Maserati GT2 Stradale: we've seen it, we've touched it, we've tested it!

Maserati marked its return to competition with the MC20 GT2, which debuted at Paul Ricard at the end of 2023. Last year, the Trident capitalized on this winning comeback by unveiling the GT2 Stradale, a more radical version of the MC20 visually and technically inspired by the GT2 racing car. We had the opportunity to get up close to it...and even try it out!

The MC20 goes wild

The GT2 Stradale has just the right amount of aerodynamic kit, without sacrificing too much of the flowing, Latin lines of this beautiful sports car. Obviously, the elegance and curves of the MC20 give way to the aggressiveness of the GT2 spirit, including a reworked front bumper, larger rear air intakes and a GT2-style spoiler that increases downforce, estimated here at 500 kilos of negative lift at 280 mph, compared with 135 on the MC20.

The roof, rear-view mirrors and front hood, dotted with airflow openings (in the shape of a trident, it goes without saying), are made of carbon, in order to save weight. 60 kilos less in total, between exterior and interior modifications. Small details include the Trident logo, which turns blue on this livery, and the inscription "fuoriserie" towards the rocker panel, near the side skirts, since the Stradale allows customers to customize it to their tastes.

The rear spoiler can be adjusted to three positions, but modifications are manual. Once again, an electrical system has been omitted to save weight. Another important technical detail: carbon-ceramic brakes replace the steel brakes of the basic MC20, while the forged aluminum rims are center-nut, a first in a Maserati production model since the MC12.

Interior ambience

The interior is a blend of sobriety and racing ambience. Weight optimization continues, with straps in place of traditional door handles, and forged carbon for the doors. Between the seats is a conspicuous central console, with a large knob for controlling the various driving modes. This console, with its large buttons and mix of carbon and yellow finishes, is obviously reminiscent of the GT2 racing car's control panel.

The steering wheel is undoubtedly the prettiest part to look at, while the rest of the dashboard design is unadorned and even a little bare. Some buttons, such as those for the window regulators, are a little "plastic", but the abundance of alcantara, including in the door interiors, enhances the overall look.

Beautiful Sabelt blue alcantara bucket seats, made in Modena", and small details such as the GT2 Stradale lettering in yellow on the carbon door sills, not to mention the small Italian flag on the passenger side. A final detail in the form of a nod to history: at the very bottom of the center console, a plaque indicates the serial number of this GT2. This is the "1 of 914", a nod to 1914, when the Maserati brothers founded the brand!

Get behind the wheel!

The GT2 Stradale aims to offer its driver the "best of both worlds", the perfect marriage between racing and the open road. Naturally, it's powered by the Nettuno V6, whose maximum output has been increased to 640 hp, 10 more than the MC20. An optional titanium exhaust system makes for an even more captivating melody. The suspension geometry has been modified, taking its inspiration from the GT2's circuit configuration, and the gearbox has been reworked for torque delivery, which is no greater nonetheless.

We spent around forty minutes behind the wheel in the hilly surroundings of the Circuit Paul Ricard, on roads that are ideal for testing a car's dynamic qualities, thanks to a sequence of banked bends, long corners, tight corners and short straightaways.

You'll immediately appreciate the ideal cockpit-like driving position, with everything within easy reach. Rest assured, even taller riders (1.90 m for yours truly) can fit comfortably in the Sabelt bucket. Another very positive point is the excellent visibility afforded by the large windscreen. With the front fenders falling into your field of vision, the rider has an excellent visual overview of his bike's position on the road, which is obviously very useful for positioning it correctly once in the thick of the action. Smooth and easy to handle from start-up and at low speeds, the GT2 is eager and eager to roar. The engine responds fast and hard, the GT2 leaps to life as soon as you push it, without the need for a long pedal stroke, and it's backed up by a highly responsive gearbox, which you'll love to operate manually with the large carbon paddles.

Even if it's not as furious as in the V8 days, the Nettuno V6 is capable of beautiful vocals, especially at low revs. Handling is on a par with the GT2 Stradale's, and it's a pleasure to drive around corners, with precise, direct steering that puts the GT2 in an ideal position. But, as a modern-day sports car, the GT2 Stradale also knows how to respect its guests on long journeys, and proves quite comfortable when you activate the GT driving mode. Asperities are well absorbed, and in the worst case, a lifting system raises the front of the car in the event of too pronounced a speed bump.

Let's make no mistake about it: it's primarily on the racetrack that this road-going GT2 really comes into its own. On the Balocco test track, the GT2 Stradale is claimed to be 5 seconds per lap faster than the basic MC20. Now all you have to do is write a cheque for 300,000 euros, to which you'll have to add the 70,000 euros de malus in France...