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Maserati MC20 GT2 returns the Trident to GT racing in 2023

Seems we got ahead of Maserati, but now we're on the same page with the Italian carmaker. We wrote about the Maserati Project24 earlier this week, a limited-edition track car not built to race a specific series, instead chasing Maserati's own performance targets. We wondered whether the Project24 was a pivot from the rumored GT3 program planned for the MC20 years ago. Turns out the Project24 is an offshoot of the GT2 program for the MC20, the Italians in Modena announcing they've developed an MC20 GT2 to compete in the Fanatec GT2 European Series Championship next year. The base tech specs listed so far for the MC20 GT2 are the same as the Project24. The twin-turbo Nettuno V6 shifts through a six-speed sequential auto with paddle shifters, sending power to the rear wheels through a mechanical limited slip differential. Brembo CCMR racing brakes hang off a double wishbone suspension with anti-roll bars front and rear and adjustable dampers, just behind custom, forged 18-spoke center lock wheels on racing slicks that can be changed easily thanks to on-board air jacks. A single seat in the cabin is accessorized with an adjustable, multifunction carbon fiber steering wheel, an adjustable pedal box, and air conditioning. Safety features include an FIA fuel tank, rain light, roll cage, six-point harness, and fire extinguisher.  The differences that we know of include output, curb weight, and the aero package. Series organizer SRO says GT2 is "formulated to bring gentlemen drivers back to the front of the stage ... whilst being fast and spectacular enough to secure the values of SRO-promoted championships, should the current GT3 category become too expensive for too many of our teams and drivers." GT2 regulations cap output at around 630 hp, just nine more than the standard MC20 throws down — and 110 hp less than the Project24. The series' Balance of Performance rules will ultimately determine race weight and output. The regulations also draw limits around aero devices that Maserati Stile didn't need to heed on the Project24. The aero bit is especially important here because GT2 cars are more powerful than GT3 entries but designed to be less reliant on aerodynamics than GT3 cars, making GT2 versions easier for amateurs to drive at the limit.  This is Maserati's first dip back into GT racing above the GT4 class since the MC12 GT1 that snagged close to 100 wins between 2004 and 2010. The race division will sell cars to individuals and race teams.

2021 Maserati Quattroporte spied getting ready for another light refresh

Maserati just announced that both the Quattroporte and Ghibli sedans would get Trofeo versions next month, but it looks like the standard Quattroporte is going to get a facelift soon, too. The Quattroporte is on the old side of the spectrum at this point (last refreshed for 2017), and we expect this to be the last refresh before a totally new model is released. From the looks of these spy shots, Maserati is painting the Quattroporte with a very light brush. Camouflage simply covers the front bumper of the white sedan and the rear lights of the black one. Everything else looks identical to the current car, so look for an updated front bumper, grille and lights with this refresh on the exterior. The vast majority of changes coming to the Quattroporte are likely going to be those we can’t see.  Look for updated tech in the infotainment system and instrument cluster. ItÂ’s generally made up of tech borrowed from FCA now, so an update from the parent company could help the Quattroporte keep pace with its luxury competition. Expect minor updates with additional features and possibly a number of additional driver assistance technologies.  WeÂ’re still unsure if Maserati will update the engine lineup. Right now you can choose between a couple of boosted engines, one a V6 and the other a V8. When the Trofeo comes, we expect the new flagship will offer the same power as the Levante Trofeo with its Ferrari engine. The Quattroporte maxes out at 523 horsepower now, and if nothing else changes, the Trofeo would bring it up to 590 horsepower. Assuming the Trofeo debuts sporting the facelifted styling, we donÂ’t have long to wait for the full details on what weÂ’d assume is the 2021 model year car. Maserati says itÂ’s revealing the Trofeo on August 10, so check back in for the full details on that car and the Ghibli Trofeo. Related video:

2023 Maserati MC20 Cielo First Drive Review: Fine-tuned from the top down

CATANIA, Sicily — “We wanted to give the Cielo the same behavior and character as the MC20 but with the sharp edges made a little smoother,” explained Federico Landini, the man in charge of the MC20Â’s development. Cielo is the name Maserati chose for the convertible MC20 — it means “sky” in Italian and sounds less generic than Spider, Spyder or another arachnid-inspired label. This new version of MaseratiÂ’s first supercar in over a decade slots in the range as a softer, more touring-oriented alternative to the coupe. While the two MC20s look a lot alike, Maserati ensured the Cielo has its own personality. Same heart, different bones Like the MC20 coupe, the Cielo is powered by MaseratiÂ’s excellent 3.0-liter Nettuno V6 engine, which is twin-turbocharged to develop 621 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 538 pound-feet of torque from 3,000 to 5,500 rpm. While 600+ horsepower is par for the course in this segment, achieving that number with six cylinders is rather unusual. The engine develops 207 horsepower per liter of displacement. If every engine offered this level of power density, weÂ’d have a 414-horsepower Volkswagen Golf GTI to play with. This engine also powers variants of the Grecale SUV, though the MC20 models use a dry-sump lubrication system. Landini told me Maserati felt confident sending a V6 into a ring dominated by rivals with eight or more cylinders because it fitted the engine with both direct and indirect fuel injection systems. This innovative technology — which traces its roots to Formula One racing — adds pre-chambers inside the cylinder head and a second set of spark plugs to the 90-degree V6 to provide a 100-horsepower boost. Mid-mounted, the Nettuno spins the CieloÂ’s rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission linked to a pair of steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles. Maserati quotes a 0-62-mph time of a little under 3 seconds and a top speed of approximately 199 mph, so the coupe is slightly quicker and faster. Giving up two or three tenths of a second to highway speeds and forfeiting a few miles per hour at the top end is a fair trade for unlimited headroom. Going topless also makes the Cielo about 143 pounds heavier than the coupe: it tips the scale at roughly 3,400 pounds, which remains reasonably light.