Maserati MC20 GT2 breaks cover

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The Maserati MC20 GT2 racer has been revealed in full at Spa-Francorchamps ahead of a race debut later this year.

Maserati is making a return to the circuit with its MC20 GT2, picking up where the MC12 left off with a debut in the Fanatec GT2 European Series Championship later this year. Revealed in full at the 2023 Spa 24 Hours, the racer will make its track debut in the coming months, before a full season of racing in 2024.

At its core is the same 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged Nettuno V6, featuring Maserati’s trick Twin Combustion technology for improved efficiency, increasing output and reducing fuel consumption. A final power output post-BoP is yet to be announced, but Maserati is currently developing a base unit with the same 463kW output as the standard model.

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As with the road car, a Dallara-sourced carbonfibre monocoque helps reduce kerb weight and boost rigidity, with all-round double-wishbone suspension also carried across. Similarities are fewer from there though, with the standard eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox swapped for a six-speed sequential, and the clutch and differential uprated to handle the extreme loads.

Though the GT2 class doesn’t call for aerodynamics as extreme as GT3, an adjustable rear wing, aggressive front splitter, diffuser and side skirts are part of the new package. A roof-mounted intake, enlarged side intakes, front arch louvres, canards and a redesigned bonnet are also fitted for improved downforce and cooling. An uprated braking system sits behind a set of 18-inch forged aluminium centre lock wheels, with separate channels dedicated to cooling front and rear brakes – six and four piston calipers act upon 390mm and 355mm calipers front and rear.

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While derived from the road car, the GT2’s cabin is designed to be as ergonomic and usable as possible, with an adjustable racing pedal box and steering column, a new multi-function steering wheel, customisable 6.5-inch race-specific dashboard and unnecessary elements removed entirely to reduce distractions.

Yellow reflective elements feature throughout to retain this useability at night, with the road car’s butterfly doors allowing for easier seat access in the pits. To ensure compliance with FIA safety requirements, it’s also equipped with a roll cage, six-point harness, escape hatch and a race-spec seat. There’s even an external NACA duct dedication to climate control and cabin cooling.

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Also new to the GT2 is a quick-release bodywork system, giving teams the ability to quickly rectify issues during a standard pitstop. LED headlights are also now upgradable with brighter night units, with the likes of an integrated air jack system, unique ABS system and optional tyre pressure monitoring system also developed for the racer.

The Maserati MC20 GT2 will make its race debut later this year alongside the likes of Brabham, Audi and KTM in the Fanatec GT2 European Series.

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