MASERATI

Maserati MC20: electrified model that could have been one of the most exciting supercars of today has been aborted

Since the presentation of the MC20 in 2020, and even before the model's series production began, Maserati made it known that, in addition to the closed-body coupe, an open version and a bolder, more aggressive version were in the pipeline, with a 100% electric MC20 also planned. And after fulfilling the first three promises, the Italian manufacturer goes back on its decision to build the MC20 Folgore, the electric version of the coupe, leaving this technology for the GranTurismo, GranCabrio and Grecale.

The MC20 is one of Maserati's most exciting models in recent years. In 2021, production began on the two-seater, mid-engined petrol coupe, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that delivers 630 hp to pull just 1,475 kg, allowing it to claim a 0-100 km/h time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h. Two years later, the convertible version was introduced, called MC20 Cielo, which inherits everything from the original coupe with a closed body and a few extra kilos of weight due to the retractable roof. 

This year, the third member of the MC20 family appeared, the GT2 Stradale, a type of racing car approved for road use, with a generous wing and a matching splitter — the first ensures 370 kg of downforce at 280 km/h, while the second stays at 130 kg —, with the mechanics and chassis tuned for more dynamic and “attack” driving, whether on the road or track. This GT2 Stradale, 60 kg lighter and 10 hp more powerful, will certainly be a more fun supercar to drive, although more expensive and less comfortable.

According to Maserati, the latest market studies point to a certain lack of interest in battery-powered supercars in this price, power and acceleration segment. Those responsible for the brand claim that their customers say they prefer two-seater sports cars with combustion engines, so the Modena manufacturer has chosen to cancel production of the MC20 Folgore, leaving the possibility of opting for electric engines for the rest of the range, with four and five seats.

Even though Maserati's choice is understandable, the premature death of the Folgore version of the MC20 is regrettable, considering that the two-seater electric coupe was supposed to impress with its power. If, at the very least, it used the same power units as the GranTurismo, which has over 1200 hp of installed power (less available power), the battery-powered MC20 could raise the bar even higher than the GranTurismo Folgore, which only gets 761 hp from the three 408 hp engines, which doesn't stop it from announcing 324 km/h and 0-100 km/h in 2.7 seconds, thus beating the standard MC20 and the GT2 Stradale in acceleration.

According to European publications, the manufacturer will not proceed with the project, and the future of the brand's other EVs is also at risk.

According to Maserati's official statement, published by British magazine Evo, "the project has been halted due to the forecast of insufficient demand in the supercar market for a battery-electric vehicle."

The brand originally planned to launch six electric models by 2026, including the MC20 Folgore.

During a recent earnings call, Stellantis CFO Doug Ostermann announced that Maserati would lose a previously planned investment of US$1.59 billion.

In addition to the lack of demand for electric supercars, another factor that weighed on the decision was Maserati's poor performance in the global market.

In 2024, the brand's sales fell 58% compared to 2023, with particularly poor numbers in China, its second-largest market.

“We need to recognize the dynamics of this sector, especially in the Chinese market, and adjust our expectations about how quickly this luxury segment will transition to electrification,” Ostermann explained to Autocar magazine.

In place of the MC20 Folgore, Maserati plans to launch a facelift of the combustion-powered MC20, possibly incorporating improvements from the GT2 Stradale.

However, this update would likely happen regardless of the cancellation of the electric model.

The decision not to continue with the MC20 Folgore could be a strategic mistake, as the model could have brought something truly new to the market, instead of competing directly with established sports cars such as the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

With the GranTurismo Folgore platform, which delivers 818 hp with three electric motors, the electric MC20 could be one of the most exciting supercars today.

Speaking of the GranTurismo Folgore, it remains to be seen whether it could also be under threat. The model has received good reviews, and its driving experience has been praised for combining classic sports car handling with a well-integrated electric powertrain.

If Maserati decides to cut more EVs from its portfolio, it could end up sacrificing one of the most interesting electric cars on the market before it has a real chance to establish itself.

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