Cielo
The Sky is the Limit
Having to compromise in life is something we learn to accept from a young age. You can’t have your cake and eat it — or so we’re told anyway.
To coin the phraseology of the times, I’ve generally been one with a more “Bullish” outlook to life, a dreamer if you will. I like the idea that something, however unlikely, could still be possible, rather than lowering my sights to the effortlessly expected and easily achievable. Don’t get me wrong, I understand why people forgo this approach, after all the opportunity for disappointment at the end certainly looms larger.
On the other hand, I would argue that the mere hope and expectation that something better could lie waiting at the end, makes the build-up all the more enjoyable. And it was this mindset I had as I arrived in Modena last month for the unveiling of the latest edition of Maserati’s flagship supercar.
My last visit to Modena was for the launch of the MC20 in 2020, and at the time it was the largest event held in Italy since the outbreak of Coronavirus. The fact the event was able to take place was a triumph in itself, but then add on top the spectacle that was the unveiling of the MC20 and what started off as an automotive launch finished as a celebration of, progress, design – and life.
This recent trip while more humble in its pretence, was no less important, with a new chapter in the Maserati Cabriolet story being written. It’s a car that has had huge significance for the brand historically, with models such as the A6G Spyder Frua (1950), the 500 GT Spyder (1959) and more recently the GT GranCabrio (2009) roaring successes in their own right.
The owner of the car is Marcello Grigorov.
While they no doubt referenced their past, this new spyder is very much Maserati interpreting the future; defining what it means to be a convertible in 2022 and beyond. The result? What is essentially a new MC20, a driver focused car modernised from the interior function and design, to the dramatic showcase of the retractable roof that can be gone in 12 seconds at up to speeds of 31mph.
Incredibly the new Cielo boasts the same performance output as the MC20 Coupé, the 630hp V6 Nettuno engine is again hard at work propelling it from 0-60 mph in under 3 seconds and to a top speed that sits comfortably to over 199 mph. This car is most certainly no slouch.
Even the name for this new car – Cielo1 – is very apt, as regardless of whether the roof is open or closed, it connects you with the sky. You could also argue that by matching the performance capabilities of the MC20 Coupé, this car pretty much has the ability to fly. New technology is resplendent throughout and none more apparent than with its unique PLDC glass roof; with the push of the button the glad transforms from opaque to clear in less than a second. This allows clear views of the sky when clear, and full protection from the heat of direct sunlight when opaque. Like I said before, no compromise.
It’s worth noting that the stylistic changes will also be translated in future MC20 orders, with the updated steering wheel design with vibrant blue “Start” button, tweaked UI and new “XX” alloys design now form part of the MC20 options.
The first 65 MC20 Cielo’s out of the Modena factory will be a PrimaSerie special editions, embellished with distinctive exterior and interior elements. One especially nice feature is the finish of the Maserati; a pearly shade of matte white gold.
The moral of this story? While there are many aspects of their cars that can be changed and tweaked according to user preference, when it comes to Maserati and performance it would seem that compromise simply isn’t an option.
- The Italian word for “Sky” ↩
