While the Levante Trofeo is an excellent SUV, Maserati as a whole hasn’t been scoring well in comparison tests. But there are signs that the Italian marque is getting its mojo back. One of the clearest is that it finally has a new supercar, the 2022 Maserati MC20. And based on the initial reviews, it should be enough to make Ferrari worry.

The 2022 Maserati MC20 is a supercar with F1 tech and modern luxuries

Launching a new supercar is a momentous occasion for Maserati. It’s been well over a decade since its last supercar, the Ferrari Enzo-based MC12. Only now, Ferrari and Maserati are no longer part of the same stable. As a result, the 2022 Maserati MC20 is a clean-sheet design, with technology that will likely trickle down to the brand’s other cars.

Speaking of technology, the Maserati MC20 borrows some from Formula 1 in its engine’s combustion chambers, Road & Track reports. The engine is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 rated at 621 hp and 538 lb-ft linked to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. This V6 is Maserati’s first in-house engine in two decades, R&T points out, and it redlines at 8000 RPM. And with it, the MC20 goes 0-60 mph in a claimed 2.9 seconds, The Drive reports. The upcoming AWD EV version will likely be even quicker, MotorTrend notes.

Besides power, the 2022 Maserati MC20 also owes its speed to a relatively low 3306-lb curb weight. That’s thanks to its carbon-fiber chassis and aluminum subframes; race-car supplier Dallara helped with the design. The multi-function steering wheel is also made of carbon fiber, as are the body panels and shift paddles, Automobile reports. And speaking of bodywork, it has multiple built-in aero features, including front-mounted vortex generators, a rear-mounted diffuser, and an active rear spoiler, The Drive reports.

The 2022 Maserati MC20 has plenty more supercar touches, though. It has adaptive fully-independent double-wishbone suspension, Brembo brakes, multiple driving modes, a limited-slip rear differential, and butterfly doors. And carbon-ceramic brakes are optional.

The MC20’s interior is “minimalist,” but it’s not barren, Roadshow notes. There’s a 10” digital gauge cluster, a 10” center touchscreen, a front-axle lift, and leather-and-Alcantara Sabelt sport seats, Motor1 reports. And it offers WiFi, Amazon Alexa connectivity, and the same Android Automotive software as the Polestar 2. Plus, the supercar has two trunks.

With the 2022 Maserati MC20, the brand’s “days of living in Ferrari’s shadow are over,” The Drive says

Although it has two trunks, their “space is largely symbolic,” The Drive notes. Also, the MC20’s climate controls are touchscreen-only, Hagerty reports, and the V6 “lacks the howling repertoire of a good old-fashioned V8.” And while the DCT has excellent upshifts and is overall very smooth, Autocar found it stumbled occasionally on downshifts. Also, there’s only one small cupholder.

Those are the only real negatives reviewers found with the 2022 Maserati MC20. Otherwise, to quote Auto Express, “Maserati’s first supercar in a generation is a hit, and a triumph for the brand.”

The twin-turbo V6 delivers “relentless acceleration,” Hagerty reports, with linear power delivery and no deficits anywhere in the rev range. It’s also lighter and more compact than a V8 of similar output, meaning a lower curb weight and center of gravity and better weight distribution.  The steering is “sublime,” Motor1 gushes, with “telepathic feedback,” quick turn-in, and no dead zones. Auto Express found it “better than most Ferraris’ [steering.” And the brakes are reassuringly strong with plenty of feedback.

Then there’s the handling and ride quality. The Maserati MC20 grips well without understeering, and drifts are easy to control. It’s a supercar that doesn’t require prior racing experience to have fun in or drive quickly. And it absorbs even the worst road imperfections with the aplomb of the best rally cars, Hagerty reports. As a result, the Maserati MC20 is a true daily-drivable supercar.

Is it worth the cost?

Being a supercar, the 2022 Maserati MC20 doesn’t come cheap. The base price is $210K, The Drive reports, and that’s before destination or options like the Sonus audio system. And for those who want extra sound or handling prowess, Maserati will offer performance parts like carbon-fiber wheels and a sports exhaust system.

However, the Maserati MC20 is cheaper than the ‘entry-level’ Ferrari Roma. It’s also better equipped, more powerful, and more of a true sports car. And while it’s slightly slower than the Lamborghini Huracan Evo, the Lambo costs almost $60,000 more. Plus, while styling is always a personal matter, many reviewers note the MC20’s looks set it apart from most of the competition.

The MC20, then, is a sure sign that Maserati has its mojo back.

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