The Maserati MC20 GT2 Stradale has more power, but it's still slower. Here's how it works

The current Maserati MC20 has been around for four years now, so it’s time to expand the family. After the coupe we can welcome the open version – the MC20 Cielo. Now it’s time for a more intense version in the form of the Maserati MC20 GT2 Stradale. The name suggests that it’s a GT2 race car for the street, and as you know, Maserati isn’t too wrong in that description.

It’s not just an MC20 with a spoiler. No, the Maserati MC20 GT2 Stradale is much more than that. There’s a new splitter, thicker front wings, vents in the wheel arches, air intakes and, yes, a very large rear wing. In fact, the aerodynamic parts generate downforce, and not a little. At 280 km/h, there’s 500 kg of downforce.

Speaking of kilograms, the Maserati MC20 GT2 Stradale is 60 kilograms lighter than the regular version, thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber. On the other hand, the engine has also been modified to deliver more power: 640 hp instead of 630 hp. Remarkably, torque has been reduced by 10 Nm, but with a total of 720 Nm, you won’t notice much of it, we think.

Maserati MC20 GT2 Stradale is slower than the standard model

The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds, which is one tenth faster than the regular MC20. Although the MC20 GT2 has more power, the top speed is lower. Now, the top speed is still 324 km/h (1 km/h slower than the standard MC20). The lower speed is due to the greater air resistance of the additional spoilers. This additional downforce therefore comes at the expense of absolute top speed. We also see this with the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, which is often slightly slower in top speed than the regular GT3 models.

The MC20 GT2 Stradale is therefore ideal for track days. The stiffer chassis and larger Brembo brakes will also help. You can optionally opt for the Performance Package. Then you get an electronic limited-slip differential and Michelin ceramic brake discs and semi-slicks (Pilot Sport Cup 2 R). Additionally, the Performance Package is available. Then you get four-point racing harnesses and a fire extinguisher, among other things.

The Maserati MC20 GT2 Stradale will make its debut at—you guessed it—the 2024 Monterey Car Week. Pricing and availability will no doubt be announced at a later date. Until then, colleagues here in the editorial office can fight over who gets to take a test drive.