Maserati is set to return to closed-wheel GT 2 racing after over a decade’s absence from the sport with the new MC20 GT2. The Italian carmaker last competed in the European GT2 series with the iconic MC12 between 2004 and 2010. The announcement was the first second in regards to its return to the world of motorsports with the company also set to enter Formula E as a manufacturer.
Davide Grasso, Maserati CEO said, “We are driven by our passion, both on the road and on the track. We have a long history of world excellence in motorsport and we are extremely proud to race with the extraordinary MC20. Racing has always been Maserati's natural habitat and now, both in the Fanatec GT2 European Series Championship and in the Formula E Championship, this brand is making a new start from its roots to build the future”.
The new GT2 is based on the firms MC20 mid-engined supercar retaining the Nettuno V6 engine but sporting several motorsport related upgrades to qualify to race in the 2023 season of the Fanatec GT2 European Series Championship.
The GT2 gets a heavily revised aero package along with fully-adjustable suspension and FIA-spec fuel tank and roll cage.
The GT2 car gets a heavily upgraded aero package over the road-going MC20 including new bumpers, a massive rear wing, revised fenders and side skirts and a new bonnet too. It also gets an additional scoop atop the rear engine compartment to suck in additional air into the engine along with oversized vents on the rear fenders. The car sits on 18-inch centre locking forged aluminium wheels with adjustable race-spec suspension and anti-roll bars at the front and rear.
The cabin too is stripped down with just the essentials on board such as air conditioning, adjustable steering and pedal box, a 6-point racing harness and a race seat. The passenger seat too is deleted to save on weight. Other upgrades include a FIA-certified roll cage, fire suppression system and 120 litre fuel tank.
As mentioned previously the 3.0-litre Nettuno V6 is retained though Maserati has not revealed official power figures. The company says that the base engine will develop 621 bhp with actual output to vary at the time of entering the race series. The unit is paired with a 6-speed sequential race gearbox. The brakes too have been upgraded for the race series.
