The new Maserati GT2 Stradale, designed for the track, has been unveiled at Monterey Car Week in California. This supercar, the most extreme Maserati has introduced since the MC12, is based on the current MC20 but is lighter, faster, and boasts a striking new aerodynamic design. It is set to rival the likes of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and Ferrari 296 GTB Assetto Corse. With an anticipated release in Europe next year and a price tag exceeding €350,000, the Stradale is positioned between Maserati's MC20 road car and GT2 race car, sharing a carbon tub, carbon fiber body, and engine components with both.
With the innovative 'Nettuno' 3.0 V6 petrol engine from Maserati under the hood, the Stradale boasts an impressive 631bhp, a 10bhp increase from the MC20, thanks to upgraded turbochargers and exhaust system. Despite a slight dip in torque compared to its counterpart, the Stradale still churns out 720Nm between 3,000rpm and 5,500rpm. Sending power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the Stradale accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 2.8 seconds and achieves a top speed of 323 km/h.
Maserati has improved the cooling system of the road car for the Stradale model. The carbon fiber bonnet now includes vents that extract hot air from the front-mounted radiator and direct it through a new duct located where the front trunk used to be in the MC20. The side intakes have been enlarged to bring in 17% more air to cool the radiators and charge-coolers positioned on the car's sides. In addition to the enhanced cooling system, the Stradale also features a more aggressive aerodynamic package, including a deeper front bumper, side sills, and a bold rear diffuser. The front wings now have vents similar to those found on the Porsche GT3 RS, which help reduce pressure in the front arches for improved front-end downforce and brake cooling. Unique center-lock forged wheels save 19kg compared to the standard wheel package of the MC20. A substantial stacked rear wing mounted on race car-inspired swan-neck supports contributes to the aerodynamic improvements, with a central dip on the wing reflecting a design element from the front grille. The Stradale reportedly generates 500kg of peak downforce at 278 km/h, a significant increase compared to the MC20. Depending on the configuration, the dry weight can be as low as 1,365kg, up to 135kg lighter than the MC20.
The Stradale's cabin showcases a fresh, streamlined design with a lighter center console positioned higher, upgraded bucket seats from Sabelt, and a half-roll cage as standard behind the seats. The steering wheel has received a makeover with a thicker rim, reduced controls, and LED shift lights at the top. Customers have the option to select between two performance packages: one featuring Cup 2 R tires, carbon ceramic brakes, electronically-controlled limited-slip differential, and specific stability and traction control configurations, while the other package includes four-point racing harnesses and a mounted fire extinguisher.
