autoevolution
 

Why You Should Be Excited About Maserati MC20’s Bilstein DampTronic X Suspension

The legendary Italian carmaker is attempting to reinvent itself with the upcoming release of the MC20. The innovative mid-engine super sports car promises to take Maserati’s legendary racing pedigree to a new era with the help of the latest technological advancements, like the Bilstein DampTronic X suspension system.
Maserati MC20 7 photos
Photo: Maserati S.p.A.
Maserati MC20Maserati MC20Maserati MC20Maserati MC20Maserati MC20Maserati MC20
As part of a brand renewal strategy, Maserati engineers have been working hard for the past two years to build a new flagship supercar.

They started with a new powerplant, which is the first to be developed in-house by the Modena-based carmaker after more than a decade of using Ferrari engines.

The 90-degree, 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 features a revolutionary race-inspired twin-spark, pre-chamber ignition system, which helps it produce a maximum output of 621 hp PS (463 kW; 630 PS). As a result, it has a power-to-weight ratio of just 2.33 kg/hp (5.1 lbs/hp).

This is made possible by the ultra-light carbon-fiber monocoque chassis developed in partnership with race car experts Dallara. Using the latest composite materials and motorsport-derived building techniques, the new MC20 has an overall weight of only 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs).

Maserati MC20
Photo: Maserati S.p.A.
However, a powerful engine and a lightweight chassis need to be backed up by a state-of-the-art suspension system, so Maserati turned to German specialists Bilstein for this task.

The compact, independent, double-wishbone layout uses race-spec dynamic shock absorbers, which were manufactured specifically for the MC20 and tested on demanding tracks such as the infamous Nurburgring Nordschleife.

They feature Bilstein’s latest DampTronic X technology that enables damping forces to be electronically adjusted in a few milliseconds to the requirement determined by the central control unit.

Using a suite of sensors that monitor vibrations and oscillations, the EDC (Electronic Damper Control) unit constantly adapts the individual damping force of each wheel to provide the perfect combination between comfort and performance.

Maserati MC20
Photo: Maserati S.p.A.
Moreover, the system can significantly modify the characteristics of the suspension according to the selected driving mode.

The default GT mode is ideal for everyday driving and provides maximum comfort by softening the suspension. It also makes sure the V6 sounds civilized at low revs by only opening the active exhaust valves above 5,000 rpm.

The second mode, called ‘Wet,’ offers the highest level of maneuverability on wet or damp road surfaces by limiting engine boost and lowering the damping force of the active shocks.

In Sport and Corsa modes, the car is set up for maximum performance, and the suspension becomes noticeably stiffer to offer increased stability at high speeds, especially through tight corners.

Maserati MC20
Photo: Maserati S.p.A.
The driver can override the default suspension settings and manually adjust damping forces by using a button placed in the center of the driving mode selector.

To clear obstacles such as speed bumps or steep ramps, this innovative technology also enables the car’s ground clearance to be increased by 50 mm (1.9 inches) at low speeds.

The dynamic suspension system provides maximum comfort, extreme performance, or a combination of both, depending on the driving conditions, and promises to give the new MC20 the edge on any road surface.

The new supercar, which is exclusively hand-built in Modena, will be available this fall, with prices starting around $210,000.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Vlad Radu
Vlad Radu profile photo

Vlad's first car was custom coach built: an exotic he made out of wood, cardboard and a borrowed steering wheel at the age of five. Combining his previous experience in writing and car dealership years, his articles focus in depth on special cars of past and present times.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories