Maserati GT2 Stradale, how the racing-derived supercar goes on track

It is called the Maserati GT2 Stradale and is the Trident's first model born from the racetrack and homologated for road use, a car that combines the best of the MC20 and the GT2 engaged in the Fanatec GT2 European Series. Featuring deeply revised aerodynamics, it adds the new dedicated Drive Mode Corsa to offer an all-round professional driver experience. Produced in a limited run of 914 units, it is already on sale starting at €312,000.

Created at the Centro Stile Maserati, the GT2 Stradale features a profoundly revised front end, with the front mouth enlarged to ensure greater air flow and introduce an aesthetic concept that will be taken up in Maserati's future. The front bonnet was also developed and introduced on the racing version (GT2); on the GT2 Stradale it is taken over in its entirety and adapted for the specific aerodynamic requirements of load balancing and hot air flow. The front wing area has been revised with the introduction of air outlets on the wings in the upper area

to vent hot air to cool the brakes and reduce the pressure inside the wheel arches. The air intakes on the rear wings, on the other hand, have been completely redesigned and enlarged, and a new carbon dome has been developed to ensure a greater flow of cold air (+16%) to feed the engine and cool the radiators. The carbon fibre spoiler has been revised compared to the MC20 design, increasing its surface area, and a wing with a boomerang design and integrated endplates has been added. The rear wing, completely new and inspired by that of GT2, is connected to the car with structural pylons in the shape of machined aluminium trusses. The attachment system guarantees three different settings with as many different levels of aerodynamic load. At the rear, the large extractor stands out, completely redesigned to favour the extraction of air from the underbody, thus generating more load.

Aerodynamic load is one of the fundamental points in the development of the Maserati GT2 Stradale, with the aim of optimising handling as much as possible. The car is able to generate 500 kg of aerodynamic load at 280 km/h with the 'high drag' rear wing set up (130 kg at the front and 370 kg at the rear) compared to the 145 kg of the MC20 at 280 km/h (35 kg at the front and 110 kg at the rear).Maserati engineers have worked on the overall balance, thanks to the specific aerodynamic effect of the front bonnet, derived from GT2 racing.

New features also arrive on board, starting with the redesigned centre tunnel. On the central cabinet, called the 'spider trim', the driving settings knob has been ergonomically repositioned, bringing it closer to the driver. The spider is made of carbon fibre, painted in standard black (or in aesthetic carbon as an option) and with a carbon look portion; the exposed carbon top has a yellow profile of clear racing derivation, since in endurance racing at night it is essential for the rider to immediately find the controls he needs. Only the absolutely necessary buttons and switches are located there: the driving mode selector and the two buttons for engaging gear or reverse. On the lower part of the centre tunnel are the controls for the electric windows and infotainment volume. The wireless charger is also still available, and has even been enlarged to accommodate the latest generation of smartphones. The GT2 Stradale is equipped with the latest-generation Multimedia MIA (Maserati Intelligent Assistant) infotainment system. It uses the Android Automotive operating system. The operating system also features Apple and Android mirroring and Over the Air map updates. MIA also allows Amazon Alexa or Wifi Hotspot services to be activated. The MIA system also on the GT2 Stradale has two screens, both 10.25 inches inside the car: the digital cluster and the central display. As on the GT2, all the interiors are upholstered in anti-reflective Alcantara with contrasting blue stitching, while the carbon fibre monocoque has been left exposed. The door handles feature yellow 'pull' lettering to underline the racing derivation. The GT2 Stradale's steering wheel is an evolution of the one studied and designed for the MC20: it is a thick steering wheel to maximise its ergonomics and sporty feel. There are only essential buttons and switches, including the Start button and Launch Control, integrated into the steering wheel's central rim. The steering wheel is upholstered in Alcantara with carbon-fibre inserts, and is enhanced by blue contrast stitching that echoes not only the start button (on the steering wheel) but also the rest of the interior stitching and door handles. The paddle shifters attached to the steering column are also optionally available in carbon fibre.