The Maserati MC20 Trofeo doesn’t exist, but we think it should

The relationship between Ferrari and Maserati has often been a complex one, both companies producing beautiful Italian supercars yet each managing to carve its own niche. Modena and Maranello, for the most part, have avoided squabbles despite what for many years has been a convenient if uneasy truce.

That equilibrium was tilted on its axis by the arrival of Maserati’s new (and hugely impressive) mid-engined halo MC20. The Trident’s supercar arrives at an opportune time for the brand. Ferrari’s F8 Tributo has just been replaced by the V6 hybrid 296 GTB, and there doesn’t appear to be a muscle-flexing special edition like the 458 Speciale and 488 Pista in the near future.

This leaves Maserati space to create a dramatic, track-focused variant of its new mid-engined halo to fill the Maranello-shaped hole in the supercar market. Yes, there is a 1000hp SF90 lurking in the background from Ferrari, but its million dollar plus price tag means Maserati has a $500,000 price pond to lure customers in. Its hook could be the MC20 Trofeo.

Maserati already stole a home-run with the standard MC20, so improving the breed will provide a considerable if not impossible challenge. First port of call will be the engine. Retaining the oversquare bore and stroke of the standard Nettuno engine means the 3.0-litre capacity remains unchanged. However, the 90-degree V6 engine will gain an extra 800rpm, with the extra rotations required for a 8800rpm redline delivered thanks to lightened crankshaft, conrods and pistons.

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An increase in turbo boost means peak power will lift to 500kW, with outright torque bumping to 750Nm. While the latter isn’t a dramatic increase, the band within which every Newton is transferred to the rear wheels will widen to 2500-5500rpm.

While a power bump is nice, it’s the changes to the mid-engine hero’s dynamic ability that are more drastic. Inspired by GT3 and GT4 racing machinery, the MC20 Trofeo gains significant aerodynamic addenda, with the car producing 400kg of downforce at 200km/h – something not even a Porsche 911 GT3 can match. Variable dampers of the standard model are replaced by manually adjustable Blistein units.

A carbon-fibre monocoque and aluminium subframes don’t leave much scope for weight saving unless you begin pulling the interior to pieces, but Maserati’s engineers are able to cleave 75kg from the kerb weight to tip the scales at 1400kg. Most of the savings come from a reduction in sound deadening, lithium battery, lighter forged wheels and new bucket seats.

This is Maserati’s opportunity to strike while the trident is hot. Read on to discover how we’d make the MC20 Trofeo a reality.

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How we’d build it:

Step 1: Fixed back

The full carbon-fibre fixed-back buckets can come with optional Sabelt five-point harnesses. What won’t be optional is seat placement, with the seat locked firmly in position, but the pedal box and wheel gain extra adjustability.

Step 2: Copy book

Lessons learned from international GT racing will help the Maserati stick to the road. Swan-neck rear wing produces more downforce than a regular mount, while a fully flat floor feeds the dramatic rear diffuser. New ducting behind the doors helps keep both the engine and rear brakes cool. That large central duct on the front bonnet isn’t a performance aid, instead helping feed the car’s climate control system.

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Step 3: Bigger is better

Going is one thing, stopping is another. The Trofeo’s standard Brembo carbon ceramic brakes (optional on the standard car) will increase 10mm in diameter to 390mm up front, while the rear jumps an additional 20mm to 370mm. Caliper clearance will be taken care of by the new motorsport-inspired rims.

Step 4: Big foot

There is no replacement for mechanical grip when it comes to going fast with confidence. This is achieved in the MC20 Trofeo with a frankly gargantuan rubber footprint. The 20-inch diameter rims at each corner grow considerably in width to 12.5-inches, with 325/30 aspect rubber at all four corners. Pirelli P Zero Trofeo tyres are standard, naturally.

Step 5: Teacher time

MC20 Trofeo customers won’t be unleashed on the world with a potent track weapon without adequate preparation. As a part of the purchase price, owners will be inducted into a driver program that includes regular track days (covered by warranty) and one-on-one professional tutelage at various circuits.