Last August, Maserati unveiled the Maserati GT2 Stradale, the highly anticipated road-legal version of their iconic GT2 race car, much to the delight of motorsports enthusiasts and the average car guy alike. And after a debut that was more than just well-received, the Maserati GT2 Stradale is finally available to the overseas audience, as announced at Maserati’s two-day track event at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit (of Formula 1 fame).
The buzz surrounding the Maserati GT2 Stradale is really no surprise to anyone. Its motorsport counterpart, the GT2, was a season-favourite at the Fanatec GT2 European Series Championship last year, dominating the races and delivering high-performance results. Everyone wants to sit in the winner’s seat, and that was exactly what you got with the GT2. So it was only a matter of time before a version of the car came out that was suited for highways rather than just the racetrack.
Maserati’s Abu Dhabi event saw over 100 attendees, getting to ride shotgun as a professional driver expertly guided the Maserati GT2 Stradale around the iconic circuit, delivering a track-level drive. They also experienced exclusive activations in the garage, including Maserati’s Fuoriserie personalization program among others. A stay at the W Hotel Abu Dhabi, with its stunning track views, ensured that the experience lingered on.
Technically speaking, the Maserati GT2 Stradale is a thing of beauty. With the power of a 640 CV Nettuno V6 Engine, going from 0 to 100 is no shot in the dark – it’s a matter of 2.8 seconds. A top speed of 324 km/h ensures that this is the perfect car for the thrill seekers, with all its embellishments (including the CORSA DRIVE MODE) sure to deliver the adrenaline rush of your dreams. And here’s the kicker: in a nod to Maserati’s founding in 1914, the Maserati GT2 Stradale’s production is limited to 914 units. A collector’s piece, if there ever was one.
It’s certainly a symbol of pride for its makers. Maserati’s Head of Overseas Region, Philippe Claverol offered, “The GT2 Stradale is a testament to Maserati’s racing heritage and dedication to high-performance craftsmanship. Bringing this model to the Yas Marina F1 Circuit for its overseas debut allows our clients and media to witness first-hand the evolution of Maserati’s engineering excellence. This event showcases our commitment to creating thrilling, high-performance vehicles that continue to push boundaries for the benefit of our customers.”
Although the Maserati GT2 Stradale was the star of the show, Maserati’s event was not so one-dimensional as to only show off one of the jewels in their automotive crown. The Folgore display showcased the brand’s Formula E race car, an entrant for its eleventh season. Guests also took the driver’s seat with the Grecale, with the event’s exclusive on-road driving experience allowing them to take the iconic ride for a spin on Abu Dhabi’s streets.
The GranTurismo Trofeo and GranTurismo Modena models were also available for test-drives. Both models fall just shy of the Maserati GT2 Stradale’s performance: The Trofeo, powered by a 550 hp twin-turbo Nettuno V6, sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 320 km/h. The Modena, with 490 hp, accelerates to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, reaching 302 km/h. But make no mistake, these stats are still extremely high performance. A luxurious experience rounds it off, making both cars ideal drives – a display of pure Italian craftsmanship.
And in a show of true Italian hospitality, Maserati closed out the event with a four-course meal at Cipriani Yas Marina; the warmth of the home-style meals honouring Modena, the birthplace of the Trident’s automotive legacy.