Maserati MC20: fresh pictures of new supercar

► New 2020 Maserati MC20

► Shock V6 mid-engined supercar

► Our scoop dossier spills the beans

The Maserati MC20 is due to be revealed later this year, and we've got pictures of Italy's new supercar testing. We already know the MC20 will be intially powered by a 3.0-litre V6 engine, and we're expecting a hybrid and electric-only version to follow.

In the meantime, we've been able to take a closer look at the MC20, and it's shaping up very nicely. These new pictures show the car in camo, but it's possible to see some striking, angular lines underneath: The MC20 looks like the beginning of a fresher, much-needed design style for Maserati.

The pictures confirm the MC20's mid-engined layout, with air-intakes on either side of the car likely feeding an all-new V6 engine. CAR intel suggests the MC20 is designed to challenge junior supercars from Ferrari, Aston Martin and McLaren and will be powered by a mid-mounted V6 initially, with hybrid and full electric versions to follow. Think of it like an Italian NSX then. The name was announced on 20 February, after CAR revealed the car we called Supersportiva in our earlier scoop.

The placement of the air-intakes, lights and overhangs all suggest a classic design that should have Maserati's compatriots taking notice.

And the engine?

Maserati has revealed the V6 powerplant at the heart of its forthcoming MC20 supercar. Called the Nettuno, it’s a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder, twin turbo unit and delivers 613bhp at 7500rpm and 538lb ft of torque at 3000rpm. It also uses a dry sump, and the cylinders are configured in a 90-degree V.

The V6 uses an F1-derived pre-chamber combustion system with twin-spark plugs and an electronic waste gate. It’s a first for a road-going engine, and designed with both efficiency and power in mind.

What else?

The new Maserati MC20 will launch with this sequentially-turbocharged V6 power only; throbbing V8s are out of favour in these carbon-crunched times, and the only transmission choice will be an eight-speed twin-clutch automatic from Getrag, driving the rear wheels.

We hear rumours that the MC20 will share the V6 being developed for a pair of new Alfas: the new-generation GTV and 8C sports cars.

I thought the MC20 would be a hybrid?

Even Modena cannot ignore the electrification revolution reshaping the industry and CAR magazine can confirm that Maser is working on hybridised versions of the MC20 too. Such a Trofeo model would add e-modules to the front axle to provide all-wheel drive, electric torque vectoring and upwards of 700bhp in range-topping spec.

Maserati MC20: what we know

We expect the MC20 will go on sale before the end of 2020 priced the right side of £200,000. And if this looks like a bolt from the blue, you’re right: until recently, it wasn’t in the plan.

A new Maserati product plan… we’ve been here before, haven’t we?

It’s a fair point. Maserati has had more relaunch programmes than Nasa, and it’s now in the throes of being taken over by PSA as parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is merging with the French car-making giant. It means we can expect another bold product plan, and the MC20 is a very recent addition to the cycle.

Based on a carbonfibre tub similar to that of the recently discontinued Alfa Romeo 4C sports car, it’s likely to be built on the same line as that Alfa. But this is a new platform: longer, wider and with an extended wheelbase for more interior space, room for a bigger engine and more forgiving handling.

The suspension will be by double wishbones front and rear.

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It’s all part of a new model programme, which faces difficult choices as Maserati registrations worldwide struggled to 24,000 in 2019. Sales have grown in the past decade, but not as much as original plans promised and the new masters in Modena are reassessing their range of sports cars, SUVs and saloons. They still understand the power of a brand-building supercar - and that’s what has given the MC20 the green light.

What do you think of the new 2020 Maserati MC20? Add your comment below and join the debate!