The Maserati MC20 has always been an outlier member of the supercar club. Initially developed with the future in mind as a dual ICE and EV platform, the latter ambition faded away as Maserati’s fortunes shifted.

What was left was a hugely characterful machine, centred around a heavily turbocharged “Nettuno” V6 where other rivals pressed ahead with hybrid power. Now, five years after launch, Maserati has stealthily introduced a subtle evolution bearing a new name: MCPura.

Looking at the MCPura, it’s clear Maserati has chosen to keep marching its own path rather than conforming. For many, this will be seen as a consequence of the financial turmoil engulfing the Trident and the wider Stellantis Group. But those charmed by the MC20 will find plenty to like.

The styling is instantly familiar, yet better resolved – the minor nip/tuck to the surfaces, including a new sharknose front air dam and side skirts, produce the shape the MC20 should’ve always been.

Behind this lies over 2,000 hours of wind tunnel refinement and 1,000 CFD simulations. Maserati says most of the work is hidden, with vortex generators, vented wheel arches and a multi-depth rear diffuser. Should prospective buyers want to shout about the newfound downforce, they can opt for a MC20 GT2 Stradale derived swan neck rear wing.

Equally eye-catching is the launch car’s “Ai Aqua Rainbow” launch colour, showcasing a light-reactive finish from Maserati’s Fuoriserie programme. The coupé wears it in matte; the Cielo roadster in gloss. Both feature magenta Trident accents on the wheels and bodywork.

Naturally, the MC20’s carbon tub – developed in collaboration with Dallara – has been carried over, as has the twin-turbocharged V6, still developing 621bhp and 730Nm (538lb-ft) of torque. That’s ample for a top speed in excess of 200mph and 0–62mph in “under 2.9 seconds”. Performance certainly isn’t lacking, but a little more firepower surely would’ve made justifying an upgrade easier for existing owners…

Claimed weight remains under 1,500kg (1,475kg for the coupé) – though, as ever, that’s likely the dryer-than-Campari Italian figure, measured in the car’s lightest configuration.

The soft evolution continues inside, where Alcantara now dominates. The seats, dashboard and door panels are trimmed in laser-etched dual-tone material, creating a series of body coloured incisions. Maserati claims the technique both reduces weight and increases grip during spirited cornering.

Other touches include an upgraded infotainment system and a GT2-style steering wheel, which features a flat-top rim and reshaped paddles. A separate version crafted from carbon fibre is also available via the options list – featuring integrated shift lights.

Maserati states the Cielo’s retractable glass roof is a world first, employing polymer-dispersed liquid crystal technology to switch from opaque to transparent in a second. Coupé owners feeling left out can specify a carbon fibre roof.

The MCPura is making its global debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Production will begin in Q4 of 2025, and while Maserati says both cars are available to order now – the configurator is live – no pricing has yet been released.