Maserati will be taking the wraps off a convertible version of its flagship MC20 supercar next week, and has confirmed that it will be called the Cielo. Slated for a global reveal on May 25, the new open-top supercar takes its name from the Italian word for sky, which Maserati says "highlights the fact that it is a model devoted to driving pleasure in the great outdoors".

• Convertible version of Maserati MC20 to be called Cielo
• Will be powered by 630hp, twin-turbo V6 – same as coupe
• Will be Maserati’s first mid-engined roadster since the MC12

Maserati Cielo: what we know so far

Maserati has been testing prototypes of the Cielo since late last year, wearing a bold new-look livery in the style of clouds. "After all", Maserati said, "it is a convertible". It will be Maserati's first convertible since the GranCabrio bowed out in 2020, and the first mid-engined roadster since production of the MC12 supercar ended in 2005.

The silhouette of the prototype suggests it will feature a folding hard top – like its rival, the Ferrari F8 Spider – rather than a fabric one .

Otherwise, it is expected to be technically and stylistically identical to the coupé. This means it will take its power from a 630hp mid-mounted, twin-turbo V6, which revs to 7,500rpm and will get it from 0-100kph in around 3.0 seconds. The convertible should nearly match the coupé's 326kph top speed.

A folding hard top will likely bump up the MC20's kerb weight slightly. For reference, the similarly conceived Ferrari F8 Spider weighs 70kg more than its coupé sibling.

Maserati in India

Maserati has lately had a quiet stint in India, but that is going to change very soon. The Italian carmaker is going to launch two new models in the country this year – the Levante Hybrid and the MC20 supercar – which will likely be followed by the Grecale SUV sometime next year. The carmaker will also be using these launches to expand its network and footprint across India. You can read more about it here.