Maserati reveals 457kW twin-turbo V6

Maserati has released full details of its new twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 that will debut in the upcoming Maserati MC20 supercar.

Claimed to produce a generous 457kW of power and 729Nm of torque, the new turbo V6 -- named 'Nettuno' -- is the first new engine created by Maserati in more than 20 years and is said to match the power output of the original 2005 MC12 that came with a Ferrari-sourced 6.0-litre V12.

Claimed to incorporate state-of-the-art Formula 1 technology, the new turbo V6 packages a dry sump and a 'pre-chamber' between the combustion chamber and the spark plug that's said produce more efficient burn.

A second lateral spark plug ensures constant ignition throughout the rev range while a twin-injection fuel system reduces noise, emissions and fuel consumption.

Once launched in the Maserati MC20, it's thought the twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 will migrate to other flagship Maserati models to help recoup the high cost of its development.

The powerful new twin-turbo V6 will be mid-mounted in the Maserati MC20, which is now confirmed to debut on September 9, and is rumoured to be combined with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that sends its power to the rear wheels.

Created to rival cars like the McLaren 600LT, the Maserati MC20 has already been teased on several occasions, most recently in the form of images of it being driven hard on the roads that made up the legendary Targa Florio in Sicily.

From those images we can tell the mid-engined MC20 will not stray too far from the usual supercar cookbook, with the Maser getting a deep front splitter, vertical air intakes, a large central air dam and a pair of slender headlights.

At the rear, there's a rakish windscreen, wide wheel-arches and, most probably, a large rear diffuser that will hint at F1-derived aerodynamics.

Originally, the Maserati MC20 was spotted testing its advanced powertrain in highly modified Alfa Romeo 4C coupes. It's thought the Maserati will follow in the tyre tracks of the small Alfa by being based around a carbon-fibre tub, which combined with composite panels should keep the kerb weight down to around 1300kg.

When it eventually arrives, the MC20 will signal Maserati’s return to top-flight motorsport following the discontinuation of the Ferrari Enzo-derived Maserati MC12 two-seat limited-edition supercar in 2005.

Also expected to eventually be offered in full-electric battery-powered guise, the MC20 will be the first all-new Maserati to appear since 2015.