Maserati with ‘No Name’ Has Big Shoes to Fill
Maserati’s wild new MC20-based race-bred GT2 is poised to follow in the legendary MC12’s footsteps on the racetrack.
Maserati’s anonymous new GT2 has some big shoes to fill. Anonymous, because Modena’s Trident brand has failed to put an evocative name to it. And those big Maserati shoes are the ones that the equally nameless Maserati MC12 once wore when the Italian concern last mounted a serious racing attack.
GT2 is a Maserati Made for Racing
Maserati took the opportunity to rip the covers off the new GT2 at the weekend’s Spa 24 Hour. Splendid in classic Maser blue, the company confirmed that the newcomer will make its race debut in the re-imagined Fanatec GT2 European Series later in the year. The MC12 raced GT2 in the category’s previous incarnation. Now the carmaker, and the series are back.
Based on Maserati’s new street MC20’s carbon tub, it carries forth that car’s 621 HP 538 lb.-ft Nettuno 3-litre biturbo V6. Maserati’s own engine, it has nothing to do with Ferrari’s Le Mans and Nürburgring 24 Hour winning hybrid 499P and 246 power unit. Featuring a special race exhaust system, track output will be determined by Balance of Performance measures.
Racing Wheels, Suspension, Body & More
The race car has a paddle-shifting six-speed sequential gearbox. It has a racing clutch and mechanical self-locking limited-slip differential. The car rides on forged center-lock 18-inch wheels with adjustably damped two-way full racing suspension and electric power steering.
Maserati says that GT2 has been ‘taken ‘to the extreme’. Its MC20-based full composite body gets plastic windows, as well as heavily enhanced cooling and aero. That includes a significant racing rear wing, a splitter, flics, a diffuser, and a roof scoop.
GT2 Air Conditioning, Passenger Seat Optional
The car has a sexy full race cockpit. Air conditioning, a passenger seat, a rear camera, and tire pressure monitoring are options. But the fire extinguisher and 6.5-inch screen come standard equipment, along with adjustable steering column and pedal box.
The Maserati GT2 will debut later in 2023before racing the full 2024 championship.
Photos: Maserati