Maserati is back. The Autodromo Varano de’ Melegari was the setting for the track debut of the high-performance GT2, the car that epitomizes the House of the Trident’s return to racing. The shakedown at the Parma circuit is the precursor to a series of events marking the run-up to the official unveiling of the car at the end of June in Belgium, at the 24 Hours of Spa.
Maserati is ready to reawaken the memories that saw it feature in the exciting GT championships, with a hungry new car designed to evoke the exploits of its forerunner, the glorious and victorious MC12.
The Trident’s history in motorsport is a story of successes spanning almost a century, of a unique and distinctive DNA, and of a passion being rekindled by the brand’s link with the potent legacy from the past and its drive towards the future, in which racing is an essential component.
Maserati GT2 is speed, elegance, style, and innovation incarnate. A car designed to be a masterpiece of performance: extraordinary and breathtaking between the kerbs, created to celebrate Maserati’s return to the circuits. A new chapter begun in late 2022 with the announcement of its participation in the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, complemented by its inclusion in the GT2 European Series, as part of the strategy developed to bring the Trident back on track.
Conceived and designed by Maserati engineering in tandem with the Centro Stile Maserati, to ensure the aesthetic quality standards typical of the brand, the Maserati GT2 inherits the extraordinary 463kW/630CV Nettuno V6 engine from the Maserati MC20, taking it to a higher level.
The most appealing technical specifications include the all-new patented MTC (Maserati Twin Combustion) technology based on F1 engines, the ultra-light carbon fiber central monocoque – an excellent solution to have a good weight-power ratio – and the lightweight full composite bodywork, where the aerodynamic features are exploited to the limit to improve the vertical load but at the same time ensuring the best efficiency in terms of drag. Much attention has been given to the development of the correct balance of the aerodynamic load, whereas the bottom has been developed specifically to work best in synergy with the front splitter and rear wing (adjustable); it has quick-release removable bodywork for optimized component replacement; the chassis features high torsional and bending stiffness.
The power steering is full-electric. All suspension components of the car are specific racing components – there will be adjustable shock absorbers and adjustable anti roll bars in both the front and rear. Likewise, the electronics. The 6-speed sequential racing gearbox and steering wheel paddle shift with electrical rotary gearshift actuator evoke adrenaline-fueled emotions.
The carbon fiber dashboard and the 10” display integrated into the dashboard result in a futuristic, intuitive cabin, complemented in the bodywork by the Maserati Corse-specific painting and livery option (Blu Infinito).
A gem of mechanics and engineering, the spearhead of innovative technical solutions, with futuristic, minimalist, and sculptural interiors referring to the extreme lines of the body, the Maserati GT2 is dedicated to the racing teams and gentleman drivers due to take part in the GT2 Championships.
The Trident single-seater with covered wheels is the result of a winning synergy between Maserati men and women and the avant-garde design and style that has always distinguished the creations of the Italian brand, complemented by its unmistakable flair of luxury, even when the road becomes a track. The fierce GT2 is therefore getting ready to explore new horizons, to consolidate and define Maserati’s racing future in the world of motorsport.
Andrea Bertolini, Maserati test driver, commented: “The first few days are always quite unique, even more so for me when I was fortunate enough to bring Maserati to success at the GT1 World Championships, where I won four titles. We are now about to get back on track with yet another wonderful car. We’ve done lots of trial runs and early feedback is positive. Getting back behind the wheel of a GT was really exciting, and I could see everyone involved was very enthusiastic and motivated. We’ve focused on developing a product that not only stands up to its competitors but is also an ideal car for our gentleman drivers in terms of handling, comfort, and performance. We want them to experience a unique feeling in this car. In the last few months, we’ve been working intensively in the simulator, courtesy of the commitment of a fantastic team. I’d like to thank them, and the most positive aspect is that to follow these first few days, we’re making it all a reality is to the very greatest extent. We have an intense series of test days ahead of us, to get us ready to get back on track.”
The MC20 has received the award for “Product Design of the Year” 2021 from the European Product Design Award. The vehicle has also been recognized as the “Top Design Winner” in the Transportation/Auto/Truck/Mobile Home and “Winner” in Transportation/Other Transportation Design categories.
Maserati took participation in the 36th edition of the international event for enthusiasts held at the Bayonet and Black Horse Golf Course at Seaside, California.
Maserati’s MC20 made its North California debut this weekend during the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance event, where the vehicle was unveiled before thousands of enthusiasts on the Concept Lawn. The vehicle itself, the MC20, marks a new era for Maserati and was greeted with applauses by all spectators.
SKODA Superb has scored its sixth consecutive win at the Fleet News Awards and managed to retain its Best Upper Medium Car title.