FYI: Maserati Unveils the GT2 Stradale at Monterey Car Week 2024, Showcasing a New Pinnacle in Performance and Design
The automotive world was abuzz this past weekend as Maserati pulled the covers off its latest marvel, the Maserati GT2 Stradale, at Monterey Car Week 2024 in California. This new model is a testament to Maserati’s enduring legacy of blending racing prowess with high-performance luxury vehicles.
The Maserati GT2 Stradale: A Masterpiece of Engineering and Design
In true Maserati fashion, the GT2 Stradale is a fusion of state-of-the-art technology and sophisticated design. The vehicle draws inspiration from the GT2 track model, originally created to mark Maserati’s return to GT racing competitions. The elegant styling of the GT2 Stradale incorporates elements from the MC20, creating a road-legal marvel that retains a distinctly aggressive racing character. The tagline "Road-legal, barely" captures its spirit perfectly and showcases Maserati’s commitment to pushing the boundaries.
Celebrating 110 Years of Racing Heritage
This year, Maserati celebrates 110 years of rich racing heritage. The brand showcases an array of milestones, including the first customer unit of the track-exclusive MCXtrema, efforts through the Maserati Classiche program, and limited edition MC20 Icona tributes that honor the 20th anniversary of Maserati’s return to GT championships.
Though these activities are primarily North American, the excellence in luxury, technology, and automotive design resonate globally. Here are some standout recent models from Maserati that embody this spirit.
Fragment Design Ghibli: Streetwear Meets Classic Elegance
A unique collaboration brought to life by Hiroshi Fujiwara, the Fragment Design Ghibli brings streetwear cool to Maserati’s classic sedan. With the Operanera (all black) and Operabianca (all white) editions, this model captures the essence of Ghibli’s historic design. The subtle alphanumeric code M157110519FRG reflects Ghibli’s internal ID, Fujiwara’s first visit to Maserati’s design center, and an acronym of Fragment.
David Beckham’s Customized MC20 Collection
Global brand ambassador David Beckham has personalized an MC20 with Miami-inspired accents. While this one-off vehicle is exclusive, Maserati offers a collection reflective of Beckham’s vision. The “Night Interaction” blue pays homage to the 1967 Maserati Ghibli, while “Verde Royale” dark green channels the 1986 Maserati Quattroporte Royale, an exclusive four-door sports car.
MC20 Leggenda: Racing Heritage in Visual Form
Modelled after the championship-winning MC12 GT1, the MC20 Leggenda stands out with its Nero Essenza and Digital Mint livery. It features matching glossy black wheels and hued Tridents. Inside, the car boasts four-way lightweight monocoque racing seats and extensive use of carbon fiber, enhancing its performance and aesthetic appeal.
Barbie Maserati Grecale: A Luxurious Homage
The Barbie Maserati Grecale, part of a collaboration with Mattel’s Barbie, brings a bold pink aesthetic to Maserati’s lineup. Limited to just two custom units, the proceeds from one unit benefitted the Barbie Dream Gap Project, which works towards equal opportunities for girls. This Trofeo version, with its pink stitching and acid-yellow trimmings, is finished with an iridescent topcoat, maximizing glamour and capturing the essence of Barbie’s dream world.
420M/58 Eldorado: A Historical Marvel
It would be remiss to not include the 420M/58 Eldorado, originally commissioned by Eldorado Sud in 1958. Created to merge European and American racing cultures, this vehicle hit speeds over 350km/h but is perhaps most famous for a terrifying crash that driver Stirling Moss walked away from unscathed. Today, the rejuvenated Eldorado is part of the Umberto Panini Collection, representing a storied chapter in Maserati’s history.
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Steven Hale, Editor of Automotive.fyi
