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 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 stated that the GT2 Stradale was developed in parallel with the GT2 race car, with the same engineers working on both projects. This close collaboration ensured that the road car's specifications are nearly identical to those of its racing counterpart, promising an unrivaled driving experience.
Both vehicles share a carbon-fiber tub and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. The GT2 Stradale actually boasts greater power than the race car, as it does not have to adhere to racing regulations. The peak output is 631 hp, which is a 10 hp increase over the MC20. Power is sent to the rear wheels via the same 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission found in the MC20, although shift times have been improved in the GT2 Stradale.
Performance claims for the car include a 0-62 mph time of 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 201 mph.
In terms of cornering, the GT2 Stradale benefits from a sophisticated aerodynamic package developed using insights gained from the racing program. Unique features like the vented front hood, extended front splitter, and large rear wing with swan-neck struts contribute to generating downforce of up to 1,100 pounds at a speed of 174 mph.
The wheels are a 20-inch forged set with center locks. They save nearly 42 pounds and, combined with other measures, result in the GT2 Stradale weighing as low as 3,009 pounds dry, which is 143 pounds less than the MC20.
Maserati plans to offer a wide range of customization options, some of which are aimed at enhancing 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 settings for stability, traction, and ABS. Upgrading to the Performance Plus pack adds features like four-point harnesses and a fire extinguisher.
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 notable change from the MC20 is the new Corsa drive mode. In this mode, the driver can adjust the settings for stability, traction, and ABS, as well as the electronic limited-slip differential (when fitted). Buyers of the Performance and Performance Plus packs receive the additional Corsa Evo mode, which allows for greater adjustment of the electronic chassis systems.
A shift light indicator is located on the steering wheel and activates in either Sport or Corsa drive modes.
The Mcxtrema, also on display in Monterey, is based on the MC20 but designed strictly for track use. 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 has not disclosed how many examples of the GT2 Stradale will be produced.
