The Maserati GT2 brought the Trident a lot of success on track, which ultimately led to a road-legal version of the vehicle — the GT2 Stradale. There’s also an argument that the GT2 Stradale is free of the restrictions racing organizations place on competition cars, so it could push things further in certain departments. So to test if this holds true, there’s no better place to go than a Formula 1-grade race track.
Maserati’s masterpiece is pretty rare, with only 914 existing worldwide. Despite this, I got the chance to get behind the wheel of one and put it to the test at COTA in Austin. It’s a world-class race track and the perfect proving ground for a world-class car. Unfortunately, one component isn’t “World Class” and is better described as “bang average” at best. That would be me.
There’s definitely a barrier to entry
During the event, I had the pleasure of taking a few of Maserati’s other vehicles on track too, including the iconic MC20 and the frankly excellent GranTurismo. It was a golden opportunity to see how they all held up against the demands of a world-class circuit like COTA. There was just a minor snag.
I’m not the best racing driver in the world — far from it. And I’m definitely not good enough to get the most out of a GT2 Stradale. While I did notice subtle differences between it and the MC20 I was also driving that day, I’m just not consistent enough to set lap times, or even handle sections of the track to a point where I could demonstrate one car was superior to the other.
There were other drivers at the event, very gifted amateurs, current and ex professionals, who could make the most out of every vehicle on offer — including the GT2 Stradale. But if you’re looking for a track day car, and like me, you’re not gifted behind the wheel, then that lack of skill could be a godsend. MC20s are much more common, and the upcoming MCPura is another great option.
It is more suited to the track than almost anything Maserati has
With that being said, reading comprehension isn’t one of my shortcomings, and it’s painfully obvious what a great track car the GT2 Stradale is. It has the same V6 Nettuno engine up front as every other performance car Maserati makes, but it’s been tuned to deliver 10 more horsepower than the MC20. 631 in total. And let’s be honest, the MC20 is the only thing worth comparing it to, as it has close to 200 horsepower more than the GranTurismo Trofeo.
Then you have weight. It’s mid-engined, and the balance feels great, and Maserati claims it’s a whole 132 pounds lighter than the already pretty light MC20. Aerodynamics also play a part with the GT2 Stradale. Its track-focused design means it produces more downforce than anything else Maserati has on the road. Its cooling systems are also superior, which allows both the engines and brakes to take more abuse than they would in any other vehicle. Despite all of this, it’s still road legal. Though admittedly, there are far more comfortable things to take on a road trip.
For me, the GT2 Stradale sums up modern Maserati in a way. They don’t have all the resources in the world. But that doesn’t matter. They’ve turned one engine and a few elements into a frankly fantastic range of vehicles, and if you love a track day, then this is sitting at the pinnacle. It’s beautiful, it’s fast, and the world’s a better place because it exists.
There is another level
During the event, Maserati also had an MCXtrema on hand. For those of you who are unaware, that’s a track-only, special edition, 730-horsepower vehicle that comes complete with a rollcage, racing seats, and everything else you need from an actual racing car.
Every bit of weight that can be shed has been shed; you’re pulling the doors down with a tab. Getting into it is an experience in itself; you sort of need to slot in, sliding past the cage and getting deep into the bucket seat. Then a six-point harness ensures you’ll stay there if the worst happens.
Only 62 were ever built; they were sold at over a million dollars a piece, and naturally, when I contorted myself into a seat, it wasn’t the one with the racing wheel in front of it. Instead, Daniele Manca was handling all of the driving. The result was somewhat similar to other experiences I’ve had riding shotgun with a pro racing driver (including one on that very same track). The acceleration is notable, but it definitely pales in comparison to the G-forces you experience under braking. I can confirm from the number of times my organs tried to force their way out of my chest over the three laps I had with Daniele — the MCXtrema’s brakes can take some abuse.
I was just one of many journalists and influencers the pro-driver took out that day, and the MCXtrema still seemed to be holding its own without any problem at the end. So Maserati definitely wasn’t stretching the truth when it claimed the MC-12 inspired track-only vehicle takes things to the next level. It’s without a doubt the best-performing on-track car in the Italian company’s lineup.
