Maserati returned to international sports car racing last year with the launch of the GT2 race car based on the MC20 supercar. Now the race car has spawned a road-going sibling, the new GT2 Stradale.
The car was unveiled on Friday at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, one of the premier events of 2024 Monterey Car Week currently underway in California. It was joined by the previously revealed MC20 Icona special edition and track-only Mcxtrema.
Maserati said the GT2 Stradale was developed in parallel with the GT2 race car, with the same engineers working on both projects. This enabled the road car to be close in specification to its racing sibling, which should ensure it delivers an experience few other road cars can match.
Both cars share a carbon-fiber tub and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine. The GT2 Stradale is actually more powerful than the race car, due to it not having to meet any racing regulations. The peak output is 631 hp, up 10 hp compared to the MC20. Drive is to the rear wheels via the same 8-speed dual-clutch automatic used in the MC20, though shift times have been made quicker in the GT2 Stradale.
2023 Maserati GT2 race car
Performance claims for the car include a 0-62 mph time of 2.8 seconds and top speed of 201 mph.
When it comes to the curves, the GT2 Stradale benefits from a sophisticated aerodynamics package developed using lessons from the racing program. Unique elements like the vented front hood, extended front splitter, and large rear wing with swan-neck struts help boost downforce to as much as 1,100 pounds at a speed of 174 mph.
The wheels are a 20-inch forged set with center locks. They help save almost 42 pounds, and together with other measures result in the GT2 Stradale weighing as low as 3,009 pounds dry, or 143 pounds less than the MC20.
Maserati plans to offer a wide range of customization options, some of them aimed at lifting performance further. These include Performance and Performance Plus packs. The former includes items like Michelin semi-slick tires, an electronic limited-slip differential, carbon-ceramic brake rotors, and specific stability, traction, and ABS settings. Upgrading to the Performance Plus pack brings additional features like four-point harnesses and a fire extinguisher.
Maserati GT2 Stradale
Maserati GT2 Stradale
Maserati GT2 Stradale
For the cabin, Maserati has installed new seats with carbon-fiber seat backs and foam padding trimmed in blue Alcantara. Carbon fiber can also be selected for various additional elements in the cabin, like the door sills, steering wheel paddles, gauge cluster cover, and center console.
One addition change over the MC20 is the new Corsa drive mode. In this mode, the driver can alter the settings of the stability, traction, and ABS, as well as the electronic limited-slip differential (when fitted). Buyers of the Performance and Performance Plus packs get the additional Corsa Evo mode which provides greater adjustment for the electronic chassis systems.
A shift light indicator is found on the steering wheel and is activated when in either the Sport or Corsa drive modes.
The Mcxtrema also on display in Monterey is also based on the MC20, but designed strictly for use on the track. Maserati plans to build 62 examples for worldwide sale, and the version on display in Monterey is the first to be delivered to a customer. The automaker hasn't said how many examples of the GT2 Stradale will be built.
