630PS Nettuno V6 motor to power upcoming Maserati MC20 sportscar
Maserati's new MC20 sportscar, developed entirely from the ground-up in Modena, is set to debut on September 9. But before that, details of the MC20's new powerplants have been revealed. This is a new motor that has been developed entirely in Maserati's own facilities in Modena, the first in 20 years.
The new engine, termed Nettuno, is a 3.0-litre V6 with the two banks of cylinders arranged at 90 degrees to each other. The twin-turbo engine puts out 630 PS at 7500rpm and 730 Nm from 3000rpm. These outputs are much higher than the 2.9-litre V6 found in the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm, that makes 540PS. In fact, these numbers eclipse the power outputs of some well-revered V8 engines, such as the 4.0-litre from Mercedes and the 4.4-litre from BMW.
The Nettuno makes this high specific output of 210PS/litre by way of dry-sump lubrication, a 11:1 compression ratio and a world-first pre-chamber combustion system. This has been derived from F1 and incorporates another combustion chamber with twin spark plugs between the central electrode and the traditional combustion chamber. The two are connected by a series of specifically-designed holes. For operating at a performance level where the pre-chamber is not needed, a set of spark plugs ensure constant combustion in the main combustion chamber.
Further, to meet the stringent emission norms in places such as Europe, the V6 also features a twin fuel injection system. This combines a 350 bar direct injection system and a 6 bar port injection system. This helps to reduce noise levels and reduce emissions.
After its debut in the MC20, the Nettuno V6 is expected to trickle down into other upcoming Maserati products and even replaced the Ferrari-derived V8 in the Levante Trofeo. Electrified versions are also rumoured. Maserati has also stated that the MC20 with this motor will bring Maserati back to motorsport.