Maserati GT2, a high-performance MASTERPIECE

NewsBy: Juandre

The Maserati GT2 is the Trident’s passport to the future of motorsport, based on the glorious memories of its winning ancestor, the Maserati MC12, which left its lasting signature in the FIA GT championships in the first decade of the new millennium.

• The Maserati GT2 is a non-road-homologated race car, type-approved for the GT2 class and developed on the super sports car Maserati MC20 as a base model
• It inherits the legacy of the glorious Maserati MC12, featured in the FIA GT championships between 2004 and 2010
• Maserati’s racing history is studded with successes in the highest categories of motorsport. The return to competition in the GT class forms part of Maserati’s strategy to get the Trident back on track
• Maserati has developed a product that stands up to racing challenges and is also ideal for gentleman drivers when it comes to handling, driveability and performance
• The Maserati GT2 is due to debut in the 2023 Fanatec GT2 European Series and has been officially unveiled at the 24 Hours of Spa; it will take to the track in the final stages of the 2023 season and will participate in the 2024 season

The natural evolution of a sensational race car from the past, it now comes with a V6 90° twin turbo heart based on the MC20 Nettuno engine, to become a one-of-a-kind Maserati super sports car.

The Maserati GT2 combines the Trident’s sporting history with the extreme racing attitude that has always marked its racing and road vehicles.

It all began with the Maserati Tipo 26, the first racing vehicle with the Trident emblem on the bonnet, which took first place in its class at the 1926 Targa Florio. Since those days, a history of wins, world titles and world records has followed, establishing the Trident a brand born to race.

The GT2 category is the ideal platform for Maserati’s sporty legacy to meet the desire of racing customer enthusiasts – private teams and gentleman drivers – in a project that forms an integral part of Maserati’s motorsport strategy to get the Trident back on track in closed-wheel competitions.

Based on the Maserati MC20, 100% developed at Maserati, the Maserati GT2 also benefited from the know-how of the Maserati Innovation Lab and the cutting-edge technology of the Maserati dynamic simulator, the most advanced in the world. For its racing car, the Italian manufacturer has also taken advantage of a technical partnership with YCOM, a leading advanced technology company and specialist in the development of motorsport projects.

The Maserati GT2, a jewel of handling, driveability and performance, is homologated for the GT2 class and will be able to compete in any GT championship and/or event where the GT2 class is accepted, for example the 24 Hours of Spa, the Fanatec GT2 European Series and the ADAC 24 Hours of Nürburgring from 2024.

Design

• Exterior

The Maserati GT2 has been shaped at the Centro Stile Maserati. The work of the men and women of the Centro Stile focused on attention to the design of all areas of the car, increasing performance without neglecting the essence of the Maserati MC20.

The front features a new design, maintaining the typical Maserati architecture and adapting to requirements in terms of cooling and aerodynamics; the forms are functional to the vehicle dynamics.

The bonnet area has been redesigned to bear in mind aerodynamic requirements, by including specific ducts to expel hot air.

The number three and the Trident’s reinterpretation are a constant in the style of the Maserati GT2. For example, there are three air vents in the bonnet, another three near the rear window, and nine-spoke wheel rims, forming a Trident in threes.

The widened wheel track required renewed study and design of the front fenders, with the introduction of louvres in the upper area, on the rear fenders; a new air intake was also added in the ACAC area to increase airflow to the radiators.

The upper area and rear window have also been revamped: an air scoop has been incorporated with a specific technical design for air intake, connected to the rear window area and useful to expel heat from the engine.

The spoiler is connected to the car with pylons in the form of structural poles.

In the rear, the upper area is directly derived from the Maserati MC20, whereas the lower area has an exclusive design created according to aerodynamic inputs, to push performance to the max.

• Interior

Although it is a racing car, attention to design was one of the pillars of the project, as a result of the outstanding synergy and collaboration between the Centro Stile Maserati and the Trident’s engineering team. It has therefore been possible to keep intact the lexis previously seen in the Maserati MC20, taking it to the extremes of form for the full benefit of the utmost functionality.

Highly impactful in terms of visuals and aesthetics, the large wing above the cluster also embraces the display added atop the centre console.

The ergonomics and design of an iconic Maserati model, the MC20, are emphasised more boldly and assertively by its racing version, whilst preserving the original unique style.

The interior of the Maserati GT2 highlights a true-to-track aptitude, with performance boosted by an array of cutting-edge and superbly organised technical details, including the command console housed in the carbon-fibre central tunnel, the customisable 6.5” full-colour racing dashboard display, and an overall design geared towards maximum driveability.

The second point of note is the driver, positioned in the centre of the cockpit and even of the entire design. The Maserati GT2 is a car that has been defined as “driver-oriented”, where the watchwords are minimalism and lightness. A deliberately “naked” car, with no distractions, to enhance its maximum performance and driveability. Carbon fibre predominates throughout the interior structure.

Every detail and instrument have been designed for the easiest accessibility and to ensure maximum performance, including the characteristic yellow sticker with reflective technology for night vision.

Cockpit

The Maserati GT2 cabin is derived from the MC20 but is fully oriented to track usage.

The simple, driver-oriented design and ideal driving position in the MC20 are pushed to even higher boundaries allowing the driver to focus on the race and keep maximal control of the car with direct visibility and access to the commands.

The butterfly doors of the MC20 offer an additional benefit for the Maserati GT2 in terms of easier access to the seat, as well as bearing in mind the addition of the FIA-homologated roll-cage.

The type-approved seat designed in compliance with the highest racing standards offers perfect head protection and optimal lateral and longitudinal containment, complemented with a 6-point racing safety belt (FIA-homologated).

The layout of the adjustable racing pedal box, steering column and the commands have been designed for the driver to find an optimal driving position on track.

The steering wheel offers multiple functions, using the rotary selector to cycle through the various settings, including ABS, traction control, engine maps, and quick buttons to control the engine start, radio, pit operations, wiper, etc.

A specific cluster displays essential data for a clear and quick view of the car, engine, gearbox, tyres parameters and selected calibration maps, lap time and ideal lap time.

Commands are also available in the re-designed console placed at the driver’s right hand, with buttons for example to adjust brake balance or steering feeling.

The air conditioning system has been re-designed to focus on cooling/heating, with vents directed towards the driver.

An optional rear-view camera display is mounted in an efficient position, for an easy view of events behind the car.

Aerodynamics

The Maserati MC20 has been the ideal starting point for the engineers to define the perfect aerodynamic design of Maserati GT2. The improvements made for specific use on the track have affected many areas in the car:

• The adjustable ride heights have been minimised in comparison with the road-approved MC20
• The splitter has been extended in the front to maximise downforce and allow for precise handling
• A permanent rear wing is mounted on two pylons on the rear frame. The adjustable position of the wing profile provides for many configurations to suit different tracks
• A fully flat floor covers the underbody of the car, generating perfect airflow, not disturbed by the exhaust line
• The rear diffuser is even more aggressive than the MC20’s, to further reduce drag and generate laminated airflow

All these modifications provide the Maserati GT2 with optimal aerodynamic characteristics and a major gain in performance on all track’ configurations, from high-speed straights to demanding curves requiring high downforce.

Cooling has also been developed with particular attention and according to a complete CFD approach:

• Brake cooling with dedicated channels for front and rear brakes
• Engine cooling with one central front main radiator and fan and two lateral coolers (Air Charge Air Coolers – ACAC)
• Gearbox cooling with dedicated air/oil exchanger and separate air intake above the roof
• Finally, the cabin is optimised for driver comfort during testing and racing with a specific NACA-profiled air intake for climate control and cabin cooling

Chassis and suspension

The Maserati GT2 benefits from the same ultra-light carbon-fibre chassis as the road-legal versions of the Maserati MC20 and MC20 Cielo, to guarantee extremely lightweight, uncompromising torsional rigidity and extraordinary handling on the track.

The aluminium front and rear subframe are optimised for track usage and to support the evolution of the components, aimed at the best racing level for vehicle dynamics.

A new suspension geometry has been developed for the Maserati GT2, created initially in the Maserati Innovation Lab simulator with the driver and hardware in the loop, then tested on various tracks. It

enhances the Maserati MC20’s already excellent handling in the most severe racing conditions, with no compromises on performance whatsoever. The double-wishbone layout has been confirmed, with UNIBAL® joints for maximum rigidity.

The suspension springs, dampers and antiroll bars are all specific to the Maserati GT2 and can be fully adjusted and tuned up for every track environment. The entire chassis set-up was tuned up according to the specific racing tyres (slick and wet).

The steering system benefits from dedicated racing calibration, and the brake system is adapted to severe track usage with specific ventilated discs, callipers and pads, and an optimised cooling system. The specific carbon-fibre ducts have been designed to flow fresh air directly to the wheel hub area. The ABS system is also specific and is calibrated to various settings, offering the driver multiple possibilities to adapt to their driving preferences and to different tracks.

Tyre pressure monitoring is available (as an optional extra), for improved control of on-track conditions and to prevent unexpected loss of pressure.

Engine

The beating heart of the Maserati GT2 is directly derived from the engine in the MC20 super sports car. The Nettuno V6 required only a few updates to reach the targets set for the racing performance of the Maserati GT2. Designed at the Maserati Innovation Lab and engineered at the Engines hub in the historic Viale Ciro Menotti plant, where it will also be produced, the GT2 engine benefits from technological revolution in the MC20 Nettuno engine, the Maserati Twin Combustion system.

The “Made in Modena” engine maintains the 90° V-shaped 6-cylinder twin-turbo layout, with 3.0 litres of displacement and dry sump, capable of delivering 621 hp (depending on BoP*) at 7500 rpm and an outstanding 730 Nm of torque starting from 3000 rpm. The power-to-weight ratio is 207 hp/L. The compression ratio is 11:1; the stroke is 82 mm and the bore 88 mm.

The soul of this engine remains the innovative pre-chamber combustion system with twin spark plugs, a technology developed for Formula 1 and now available on the Maserati GT2. The system is based on three main components: the pre-chamber placed between the central spark and the traditional combustion chamber; the side spark plug, which acts as a support to ensure regular engine combustion when the latter is working in operating points where the use of the pre-chamber is not necessary; and the dual indirect and direct injection system to ensure the perfect mix of fuel and air.

Turbochargers and exhaust manifolds are modified for higher boost pressure and efficiency at peak power and lower back pressure due to the different exhaust system, to guarantee the same level of performance on all tracks all around the world.

A new exhaust line has been designed for racing requirements, along with specific air intakes and cooling layout to maximise the performance of all the systems. The exhaust line features centrally mounted twin tail pipes.

Engine calibration has been revised to offer the driver different maps (which can be selected via a dedicated rotary selector on the steering wheel) oriented to maximum performance and adapted to any racing track. Racing rules also require particular attention to calibrating the pit limiter and special race conditions such as safety car queuing, rolling starts, etc.

The huge power and torque specs of the Nettuno are transmitted to the tyres through a dedicated drivetrain, a 6-speed sequential racing gearbox (actuated with paddle shift), internally forced oil

lubricated and cooled via a dedicated oil/air heat exchanger. A racing clutch, a limited-slip mechanical self-locking differential and specific half-shafts complete the purely rear-wheel driveline.

Maserati GT2 – Technical specifications and features

Vehicle

• Single seater non-road-homologated race car
• Homologated for GT2 class
• Homologation base model: MC20

Dimensions

• Length: 4,840 mm
• Width: 2,030 mm (w/o rear mirrors)
• Wheelbase: 2,700 mm
• Dry weight: depending on BoP*

Chassis

• Ultra-light carbon-fibre central monocoque
• FIA-homologated safety roll-cage (FIA Art. 277)
• FIA-homologated FT3 120-litre fuel tank
• Air jack system (4)

Brakes

• Six-piston (front) and four-piston (rear) aluminum monobloc racing brake callipers
• Racing ventilated steel brake discs: 390 mm (front) and 355 mm (rear)
• Brake-bias remote adjuster
• Optimised brake cooling
• Latest-generation adjustable racing ABS

Engine

• Water-cooled V6 90° twin turbo engine (rear-mounted) based on MC20 Nettuno engine
• Displacement: 2,992 cc
• Bore/Stroke: 88 mm x 82 mm

• Power: depending on BoP* (463-kW/621-hp Nettuno base engine)
• MTC (Maserati Twin Combustion)
• Dry-sump lubrication with oil/water heat exchanger
• Engine control unit (ECU): BOSCH MS 6.4 EVO
• Maserati Corse traction control
• Race exhaust system with twin tailpipes mounted centrally and catalytic converter

Drive train/transmission

• 6-speed sequential racing gearbox with paddle shift
• Internal forced oil lubrification with oil/air heat exchanger
• Racing clutch and limited-slip self-locking mechanical differential

Suspension

• Front and rear axle with double wishbones
• Front and rear adjustable anti-roll-bar blades (left & right)
• Electric power steering
• Wheel hubs with centre lock wheel nuts
• Motorsport 2-way adjustable dampers front and rear

Wheel & tyres

• Maserati Corse bespoke forged alloy rims with centre lock system fixation
• Front axle:
• Rims: 12.0J x 18”
• Tyres: 325/660-18
• Rear axle:
• Rims: 13.0J x 18”
• Tyres: 325/705-18

Bodywork

• Centro Stile Maserati design
• Lightweight full-composite bodywork with improved aerodynamics performance
• Adjustable rear wing
• Fully closed carbon-fibre underfloor
• Integrated safety roof hatch (FIA Art. 277)
• Quick-release bodywork removable design concept for optimised component replacement
• Polycarbonate windscreen and side windows
• Front LED headlamps with fixation predisposed for additional headlamps for night racing
• FIA-approved rain lights
• As-build bodywork finishing (unpainted)

Cockpit

• Centro Stile Maserati design
• Fixed racing bucket seat with 4-point mounting
• Adjustable racing pedal box
• Adjustable steering column
• 6-point racing safety harness
• Safety nets (centre and driver’s side)
• Air conditioning system
• Carbon-fibre centre console switch panel with UV reactive labels for illumination at night
• Carbon-fibre multifunction steering wheel with UV reactive labels for illumination at night
• 5” full-colour dashboard display with integrated data acquisition system
• FIA-spec fire extinguisher system

Optional extras (further information and options will be supplied at a later stage)

• Maserati Corse-specific “Blu Infinito” paintwork and livery
• Passenger seat kit
• Rear-view camera system
• Telemetry system (LTE)
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Exhaust silencer kit
• Ballast system
• Sensor kit (bespoke installation)

*BoP: Balance of Performance

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