Porsche has RS, Ferrari has GTO, McLaren has Longtail, BMW has CSL, Mercedes designates AMG Black Series and Maserati uses Stradale to describe their absolute pinnacle driver’s cars and sports/supercars. You know the type; shorn of weight, sticky tyres, aggressive suspension and steering geometry and blueprinted engines. 

Maserati however, is adamant their latest car to receive the Stradale treatment is so focused and hardcore it required an extra prefix - GT2. Unveiled at The Quail during Monterey Car Week, the GT2 Stradale is based upon the mid engined MC20 and takes the Trident into new territory, drawing technology directly from the GT2 racing car.

Nestled inside the carbon tub is a lightly reworked version of the MC20’s Nettuno engine, now producing 640 bhp, a modest increase over the MC20’s 630 bhp. But thanks to a weight reduction of 60 kg, the extra power goes further in the GT2 Stradale, which posts a 0 to 62 mph time of just 2.8 seconds. Despite the newfound aggressive aero additions, the GT2 Stradale is still capable of a top speed in excess of 200 mph.

Maserati states the aerodynamics are all purely functional, with the only nod to aesthetics being the repetitive use of three strakes within the bonnet vents and the front wings, an obvious nod to the brand's iconic trident logo. The front grill, bumper and diffuser have all been made larger - a look dubbed “Shark Nose” by Maserati - to increase airflow, while the engine cover also dissipates heat through several banks of three outlets. Maserati claims engine cooling has been improved by 16%.

At the rear, the huge swan neck rear wing offers three angles of attack, and a mighty diffuser marshals the passage of air underneath the car. In terms of the raw numbers, Maserati says the GT2 Stradale generates 500 kg of downforce at 173 mph, with the front of the car contributing almost as much downforce (130 kg) as the standard MC20 generates in total (145 kg).

Unlike the aerodynamics, Maserati has not yet revealed any details of changes to the suspension of the GT2 Stradale, but the fitment of standard Michelin Cup 2R tyres is a strong statement of intent. The ultra sticky rubber is wrapped around new centre-lock alloy wheels. 

Inside, the GT2 Stradale continues the hardcore theme with aggressive carbon buckets. There’s a revised dashboard and a new controller for the car’s selectable drive modes too. The rest of the interior is deliberately dark in order to absorb and minimise glare. Striking a balance between the “regular” MC20 and the racing car, the GT2 Stradale still offers a suite of driving aids and technology, mostly accessed via the car’s touchscreen. For those wanting something a little more personal, the GT2 Stradale’s customisation options are extensive, with packages available to enhance both performance and aesthetics through Maserati’s Fuoriserie programme.

Speaking on the launch, Davide Grasso, Maserati's CEO, commented: “The GT2 Stradale is a unique product, encapsulating the brand's rich racing heritage while pushing the boundaries of what our super sports cars can achieve on the road. This model represents the pinnacle of Maserati’s engineering and design, offering our customers an unparalleled driving experience that marries the best of both worlds – track performance and everyday usability.”

Maserati has remained tight-lipped about how many GT2 Stradales it will build, and there has been no confirmation of pricing yet, although it is fair to expect that the car will carry a significant premium over the £222,025 commanded for the MC20.