Does the Maserati MC20 GT2 Deliver on its Wings?
About this episode
Driving the Maserati MC20 GT2 Stradale from Willow Springs, the hosts dive into a detailed review comparing it to the standard MC20 and competitors like the Porsche 911 and Corvette ZR1. They praise its looks and track-focused upgrades but critique the brakes, sound, and overall excitement, feeling it falls short of expectations for a $325k track car. The discussion highlights the car’s lightweight design and improved aerodynamics but laments its lack of emotional engagement and power compared to rivals. They also touch on usability compromises and seat comfort, debating if the GT2 package justifies its price jump.
Matt Farah and Zack Klapman find out if Maserati MC20 GT2 Stradale is the track car it looks to be; Matt goes deeper down the rabbit hole of a new collectible; we ponder why Buick still exists; and Patreon questions include:
Our favorite Subaru ever
Will the U.S. EV market shrink?
Resurrected names that were better than the original.
Is my watch tough?
What would we drive in a 1000-mile vintage race?
Ducktail spoilers: verdict
Should German car companies keep making middling performance cars?
Does a C8 Z06 really feel that different from the regular one?
How to brake in a high-downforce car?
Isn't ADAS good for normal people?
MK7 GTI or Golf R?
And more!
Recorded February 23, 2026
SHOW NOTES
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vintage racing event
"If you know what I'm saying plus our ideas for the best way to get into a prestigious vintage racing event for under"
Vintage racing events are races where people drive old or classic cars. It's a way to enjoy and show off these special cars in a fun competition.
Vintage racing events are competitions featuring classic and historic cars, often with strict rules about car originality and period-correctness. They offer enthusiasts a chance to race or showcase older vehicles in a competitive setting.
Maserati
"Anyway, we're in the Maserati GT2 Stradale, that's the tracky version of the MC 20"
Maserati is a company from Italy that makes fancy and fast cars. They are known for stylish and powerful sports cars.
Maserati is an Italian luxury car manufacturer known for producing high-performance sports cars and grand tourers with distinctive Italian design and engineering.
MC20
"Anyway, we're in the Maserati GT2 Stradale, that's the tracky version of the MC 20"
The Maserati MC20 GT2 Stradale is a special version of a fast sports car made for racing on tracks. It has extra parts that help it go faster and handle better when driving on race circuits.
The Maserati MC20 GT2 Stradale is a track-focused variant of the MC20 supercar, designed for high-performance driving on race tracks. It features enhancements over the standard MC20 to improve aerodynamics, handling, and overall track capability.
grand touring car
"Yeah, and then in that review we only did on the road. Yeah, and that as a grand touring car"
A grand touring car is a type of car made to go fast and comfortable on long trips.
A grand touring car, or GT car, is designed for high-speed and long-distance driving with a balance of performance and comfort.
wheelbase
"Rides pretty well. It's got it's a long car kind of long wheelbase looks fantastic"
Wheelbase means how far apart the front and back wheels are on a car, which changes how smooth or easy it is to drive.
Wheelbase is the distance between the front and rear wheels of a car, affecting ride quality and handling characteristics.
turbo
"Which I have a turbo it doesn't sound like anything in the car either in fact like as you'll see in the video"
A turbo is a part that helps a car's engine get more air so it can go faster and be stronger. It uses the car's exhaust to make this happen.
A turbo, or turbocharger, is a device that forces extra air into an engine's combustion chamber, increasing power output without significantly increasing engine size. It uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine that compresses incoming air.
McLaren 750
"McLaren 750 or a zr1 or something like that is is much more explosive"
The McLaren 750 is a very fast and powerful sports car that goes really quickly and sounds exciting. It's a special car made for people who love fast driving.
The McLaren 750 is a high-performance supercar known for its powerful engine and explosive acceleration. It represents a benchmark in the supercar segment for speed and driving excitement.
Chevrolet Corvette ZR1
"McLaren 750 or a zr1 or something like that is is much more explosive"
The Corvette ZR1 is a very fast and strong sports car made by Chevrolet. It can go very fast and is built to handle well on race tracks.
The Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is a high-performance variant of the Corvette sports car, known for its powerful supercharged V8 engine and track-capable performance. It is often compared to exotic supercars for its speed and handling.
wing
"It's someone on someone on steroids who can't fight. Yeah, that's what it is. We got wing"
A wing is like a big fin on the back of a car that helps it stick to the road better when going fast.
A wing is an aerodynamic component usually mounted on the rear of a car to generate downforce, improving grip and stability at high speeds, especially on track-focused vehicles.
canards
"We got wing We got canards. We got air vents"
Canards are little wing-like pieces on the front of a car that help it turn better and stay steady.
Canards are small aerodynamic fins usually located on the front corners of a car that help increase front downforce and improve stability during cornering.
air vents
"We got canards. We got air vents But it's just like not that quick not that exciting"
Air vents are openings on a car that let air flow through to keep parts cool or help the car go faster.
Air vents on a car help manage airflow for cooling brakes, engine, or to improve aerodynamics by reducing drag or increasing downforce.
Chevrolet Corvette
"...ison like if you could do make this a little more corvette You know that would really help the aesthetics a..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a famous fast car from America that looks cool and goes really fast. People talk about how it looks and how it compares to other cars because it’s so well known.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its performance and distinctive design. It has a long history of combining affordable power with striking aesthetics, making it a benchmark in the sports car segment. Discussions often focus on its styling and how it influences or compares to other vehicles.
forward collision warning
""There's the little Italian horn, but that's like the forward collision one, right?""
It's a safety alert in cars that warns you if you're about to crash into something in front of you, usually by making a sound or showing a light.
Forward collision warning is a safety feature that alerts the driver if a potential frontal collision is detected, often through audible or visual signals.
lane change alert
""And it does it if you're if you don't have the blinker on to change lanes and you move lanes it kind of alerts you""
It's a warning in the car that tells you if you're switching lanes without using your turn signal, so you don't accidentally hit another car.
Lane change alert is a driver assistance feature that warns the driver if they attempt to change lanes without signaling, helping to prevent accidents.
shift lights
""It's got actually I think this... This may be the best implementation of shift lights on the steering wheel. I've seen... They're hidden... They're totally hidden in this carbon fiber top of the steering wheel, but they're just da-da-da-da and they come they're really nice... That's dope because they're just it's not this big. It's not like a screen...""
Shift lights are little lights on the steering wheel or dashboard that tell you when to change gears while driving fast. They help you know the best time to shift so the car runs smoothly and quickly.
Shift lights are indicators, often LEDs, that signal the driver when to shift gears for optimal performance, typically used in performance and racing cars. They help the driver maximize acceleration and engine efficiency without constantly looking at the tachometer.
butterfly doors
"Yeah, well without the roof you when you have butterfly doors and no roof cutouts and then carbon buckets"
Butterfly doors are special car doors that open up and out, like a butterfly's wings. They make it easier to get in and out of the car and look cool too.
Butterfly doors are car doors that open upwards and outwards, resembling the wings of a butterfly. They are often used on exotic sports cars to allow easier entry and exit in tight spaces and to add dramatic styling.
carbon buckets
"Yeah, well without the roof you when you have butterfly doors and no roof cutouts and then carbon buckets"
Carbon bucket seats are special car seats made from a strong, light material called carbon fiber. They help keep you in place when driving fast and make the car lighter.
Carbon bucket seats are lightweight racing-style seats made from carbon fiber. They provide strong support and reduce weight compared to traditional seats, improving performance and handling in sports cars.
track day
"You're going to be the only guy at the track day who's got one. You're going to be the only guy at the cars of coffee who's got one"
A track day is when people bring their cars to a special race track to drive fast and have fun safely.
A track day is an event where car enthusiasts take their vehicles to a racing circuit to drive at high speeds in a controlled environment, often for fun or practice.
carbon-tub car
"It's a carbon-tub car. I mean it's It's very much a super car"
A carbon-tub car means the main part of the car's body is made from a special light and strong material called carbon fiber. This helps the car be faster and handle better.
A carbon-tub car refers to a vehicle with a chassis or monocoque made primarily from carbon fiber, which is very strong and lightweight. This construction improves performance by reducing weight and increasing rigidity.
Pontiac Torrent
"... big ballroom And then a smaller ballroom at the torrents marriott"
The Pontiac Torrent is a medium-sized SUV that families used to drive. It’s not very fancy but works well for everyday trips.
The Pontiac Torrent was a midsize crossover SUV produced in the mid-2000s, known for being a practical family vehicle with moderate performance. It was part of Pontiac’s lineup before the brand was discontinued. It’s often mentioned in historical discussions about GM’s SUV offerings.
Porsche 911
"...ake you know, why why is it why is a Think think 911 Carrera T versus GT3 touring From 50 feet away. ..."
The Porsche 911 is a famous fast car that looks special and drives really well. There are different versions that are made for either more comfort or more speed, so people often compare them to see which is better.
The Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car celebrated for its distinctive design, rear-engine layout, and exceptional driving dynamics. Variants like the Carrera T and GT3 Touring offer different balances of performance and comfort, making it a frequent topic when comparing sports cars. Its enduring popularity and engineering excellence make it a benchmark in the luxury sports car world.
Porsche Carrera T
"...you know, why why is it why is a Think think 911 Carrera T versus GT3 touring From 50 feet away. Why is one..."
The Porsche Carrera GT is a very fast and special car that only a few people have. It’s famous because it looks amazing and drives like a race car.
The Porsche Carrera GT is a rare and highly celebrated supercar from the early 2000s, known for its V10 engine, carbon fiber construction, and raw driving experience. It remains a benchmark for exotic performance cars and is often discussed for its exclusivity and engineering excellence. Its sound and design are iconic among enthusiasts.
crossover
"I do see their crossovers around a fair bit But I don't know if that's enough to sustain them for the next 10 years."
A crossover is a kind of car that looks like a small SUV but drives more like a regular car. Many people like them because they are easy to drive and have more space.
A crossover is a type of vehicle that combines features of a car and an SUV, typically built on a car platform but with SUV-like styling and higher ride height. Crossovers have become very popular for their versatility and comfort.
Buick Grand
"...To to try and do something interesting I think a buick grand national that was like an like an electric drag c..."
The Buick Grand National is an old fast car from the 1980s that looks black and cool. People love it because it was very powerful for its time.
The Buick Grand National is a legendary 1980s American muscle car known for its turbocharged V6 engine and dark, aggressive styling. It has a cult following for its performance and unique place in muscle car history. It’s often referenced when discussing classic American performance cars.
Audi S3
"... keep their light high performance trims like the s3 s4 the 43 and 53 amg's and the blah blah bmw's"
The Audi S3 is a small fancy car that is faster and better to drive than regular cars. It has special features that make it fun and safe to drive in different weather.
The Audi S3 is a compact luxury sport sedan or hatchback that offers a blend of performance, all-wheel drive, and premium features. It’s part of Audi’s S lineup, known for sporty trims with enhanced power and handling. It’s popular among those seeking a practical yet fun-to-drive car.
Chevrolet Camaro
"...te decelerate downshift It will not sound like a camaro a truck a corvette like it'll just sound so speci..."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a strong and fast car from America that looks tough and sounds loud. People like to talk about how it sounds different from other cars and how well it drives.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car known for its aggressive styling and powerful engine options. It is often discussed in terms of its distinctive exhaust sound and performance characteristics compared to other muscle cars like the Corvette. Enthusiasts appreciate its blend of modern technology with traditional muscle car appeal.
ABS
"As the downforce bleeds off or do we just let abs sort it out?"
ABS is a system in cars that stops the wheels from freezing when you brake hard, so you can still steer and not skid.
ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, a safety feature that prevents the wheels from locking up during hard braking, helping maintain steering control.
downforce
""Most of the time if you really do have a ton of downforce you might be""
Downforce is like a push from the air that helps keep a car stuck to the road when it's going very fast.
Downforce is the aerodynamic force that pushes a car down onto the road, increasing tire grip and stability at high speeds.
Mclaren 570
"... when it's sketchy to do that Is in a car like a McLaren 570 or the early Koenigsegg when you have no rear win..."
The McLaren 570S is a very fast and special car from Britain that is made to be light and easy to drive quickly. It’s like a race car you can use on regular roads.
The McLaren 570S is a British supercar known for its lightweight carbon fiber construction, powerful V8 engine, and sharp handling. It represents McLaren’s focus on blending track-level performance with road usability. It’s often discussed for its advanced technology and thrilling driving experience.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
"...ng back as flops parentheses like the prelude the eclipse cross blazer ev What are some name plates that were re..."
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a small SUV that looks sporty and is good for carrying people and stuff. It’s not as famous as some other cars but is useful for everyday driving.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross is a compact crossover SUV that blends sporty styling with practicality. It’s a modern successor in name to the original Eclipse sports coupe but focuses more on utility. It’s often mentioned in discussions about less successful or overlooked models in the crossover segment.
Chevrolet Blazer EV
"...ps parentheses like the prelude the eclipse cross blazer ev What are some name plates that were resurrect re..."
The Chevrolet Blazer EV is a new SUV that runs only on electricity instead of gas. It’s made to be practical and good for everyday driving without using fuel.
The Chevrolet Blazer EV is an all-electric SUV that marks Chevrolet’s entry into the electric vehicle market with a familiar nameplate. It combines modern electric powertrain technology with SUV practicality and styling. It’s often discussed in the context of EV adoption and brand revival.
Ford Bronco
""But if they brought back a name from the Bronco... Oh, yeah Bronco is the is the obvious one. That's the best answer""
The Ford Bronco is a tough SUV that can drive off-road very well. It was made a long time ago, stopped for a while, and then Ford started making it again recently.
The Ford Bronco is a classic American off-road SUV known for its rugged design and strong off-road capabilities. It was originally produced from 1966 to 1996 and was recently revived with a new generation starting in 2021.
Toyota Fj
"Uh That was gone. You could say Toyota fj Maybe how about Corvette Stingray?"
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a tough and strong SUV that looks old-fashioned but can drive well on rough roads. People like it because it’s good for adventures and looks different from other cars.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a retro-styled off-road SUV known for its rugged capability and unique design inspired by the classic FJ40 Land Cruiser. Although discontinued, it remains popular among off-road enthusiasts for its durability and distinctive looks. It’s often mentioned in discussions about capable yet quirky SUVs.
Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
""Maybe how about Corvette Stingray? Just bringing back the names the name Stingray. Yeah""
The Corvette Stingray is a fast and stylish sports car made by Chevrolet. It's famous for being powerful and looking cool.
The Chevrolet Corvette Stingray is a high-performance sports car known for its powerful engine and iconic design. The Stingray name has been used on various Corvette generations, symbolizing speed and style.
Aston Martin Vanquish
"Oh Aston bringing back the vanquish Oh, that was a good one. The new vanquish is epic."
The Aston Martin Vanquish is a fancy, fast car that Aston Martin stopped making for a while but has now started making again. It's known for being both stylish and powerful.
The Aston Martin Vanquish is a grand tourer known for its luxury, performance, and iconic design. Aston Martin recently revived this model name with a new generation that continues its legacy.
Toyota Supra
"Well, they the Supra took a long break the Supra. Oh, that's an interesting one that car got better in Yeah, the the new one is better than I think the mark four Mark four is the legend. Yeah, you could still get it"
The Toyota Supra Mark IV is an older model of a sporty Toyota car that people really like because it's fast and you can make it even faster with modifications.
The Toyota Supra Mark IV is the fourth generation of the Supra sports car, produced in the 1990s. It is highly regarded for its performance and tuning potential, making it a legend among enthusiasts.
ADAS
"send prelude says you're very vocal about being against adas, but They can't help but think but for 95 percent of regular drivers It probably helps prevent fender benders in small accidents Do we think it is beneficial for the average non-enthusiast of driver? I mean, I think it definitely is. Yes, I do But I think if you're an enthusiast the tentative driver You need to be able to fully disable it and it needs to stay in the settings where you left it Like my problem with adas isn't that it exists"
ADAS means special car features that help drivers avoid accidents and drive more safely by using cameras and sensors. They can brake the car or keep it in the lane automatically.
ADAS stands for Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems, which are electronic systems in vehicles designed to assist the driver in the driving process, improving safety and reducing accidents. Examples include automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
MSRP
""...bought a brand new maserati grikale trofeo for a third off msrp""
MSRP is the price the car maker thinks the car should be sold for. Dealers can sell cars for more or less than this price.
MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price, which is the price recommended by the car manufacturer for sale to customers.
Cadillac Ctsv
"That corvette, right? Corvette Or sector gen ctsv or those still uh, sure or like a 996 You know, ..."
The Cadillac CTS-V is a fast and fancy car with a big engine that makes it go really quickly. It’s like a luxury car that can also race.
The Cadillac CTS-V is a high-performance version of the CTS sedan, featuring a powerful V8 engine and sport-tuned suspension. It competes with European sports sedans by offering American muscle combined with luxury and technology. It’s often discussed for its impressive power and value in the performance sedan segment.
Toyota GR Corolla
"...ited road driving Um, and where would we put the gr corolla in that mix? If you can afford a golf r it's a b..."
The Toyota GR Corolla is a small car that is made to be very fun and fast to drive. It’s like a sporty version of a regular car you might see every day.
The Toyota GR Corolla is a high-performance version of the popular Corolla hatchback, developed by Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division. It offers sporty handling and a turbocharged engine, making it a compelling option in the hot hatch segment. It’s often compared to rivals like the Volkswagen Golf R for its blend of everyday usability and spirited driving.
Volkswagen Gtis
"Um The gtis are fine though if you're just commuting around l..."
The Volkswagen Golf is a small car that is easy to drive and good for daily use. There is a sportier version called the GTI that is faster and more fun.
The Volkswagen Golf is a compact hatchback known worldwide for its quality, practicality, and balanced driving experience. The GTI variant is a popular sporty version that combines everyday usability with spirited performance. It’s a common reference point in discussions about versatile and reliable small cars.
Porsche Cayenne
"...p of the leaderboard is still like a two-year-old cayenne hybrid Let's see with all the talk. Oh, this is ..."
The Porsche Cayenne is a fancy SUV that is big and comfortable but also drives like a sports car. Some versions use both gas and electric power to save fuel and still go fast.
The Porsche Cayenne is a luxury midsize SUV that combines Porsche’s sports car DNA with practicality and comfort. The hybrid versions, especially recent models, are praised for their performance and efficiency, often ranking highly in comparisons. It’s notable for bringing Porsche’s driving dynamics to the SUV segment.
stability control
"The precedent there Is traction control or stability control. I mean if you you turn off traction control and you have a crash"
Stability control helps keep your car from sliding or spinning out when you turn or drive on slippery roads by helping the car stay steady.
Stability control is a safety system that helps prevent skidding or loss of control by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels and adjusting engine power to keep the vehicle on its intended path.
traction control
"The precedent there Is traction control or stability control. I mean if you you turn off traction control and you have a crash"
Traction control helps your car keep grip on the road so the wheels don't spin out when you press the gas, especially on wet or icy roads.
Traction control is a vehicle safety feature that helps prevent wheel spin during acceleration by reducing engine power or applying brakes to individual wheels, improving stability on slippery surfaces.
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