- Maserati has introduced the new GT2 Stradale at Monterey Car Week.
- The model is based on the MC20 and draws inspiration from the GT2 race car.
- It features aggressive styling and an upgraded engine producing 631 hp.
If you thought the track-only MCXtrema was overkill, perhaps the Maserati GT2 Stradale will be right up your alley. It’s based on the MC20 and is the latest “super sports car” from Modena.
As the name suggests, the street-legal coupe draws inspiration from the GT2 race car and features a motorsport-inspired design. The latter is immediately apparent as the model sports an aggressive front bumper with a broadened shark nose as well as larger intakes and an integrated splitter.
More: Maserati Eyeing More Limited-Run Specials Like Track-Only MCXtrema
They’re joined by a ventilated hood, front fender vents, and 20-inch forged wheels. The model also sports large side scoops, an aggressive diffuser, and an adjustable carbon fiber rear wing. The latter helps the car to generate up to 1,102 lbs (500 kg) of aerodynamic downforce at 174 mph (280 km/h).
The interior largely carries over, but drivers will find new carbon fiber shell sport seats that are wrapped in Blu Elettrico Alcantara upholstery. Customers can also opt for less extreme sport seats, if they favor something better suited for daily driving.
Besides the new seats, there’s a revamped steering wheel that features integrated LED lights that appear at over 5,500 rpm, in Sport and Corsa modes, to indicate when to shift. The model also sports a carbon fiber central tunnel, matte finishes, and repositioned switchgear.
They’re joined by yellow accents and a wireless smartphone charger that has been “enlarged to fit the latest smartphones.” Buyers will also find a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.25-inch infotainment system, and a six or 12-speaker audio system.
On the performance front, the Maser loses 132 lbs (60 kg) of weight and features an upgraded twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 producing 631 hp (471 kW / 640 PS) and 531 lb-ft (720 Nm) of torque. That’s a 10 hp (7 kW / 10 PS) gain, but the torque output falls by 7 lb-ft (10 Nm) so it sounds like a mixed bag.
Regardless, the engine is connected to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission which sends power to the rear wheels. This enables the GT2 Stradale to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 2.8 seconds before hitting a top speed of 201 mph (324 km/h). That’s a tenth of a second faster than the regular model, but the top speed is 1 mph (2 km/h) lower.
Besides the powertrain tweaks, the car has a track-focused suspension and a beefier Brembo braking system with larger carbon ceramic discs. The changes sound relatively minor, but Maserati will offer two different performance packages.
The first adds an electronic limited slip differential, carbon-ceramic racing brakes, and ultra-high-performance Michelin semi-slick tires. They’re joined by unique ABS, ESC, and MSP calibrations.
Customers looking for something more extreme can upgrade to the Performance Plus package. It includes the aforementioned items as well as “other racing-derived features” such as four-point seat belts and a fire extinguisher.
