Maserati officially announced its return to GT competition with the unveiling of the Maserati GT2, a modified track-ready rendition of the Maserati MC20 supercar.
The automaker revealed its newest track rat Friday at the 24 Hours of Spa — one of the most anticipated racing events in the international motorsports season. The Maserati GT2 is due to debut in the 2023 Fanatec GT2 European Series.
The new race car is the brand’s first since the Maserati MC12. With a top speed exceeding 205 mph, thanks to its donor car, the Ferrari Enzo, the MC12 dominated the FIA GT championships from 2005 to 2010. Maserati is looking for more of the same with the GT2.
Completely developed at Maserati, the GT2 will use the MC20’s water-cooled, 90-degree Nettuno twin-turbocharged V-6 engine that produces 621 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. It allows for a power-to-weight ratio is 207 hp per liter. The engine’s compression ratio is 11:1; stroke is 82 mm and bore 88 mm, and its exhaust uses centrally mounted twin tail pipes.
A lightweight heavyweight
With updated engine calibration, the driver now has access to a variety of maps via a rotary switch on the steering wheel. A sequential racing gearbox with six speeds and paddle shifters transmits power to the rear wheels.
Its driveline also has a racing clutch, a limited-slip mechanical self-locking differential, and unique half-shafts. Bringing the car to a halt are racing ventilated steel brake discs, 15.4 inches in front and 14 inches in the rear with six-piston aluminum monobloc racing brake calipers up front and four-pistons in the rear. Carbon-fiber ducts send fresh air to the wheel hubs.
Like the road-going Maserati MC20 and MC20 Cielo, the GT2 employs an ultra-light carbon-fiber chassis with an aluminum front and rear subframe. Maserati developed a new suspension geometry for its double-wishbone suspension for optimal handling while racing. Specific to the Maserati GT2, the suspension springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars can all be fully adjusted and tweaked.
Butterfly doors allow access to the cabin.
The design story
Created at Centro Stile Maserati, the new GT2 is based on Maserati architecture and shaped to meet cooling and aerodynamic requirements. It boasts a wider track than the MC12, with a full-composite body, additional louvers and air intakes. In a nod to Maserati’s trident logo, the GT2 has three air vents in the hood, three near the rear window, and nine-spoke wheel rims.
The new car features a permanent adjustable rear wing, an extended front splitter to maximize downforce, a flat underbody floor and an aggressive rear diffuser.
Inside, it’s fitted with a carbon-fiber central monocoque, customizable 6.5-inch full-color racing display, adjustable racing pedal box and steering column. The steering wheel’s rotary selector controls settings for ABS, traction control, engine maps, and quick buttons for engine starting, radio, pit operations, wiper and other functions. There’s also a display that tracks the car’s engine, gearbox, tires, calibration maps, lap time and ideal lap time.
There’s also an air-conditioning system and an optional rear-view camera.
Maserati’s return to motorsports, which began with the company’s participation in Formula E this year, is continued by the GT2. So far, the Maserati Formula E team has finished with 87 points and one win in 12 races.
The brand’s racing activities should enhance a luxury brand looking to revive its credibility. Maserati is planning to have every one of its models offered with a full-electric trim by 2025, with the entire Maserati range scheduled to be fully electric by 2030. Maserati is slated to drop its V-8 engines next year.