The Maserati MC20 isn’t just the first mid-engined from the brand since the Ferrari Enzo-based MC12 but it is also special because of its engine.
Located directly behind the passenger cell is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 621 hp at 7,500 rpm and 538 lb-ft (730 Nm) of torque from 3,000 to 5,500 rpm. The engine weighs less than 485 lbs (220 kg) and revs to 8,000 rpm.
As discussed in this video from Engineering Explained’s Jason Fenske, the new MC20’s engine is special because it uses Formula 1-derived technology in the form of a pre-chamber combustion system with twin-spark plugs. In the MC20, the pre-chamber is located between the ordinary combustion chamber and central electrode and connected by several specially designed holes. The pre-chamber is also joined by lateral spark plugs.
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Fenske explains that this system speeds up combustion and reduces knock. It is also said to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 30 per cent and because both the pre-chamber and main combustion chamber have their own spark plugs, Maserati is able to change the duration of combustion which can help to warm up the catalytic converter and make the engine quieter.
While the Italian automaker has claimed the new engine is “100% Maserati,” it does feature many similarities to Ferrari’s F154 V8 used in the SF90 Stradale. For example, it has the same 88 mm bore and 82 mm stroke and the same 1-6-3-4-2-5 firing order of the Alfa Romeo 690T engine used by the Giulia and Stelvio.