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Noah Hero profile image Noah Hero

The Maserati GT2 Stradale is here to underwhelm you

On paper, the GT2 Stradale doesn't look like much of an improvement over the MC20. We'll bet it's better on tarmac, though.

The Maserati GT2 Stradale is here to underwhelm you

THEY SAY: "Maserati GT2 Stradale is an ode to the most extraordinary and exclusive sportiness, the result of a technical and stylistic partnership between the Maserati GT2, a masterpiece of performance created for the brand's return to GT competitions, and Maserati MC20, an iconic Trident car imbued with an unmistakable style."

WE SAY: I'm not sure why Maserati chose to drop the MC20 name for the GT2 Stradale. In essence, it's an MC20 'Speciale' which, on paper at least, is more than a little... underwhelming. 

Compared to the MC20, the GT2 Stradale looks worse, has barely any more power (up 7kW) and it weighs just 60kg less. The end result is a car that is a mere 0.1 of a second quicker from 0-100km/h and slower at the top end (324km/h vs 325km/h). Admittedly, the GT2 Stradale's aerodynamic paraphernalia does grant it a fair dollop more downforce (500kg vs 174kg), although the full amount is only accessible at a fairly irrelevant 280km/h. 

However, like the superlative Ferrari 458 Speciale, I highly suspect the GT2 Stradale may be one of those cars that is far more than the sum of its parts. I suppose we'll just have to drive it to find out, then.

Powertrain, brakes, and tyres

Engine: 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch

Drivetrain: Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive

Brakes: Brembo carbon ceramic brakes

Wheels: 20-inch centerlock forged wheels 

Tyres: Michelin Cup 2

  • Front: 245/35 R20 
  • Rear: 305/30 R20

Differential: Electronic limited-slip differential

Performance and weight

Engine power: 471kW (640PS) at 7,500rpm

Engine torque: 720Nm (531lb-ft) from 3,000-5,500rpm

Weight (dry, DIN): 1365kg (3009lbs)

0-100km/h (0-62mph): 2.8 seconds

Top speed: 324km/h (199mph)

100-0km/h (62-0mph): 33m

Safety, economy, and price

ANCAP: N/a

Fuel economy (WTLP): 11.6L/100km

Price (AUD): Somewhere well north of the $510,000 Maserati demand for the MC20.

Other

  • Sabelt carbon fibre, double shell seats
  • Maserati offers the GT2 Stradale with two, optional, performance upgrades:
    1. Performance Pack: Includes Michelin semi-slick tyres, electronic e-LSD with specific driving mode calibrations, carbon-ceramic racing brakes and specific ESC, Maserati Stability Program (MSC) and ABS calibrations.
    2. Performance Plus: In addition to Performance Pack features, the Performance Plus package also includes four-point belts with the relevant fixing bracket and a fire extinguisher.
  • New Alcantara steering wheel with shift lights
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What do you think of the GT2 Stradale? Get shouting in the comments below!
Noah Hero profile image Noah Hero
Noah always dreamed of driving cars for a living. At least, he did before realising that the average motoring writer lives in a tent and survives on Mi Goreng. He became a psychologist instead.