The Maserati MC20 Cielo's speakers know when you've got the roof down

Maserati MC20 Cielo on sky backdrop
(Image credit: Maserati)

Maserati's continued relationship with sonic craftsmen Sonus faber is clearly as strong as Francesco Totti's is with Roma. Italy's finest have once again combined for the new MC20 Cielo – and this time, there's a twist. 

Maserati explains that the system’s technology has been specifically optimized (from the MC20 Coupè) to fit the unique acoustic and positioning needs of the RHT cabin, adjusting the sound based on the car’s roof positioning to ensure the driver experiences the highest quality sound – even when it's hands high on the fly by.

The premium 12-speaker Sonus faber audio system within the MC20 Cielo (which means 'sky' in Italian) actually recognises the car's roof configuration and adapts automatically, updating time-alignment, equalization and sound levels to instinctively offer the best possible performance in line with Sonus faber’s DNA and signature sound. 

This particularly high-end in-car audio system comprises two of Sonus faber's celebrated silk-dome tweeters, two midrange drivers and two woofers on the door panel, one tweeter and midrange in the center dashboard, plus two tweeters and two midrange drivers in the rear to envelop the car's (actual human) driver and optional lucky passenger in detailed surround sound.

Opinion: Maserati just unveiled the summer in-car audio system to beat

Maserati MC20 Cielo interior driver's side

(Image credit: Maserati)

Mario Passarelli, Sonus faber’s manager of research and development explains, “In the new MC20 Cielo, we developed two different tunings which are linked to the position of the capote. In fact, when the capote is open, the cabin environment changes completely, and so does the acoustic perception of the passengers."

On how this was achieved, Passarelli added, "We adjusted multiple factors including the gain levels, timbrical balance and cross-over filters to achieve a resulting sound replicating that of a live experience when the roof is open, and an enhanced immersive experience when the roof is closed – everything strictly in line with Sonus faber’s natural sound."

Designing and implementing premium in-car sound for a soft-top (rather than a model with a rigid metal roof) throws up a number of challenges in itself, but if any high-end audio firm is up to the job it's Sonus faber. 

While we've yet to hear the luxury Italian audio specialist's newest audio creation for Maserati, even a cursory glance at our Sonus faber Omnia review shows what the company is capable of – if one is only prepared to pay for it…

Maserati MC20 Cielo, in-door Sonus faber speaker detail

(Image credit: Maserati)
Becky Scarrott
Senior Audio Staff Writer

Becky is a senior staff writer at TechRadar (which she has been assured refers to expertise rather than age) focusing on all things audio. Before joining the team, she spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing and reviewing everything from wallet-friendly wireless earbuds to huge high-end sound systems. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, Becky freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 22-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance starts with a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, FourFourTwo and The Stage. When not writing, she can still be found throwing shapes in a dance studio, these days with varying degrees of success.