Maserati MC20 Was Supposed To Be An Alfa Romeo

Some of you might've already heard that the newer Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale is related to the Maserati MC20, coming with the same wheelbase and running similar (but different) powertrains. But did you know the MC20 was actually supposed to be an Alfa Romeo first?

Australia's Car Expert spoke with Alfa Romeo head of product, Daniel Guzzafame, regarding the 33 Stradale's development process. According to him, "it's not a big secret" the MC20 started out as an Alfa Romeo before becoming what it is today.

Even during the pre-launch of the MC20, what seemed to be a modified Alfa Romeo 4C was used as a test mule for the Trident brand's supercar. It turned out to be a Maserati instead of the original Alfa Romeo - probably a good thing as the former hasn't had a truly exciting model since the MC12 a decade ago.

"Originally, the project started intended for a supercar for Alfa [Romeo], and then it was decided for a shift at the point of the development," said Guzzafame.

The two supercars approved for production use a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. However, the MC20 runs a Nettuno engine, while the 33 Stradale gets the Giulia Quadrifoglio's 2.9-liter Ferrari-developed V6 bored to three liters. An all-electric powertrain is also slated for the Alfa Romeo and should have similarities with the upcoming MC20 Folgore EV.

While most of the specs are specific to 33 Stradale, the lower portion of the carbon fiber monocoque is shared with the MC20.

Alfa Romeo reiterated it will only create 33 examples of the 33 Stradale. Guzzafame said 80% chose the twin-turbo V6, but he expects the number to shift to 70% when options are finalized. Around two to three units are scheduled to be produced per month.

"What will not happen is there will not be a number 34… and there will not be a 33 cabrio, or a 33 roadster, or a 33 whatever."