20 is looking like it will feature many exciting firsts for the Italian manufacturer in its most innovative model yet. Unveiled in early September, the Maserati-made MC20 is more affordable than its last sports car, the million-dollar MC12, of which only 50 models were made. Prices start at around $280,000, with similar horsepower to the MC12. As Maserati’s first supercar in a decade and a half, this attempt to make a more accessible sports car without sacrificing quality is what the automaker calls an “epic return to [its] racing origins.” Shorthand for the Maserati Corse, the MC20, and its planned track-only variant, signals Maserati’s intention to establish itself once more at racing events.
The Maserati MC20 boasts a new engine, impressive horsepower and acceleration speeds, and a lightweight body. It is expected to be available in the US and Canada in 2021. Maserati has stated that it plans to offer an electric version in the future—a goal for each of the company’s upcoming models. Read on to discover the MC20’s most exciting features!
The MC20’s Innovative Engine Explained for Those in Automotive School
Along with the release of the MC20, Maserati has debuted a new engine, the Nettuno. This engine is a twin-turbocharged V-6 engine that boasts 621 horsepower. Those in auto mechanic college will be interested to know how such a powerful engine is possible in such a lightweight vehicle. What’s different about the Nettuno is that, instead of the spark plug simply igniting fuel inside the cylinder, the MC20 uses the spark plug to ignite gasoline within a chamber attached to all six of the Nettuno’s cylinders. The remaining air and fuel are heated through a flame that goes through a sequence of holes on its way into the cylinder. How the pre-ignition chamber will operate depends on the power requirements of the car, making for a high-power engine capable of also driving discreetly.
With a twin-combustion system not unlike Formula 1 race cars, the Nettuno engine’s system boasts top speeds at over 300 km/h, as well as an astonishing 0-60 time of 2.9 seconds. The model features adjustable suspension and is equipped with four driving modes: GT, Sport, Corsa, and Wet.
What to Expect From the Body and Build of the MC20
The design of the MC20 is sure to impress those enrolled in a mechanic program. Weighing less than 3,306 pounds, the MC20 is engineered to be especially fast and lightweight without sacrificing safety. Lightweight carbon fibre and aluminum subframes make up the majority of its body, allowing for great performance with a solid weight/power ratio. The sports car features a two-seat cabin, where ‘butterfly’ doors opening upwards rather than outwards provide access to it. Its sleek, uncluttered interior design has a sporty look to it.
For enhanced rear visibility (a problem often encountered with sports cars), a digital rear-view mirror is used. This feeds an image via a camera attached to the vehicle’s rear to a mirror mounted on the windshield. Its infotainment system contains the technology of Fiat Chrysler’s Uconnect system, using a horizontal touchscreen that fits into the air vents in the dashboard’s centre.
While Maserati has yet to release all the information surrounding this model, the MC20 is certainly innovative, with the potential to rock the sports car universe.
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