Maserati is looking to recharge its GT racing ambitions while creating a new chapter that can fill the pages written by the MC12, one of the most stylish and controversial cars the Italian luxury company has ever produced. The Maserati GT2 made a splash at the 24 Hrs of Spa race in Belgium last weekend, and after seeing the car briefly grace our television screen, we think Maserati is on the right track in its track-focused game plan.
GT2 Brings Maserati Back To The Track
Like the MC12, the GT2 is designed to comply with GT regulations and shares most of its DNA with the road-going MC20 supercar. However, unlike the MC12, the GT2’s length will not be a prominent focal point in the exterior design, with this racer having dimensions that help it be more compact when viewed from a glance. The front fascia features a larger front splitter and a new hood that gets more eventing to help improve cooling, while the front-mounted canards are also part of the aero package. The body is made out of composite materials like the road version, and the rear features a large rear wing that helps push the rear tires to the ground, but it loses some of the artistic detail that defines the MC12’s wing.
Blue Infinito paint is exclusive to the race car, and Maserati even threw in a race-developed exhaust system and 18-inch center locking wheels. The interior is arguably where the GT2 departs from its road-going cousin, with the steering wheel featuring more buttons than your kid’s Xbox controller. The wheel and the pedal box are also adjustable, and Maserati also includes a fire extinguisher and a 6.5-inch centrally mounted screen. However, suppose you want to stay cool when logging laps or even bring a friend along for the ride. In that case, you must pay extra, with Maserati making the air conditioning system and the passenger seat optional extras.
Nettuno V6 Brings The Noise, Says Arrivederci To Ferrari Engines
Maserati and Ferrari once had a partnership that allowed the former access to Ferrari engines for select models (including the MC12). But that agreement expires when 2023 comes to a close, so the GT2 is powered by the MC20’s 3.0-liter, twin-turbo Nettuno V6, built in-house by Maserati. This punchy powerplant makes the same 621 hp as its road-going cousin, and the 538 lb-ft of torque on hand aims to deliver spirited low-end acceleration. On the other hand (an eight-speed automatic) has been swapped out for a GT2 exclusive six-speed sequential gearbox operated by steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and even features a race-spec clutch.
A prominent catch is that while the GT2 technically debuted at the Spa event (we happened to see it briefly on a stream feed we were watching of the race), It didn’t formally compete in the event itself. Thankfully, the wait won’t be too long, with the Italian company confirming that the GT2 will appear on the track in the last leg of the 2023 Fantec GT European Series before going on the race schedule full-time in the 2024 season.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.