logo
2026 Maserati MCPura revealed

2026 Maserati MCPura revealed

News.com.au13-07-2025
There's more to the Maserati MCPura than meets the eye.
It's only when parked alongside the MC20 you'll see how very different it is from the sleek five-year-old supercar it replaces.
Claimed to be the result of more than 2000 hours wind tunnel testing and thousands more spent on advanced fluid dynamics simulations, speak to the wind wrangler, or aerodynamicist as they're more commonly known, and they will go to great lengths explaining how different the MCPura, compared to its predecessor.
MORE: The Ferrari that ruins everything
2026 Maserati MCPura. Picture: Supplied
Maybe they're right, after all the entire lower half of the body is new from the front bumper, rear diffuser, side skirts and underbody.
Peek under a MCPura and there's supposed to be fancy vortex generators and less exciting-sounding air channels that carefully manage wind to that enlarged rear diffuser.
MORE: New look for family favourite
2026 Maserati MCPura. Picture: Supplied
At the same time other air benders were finessing how to extract hot air from an engine, while channelling cold fresh air to a hungry twin-turbo V6. 

If it all sounds complex, it is – and the result is a car that offers less lift and more downforce without any naughty speed-sapping drag.
Pop open one of the still-glorious butterfly doors and you're greeted by wall-to-wall Alcantara – the suede-like material beloved by motorsport because it is light, hard-wearing and UV-proof.
MORE: The new baby buy replacing the pram
2026 Maserati MCPura. Picture: Supplied
Other changes include the introduction of a flat-topped steering wheel, which is unusual and apparently helps improve visibility ahead and links the new Maserati supercar with the GT2 racer that competes on the weekend.
Under the rear bonnet, Maserati hasn't been foolish by adding any electrification to its already-advanced twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6. In the latest Lamborghini Temerario the extra hybrid tech saw the kerbweight climb over the model it replaces by an astonishing 300kg.
2026 Maserati MCPura. Picture: Supplied
Sadly, engineers haven't managed to liberate any more power from the 'Nettuno' engine's advanced twin-combustion tech, but both 470kW of power and 730Nm of torque seems to suffice and, compared with a swift-shifting eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, a 0-100km/h dash takes just 2.9 seconds, which is actually a few tenths off the pace in the new crazy age of electrified supercars.
Along with the new downforce figures, Maserati hasn't announced what exactly has occurred when it comes to suspension changes but has said that the Android-powered 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen now comes with some of the same track-focused telemetry developed for the hard-core GT2 Stradale, suggesting more of a hard edge.
2026 Maserati MCPura. Picture: Supplied
Enhancing agility both on road and track is the MCPura remains based around a full carbon-fibre monocoque, instead of the less exotic aluminium spaceframe favoured by the Ferrari 296, that means it weighs just 1475kg – the same as the MC20.
There was little wrong with the way the old Maserati supercar demolished a cross-country sprint and the new MCPura is expected to only elevate near-class-best dynamics, although if we're honest the droptop Cielo roadster was always our pick and the new one now throws in some fancy electrochromic roof tech into the mix which can, at the touch of a button, turn the clear glass to opaque.
2026 Maserati MCPura. Picture: Supplied
The same tech also enhances thermal insulation and ensures the Maser's cabin stays cool in hot weather and warm when it gets chilly, making the droptop even more desirable.
Now available in ten colours, including the wild glass-prism-mimicking matte Ai Aqua Rainbow hue it was launched with, Maserati will allow owners to customise their new supercar using its bespoke Fuoriserie division which can realise even the wildest imaginations in automotive forms.
2026 Maserati MCPura. Picture: Supplied
Available to order now with first deliveries expected to take place either before the end of this year or early in 2026, prices for the new Maserati MCPURA are expected to hover around the $500k mark, with the Cielo roadster commanding a premium of around $65,000.
To sum up, the MCPura is a facelift that doesn't look like a facelift – normally we'd lambast any car-maker for not being brave enough to embrace change but when you remember the MC20 remains one of the most beautiful supercars any amount of money can buy, who can blame Maserari?
2026 Maserati MCPura. Picture: Supplied
The new name, meanwhile, is less easy to forgive. Why would you want to plough half a million dollars into a car that sounds like a drink you get with a Happy Meal.
2026 Maserati MCPura

PRICE: About $510,000+ plus on-road costs 


ENGINE: 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6, 470kW/730Nm
WARRANTY/SERVICING: Three years/unlimited km, 12 months/15,000km

SAFETY: Four airbags, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection,
Matrix LED adaptive headlights
THIRST: 11.5L/100km (WLTP Combined)

CARGO: 150 litres

SPARE: Repair kit
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Oscar Piastri claims Belgian GP sprint pole with stunning record lap
Oscar Piastri claims Belgian GP sprint pole with stunning record lap

Daily Telegraph

timean hour ago

  • Daily Telegraph

Oscar Piastri claims Belgian GP sprint pole with stunning record lap

Don't miss out on the headlines from Motorsport. Followed categories will be added to My News. Series leader Oscar Piastri secured pole position for Saturday's sprint race at the Belgian Grand Prix when he beat Red Bull's Max Verstappen by 0.477 seconds with a devastating record lap in his McLaren. The 24-year-old Australian, who leads the drivers' championship by eight points ahead of McLaren teammate Lando Norris, clocked a fastest lap in 1min 40.510sec on Friday to seize the prime starting position. Oscar Piastri during sprint qualifying. Picture:He was six-tenths of a second faster than Norris who was third ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Esteban Ocon of Haas, Carlos Sainz of Williams and Oliver Bearman in the second Haas. Pierre Gasly was eighth for Alpine ahead of Racing Bulls' rookie Isack Hadjar and Sauber's Gabriel Bortoleto while seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton wound up in 18th place after spinning his Ferrari in SQ1. 'That was a good lap!' said Piastri. 'I had a scare in SQ2 with the deletion of my lap, but the car has been mega all day so thanks to the team. The car is great.' Piastri's success helped him erase his disappointment at the British Grand Prix where he was handed a 10-second penalty and felt he missed out on a victory as Norris won to trim his lead in the title race. Verstappen, in his first race weekend since the exit of team boss Christian Horner, said he was satisfied with P2. 'To be there between the two of them is a good result for us,' he said. 'And I enjoyed it out there and the lap was good. The gap is big, so we have to focus on ourselves and the balance of the car.' The session began in bright and breezy conditions at the majestic old circuit in the Ardennes, soon after new Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies had made his first public appearance after replacing Horner. As expected, the Frenchman told a news conference his priority was to secure the future of Verstappen. He also revealed he had been as shocked as everyone else when he received the news of Horner's exit and the job offer. Mario Isola, Director of Pirelli F1 presents Sprint Pole qualifier Oscar Piastri with his Pirelli Sprint Pole award. Picture:'It came in a completely unexpected way,' he said. 'It came out of the blue and I asked for time to think about it before I realised 'this is Red Bull' and so I rang them back.' As the sprint qualifying began, Verstappen remained in the garage while mechanics worked on his car. It was a minor delay and he was soon on track as Kimi Antonelli spun off at Stavelot in his Mercedes and returned via a deep run in the gravel trap. The Italian was followed by Hamilton who had a big slide off at Stavelot, just managing to stay out of the gravel before going off again at the chicane -- a mechanical problem on his Ferrari wrecking his lap and session. At the top, Verstappen managed to split the two McLarens as he had during the morning practice ahead of Fernando Alonso and George Russell. The two McLarens were first out for SQ2, Piastri once again setting the pace before his lap was deleted because he exceeded track limits at Raidillon, leaving Norris on top. The Australian had to go again as the rest joined the fray, led by Verstappen and Leclerc. A frantic finale ensued with Norris clocking a late fastest lap ahead of Verstappen and Leclerc while Piastri squeezed through in 10th. The Melbourne-native then produced a stunning third lap to secure pole for the following day. Originally published as Belgian F1 Grand Prix: McLaren's Piastri beats Verstappen to claim sprint pole position

Belgian F1 Grand Prix: McLaren's Piastri beats Verstappen to claim sprint pole position
Belgian F1 Grand Prix: McLaren's Piastri beats Verstappen to claim sprint pole position

News.com.au

time3 hours ago

  • News.com.au

Belgian F1 Grand Prix: McLaren's Piastri beats Verstappen to claim sprint pole position

Series leader Oscar Piastri secured pole position for Saturday's sprint race at the Belgian Grand Prix when he beat Red Bull's Max Verstappen by 0.477 seconds with a devastating record lap in his McLaren. The 24-year-old Australian, who leads the drivers' championship by eight points ahead of McLaren teammate Lando Norris, clocked a fastest lap in 1min 40.510sec on Friday to seize the prime starting position. He was six-tenths of a second faster than Norris who was third ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, Esteban Ocon of Haas, Carlos Sainz of Williams and Oliver Bearman in the second Haas. Pierre Gasly was eighth for Alpine ahead of Racing Bulls' rookie Isack Hadjar and Sauber's Gabriel Bortoleto while seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton wound up in 18th place after spinning his Ferrari in SQ1. 'That was a good lap!' said Piastri. 'I had a scare in SQ2 with the deletion of my lap, but the car has been mega all day so thanks to the team. The car is great.' Piastri's success helped him erase his disappointment at the British Grand Prix where he was handed a 10-second penalty and felt he missed out on a victory as Norris won to trim his lead in the title race. Verstappen, in his first race weekend since the exit of team boss Christian Horner, said he was satisfied with P2. Quick recap of Sprint Quali with OP 🗣ï¸� #McLaren | #BelgianGP 🇧🇰 — McLaren (@McLarenF1) July 25, 2025 'To be there between the two of them is a good result for us,' he said. 'And I enjoyed it out there and the lap was good. The gap is big, so we have to focus on ourselves and the balance of the car.' The session began in bright and breezy conditions at the majestic old circuit in the Ardennes, soon after new Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies had made his first public appearance after replacing Horner. As expected, the Frenchman told a news conference his priority was to secure the future of Verstappen. He also revealed he had been as shocked as everyone else when he received the news of Horner's exit and the job offer. 'It came in a completely unexpected way,' he said. 'It came out of the blue and I asked for time to think about it before I realised 'this is Red Bull' and so I rang them back.' As the sprint qualifying began, Verstappen remained in the garage while mechanics worked on his car. It was a minor delay and he was soon on track as Kimi Antonelli spun off at Stavelot in his Mercedes and returned via a deep run in the gravel trap. The Italian was followed by Hamilton who had a big slide off at Stavelot, just managing to stay out of the gravel before going off again at the chicane -- a mechanical problem on his Ferrari wrecking his lap and session. At the top, Verstappen managed to split the two McLarens as he had during the morning practice ahead of Fernando Alonso and George Russell. The two McLarens were first out for SQ2, Piastri once again setting the pace before his lap was deleted because he exceeded track limits at Raidillon, leaving Norris on top. The Australian had to go again as the rest joined the fray, led by Verstappen and Leclerc. A frantic finale ensued with Norris clocking a late fastest lap ahead of Verstappen and Leclerc while Piastri squeezed through in 10th. The Melbourne-native then produced a stunning third lap to secure pole for the following day.

Oscar Piastri rewrites record books with historic qualifying lap
Oscar Piastri rewrites record books with historic qualifying lap

News.com.au

time4 hours ago

  • News.com.au

Oscar Piastri rewrites record books with historic qualifying lap

Championship leader Oscar Piastri secured pole position for Saturday's sprint race at the Belgian Grand Prix as he beat Red Bull's Max Verstappen by 0.477 seconds with a devastating record lap in his McLaren. The 24-year-old Australian, who leads the drivers' championship by eight points ahead of McLaren teammate Lando Norris, clocked a fastest lap in 1min 40.510sec to seize the prime starting position. Fox Sports, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every practice, qualifying session and race in the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship™ LIVE in 4K. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. His record-setting lap blew the previous record out of the water, knocking off Lewis Hamilton's time from 2020 by more than seven tenths. Norris, like the rest of the field, was left helpless as the Aussie scorched his way around the historic Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Watch the record-setting moment in the video player above 'That was a good lap!' said Piastri. 'I had a scare in SQ2 with the deletion of my lap, but the car has been mega all day I feel like I've been able to put in a lot of good laps. 'Thanks to the team, the car's been great and this is a track I love. It's my favourite one of the year and, I don't know, maybe that gave me a couple of extra tenths! It's always good fun around here, when the car's handling as well as it is today it's a pleasure.' Piastri was asked why he appeared to carry so much confidence around the circuit with the Aussie stating it was all down to the track being one of his favourites on the calendar. 'I don't know. The car has been in a good window from Lap 1, and again it's a track I always enjoy coming to and, yeah, I don't know why,' he said. 'I think I had good confidence, I feel like the last few weekends have been good from a pace perspective but not so much from a results perspective, so it's nice to get a result today. 'The pace in the car is really strong. I've felt good today so hopefully we can have a good race tomorrow.' The history-making display from the Aussie left those watching on with their jaws on the floor. Formula 1 God wrote on X: 'OH. MY. WORD. Oscar Piastri's sprint pole position laptime is OVER SEVEN TENTHS FASTER than the previous lap record … set by Lewis Hamilton in the MERCEDES W11.' The F1 Republic wrote: 'An unstoppable lap from the Aussie secured Sprint Pole ahead of Verstappen and Norris.' P1's Matt Gallagher wrote: 'Oscar Piastri that is a PHENOMENAL lap... nearly half a second clear!!!' Another wrote: 'That piastri lap…. standing up and applauding that's my driver.' Piastri's success helped him erase his disappointment at the British Grand Prix where he was handed a 10-second penalty and felt he missed out on a victory as Norris won to trim his lead in the title race. Verstappen, in his first race weekend since the exit of team boss Christian Horner, said he was satisfied with P2. 'To be there between the two of them is a good result for us,' he said. 'And I enjoyed it out there and the lap was good. The gap is big, so we have to focus on ourselves and the balance of the car.' Belgian Grand Prix Sprint grid Front row: Oscar Piastri, Max Verstappen Second row: Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc Third row: Esteban Ocon, Carlos Sainz Fourth row: Oliver Bearman, Pierre Gasly Fifth row: Isack Hadjar, Gabriel Bortoleto Sixth row: Liam Lawson, Yuki Tsunoda Seventh row: George Russell, Fernando Alonso Eighth row: Lance Stroll, Alexander Albon Ninth row: Nico Hulkenberg, Lewis Hamilton Tenth row: Franco Colapinto, Kimi Antonelli

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store