We pit the MC20 Cielo against one of the best mid-engined convertibles in the business, the Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder.

The mid-engined sports car space is heating up. Segment-leaders like Ferrari and Lamborghini are constantly tested by brands like McLaren, Lotus, and now Maserati.

Maserati, at one point, had quite the lineup of cars. The MC12, a cheaper Enzo as it is termed, was a brutishly quick and capable supercar that proudly adorned the Trident. The Granturismo was a favorite among enthusiasts for its GT credentials and a superb naturally aspirated Ferrari-sourced V8.

Sadly, the brand had no real spirit and sort of lost the plot in recent years. That is until the MC20 was unveiled.

The Maserati MC20 is proving to be a worthy competitor in the mid-engined sports car space. Being the spiritual successor to the MC12, it incorporates the core ethos of Maserati while being modern and sophisticated.

Not long after unveiling the coupe, the brand introduces the new 2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo—the MC20’s convertible sibling.

To see how good it is, we pit the MC20 Cielo against one of the best mid-engined convertibles in the business, the Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spyder.

Of course, one of the highlights of any Lamborghini is how gorgeous it looks. Some might call it menacing and aggressive, but hardly anyone would deem it ugly. Noticeable changes on the Evo Spyder over the previous Huracan are revised bumper designs, both front and rear, and exhaust outlets that are now placed higher, much like the Performante.

Apart from the roof, there’s nothing different about the Spyder versus the hardtop Evo. But the car in its convertible form has this elevated sense of drama that is perhaps lacking in the Maserati.

Although not as flashy as a Ferrari or flamboyant as a Lamborghini, the MC20 has a subtlety that’s worth applauding. The whole theme of Maserati’s design ethos was to keep it simple and clean. Built on an entirely new carbon-fiber chassis, the MC20 tips the scale at 3400 pounds. Evidently lighter than aluminum-framed Huracan Evo.

Not all is lost in the name of simplicity. You have butterfly doors that signify your entry into a fairly substantial piece of kit. You get 20-inch diamond-cut wheels that blend well with the design and twin-exhaust tips that complete the overall look.

We are digging the Maserati's simple yet distinct design. The Lambo, on the other hand, is perhaps too shouty. But as they say, looks are subjective.

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While the Granturismo had a thundering V8 inside, things are far more civilized now. Thanks to emissions and other regulatory mandates, Maserati decided to opt for an all-new smaller, and importantly lighter, 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 for the MC20 Cielo.

Mechanically, the MC20 Cielo remains unchanged from the hard-top. The “Nettuno” engine churns out 624 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque, quite a lot for a fairly light sports car. Maserati uses an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and boasts a limited-slip differential; an electronic differential is optional.

The Evo Spyder makes use of a naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V10 making 631 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to an all-wheel-drive system paired with a super-slick 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Evo Spyder is capable of hitting 60 mph in under three seconds (same as the MC20). Lamborghini says the Huracan Evo Spyder can reach a top speed of over 202 mph, on par with the 202 mph MC20 Cielo.

Although it’s marginally down on power, the sense of occasion and drama places the Huracan Evo ahead of its Italian counterpart. Aural pleasure plays an important role in the supercar experience, and that’s where the V6-powered MC20 Cielo falls behind versus the boisterous Huracan Evo Spyder.

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We reckon, in terms of technology, the MC20 is way ahead of the aging Lambo. You get active safety systems with a 360-degree camera, traffic sign recognition, and autonomous emergency braking in the MC20. Whereas the Lamborghini seems dated in that respect.

Apple CarPlay is available, but the touchscreen infotainment feels like it doesn’t belong in a $250k supercar. Also, it seems like the Maserati’s cabin feels airier and less claustrophobic with the roof up.

On paper, the MC20 tops the Huracan Evo. And If we were to consult the internet, nobody’s unhappy behind the wheel of an MC20. If anything, reviewers are praising the Trident’s efforts. Maserati has incorporated a lot of their learnings from the racetrack and given the car enough character to stand out.

The MC20 is in no way a Friday afternoon job but a thoroughly put-together sports car. With prices expected around the $250,000 mark, the MC20 Cielo is not, by any means, a bargain. But, if you have other super cars and wish to experiment with something potent and livable, the MC20 Cielo should fit in perfectly.

A relatively naive bloke in every aspect other than cars. Ever since he was a toddler, cars fascinated him so much that he only ate when there's a magazine beside him. Although comprehension was a bit far-fetched, pictures were the focal point. Fast forward a few years, he graduated with a degree in automobile engineering and now pens down on all things motoring.