2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo

Maserati has long lingered in the shadow of Ferrari, its former corporate cousin and longtime engine supplier. And while the brand has been reborn under the stewardship of the now-defunct Fiat group, Maserati has lacked an uber-performance model to compete with its Italian rival. That's all changed with the 2023 Maserati MC20.

Built on a bespoke, aluminum and carbon-fiber chassis made by Dallara, a race car manufacturer, the 621-horsepower MC20 puts Maserati right back in the conversation with exotics from McLaren, Lamborghini, Aston Martin and, yes, Ferrari. The MC20's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine is the first Maserati engine developed in-house in about 20 years, and it ends Maserati's reliance on Ferrari power to infuse its cars with a bit of extra shine. The V6, combined with the car's relatively light mass, propels the MC20 from 0 to 60 mph in about 3.0 seconds and on to a top speed of 202 mph.

The MC20's prodigious power is matched by firm brakes, a sporty but compliant suspension, and predictable handling that keeps the car's elite capabilities within the grasp of mere mortal drivers. Like the original Acura NSX, the MC20 is a supercar docile enough to drive every day without fear. Your requirements for "everyday" comfort may vary, however. While the MC20 isn't intimidating, performance remains its purpose. In its default drive mode (there are five different modes), the suspension is gentle enough for daily driving and even drives farther afield. It rides well on the street and doesn't punish passengers with stiff seats or a backbreaking ride.

But at highway speeds, road noise is prominent and you'll hear every pebble bounce off the carbon-fiber underbody. And even by supercar standards, the MC20's scant 5 cubic feet of cargo space is laughably small. Best to pack light when setting off on those road trips. You also won't find many driver assistance features — they're complex, add weight and undermine the MC20's focus. Still, there's a backup camera, digital rearview mirror and an optional blind-spot warning system.

For 2023, the MC20 coupe carries over unchanged. But there's a new convertible version called the MC20 Cielo, with a retractable hardtop and electrochromic roof panel. The MC20 Cielo is reviewed separately. In the narrow gap between sports cars and supercars, few vehicles compete with the Maserati MC20. Those that do are a rarefied group that include the Lamborghini Huracan, McLaren Artura, Ferrari Roma, Aston Martin DB11 and Porsche 911 Turbo S. The MC20 finally gives Maserati a conversation starter that can run in the same circles.