New 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo

A new white 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo arriving at and leaving Peninsula Cars & Coffee at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, organized by the Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance.

Also caught on this video: Dodge Viper SRT GTS, Ferrari 458 Italia, and Porsche 911 (991) Turbo S

With modern engineering allowing convertibles to have minimal aerodynamic and structural compromise compared to coupes, it only makes sense that most supercars are now available in open form. The MC20 Cielo is still quite new and this is the first example I've seen, but I have no doubt there will soon be no less Cielos on the streets than coupes. After all, this is sunny Southern California!

First things first - I really like Maserati's choice of the Cielo name. "Spider" and "Spyder" are way overplayed, and there's simply too much confusion over why some manufacturers prefer one spelling over the other and why convertible cars have anything to do with arachnids. "Cielo" is catchy, meaningful, and original - kind of like Aston Martin's "Volante". I hope Maserati begins using this name for all its open-top models; a GranTurismo Cielo would certainly be a hit!

Many people will probably disagree with me about this, but from a styling perspective I think I like the MC20 coupe a little more than the Cielo. It's a tough call because both versions are incredibly sexy, but there's nothing like a clear engine cover exposing the heart of a supercar. The convertible's rear cover and profile simply look a bit plain in comparison, even with the trio of indentations on each side that mimic the coupe's functional vents. The option of enjoying the car's performance and sound with the top down is certainly irresistible though, and I hope both versions of the car will sell well enough to give Maserati reason to continue investing in the supercar business.

Do you prefer the MC20 in coupe form or Cielo form? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!