Maserati is set to expand its motorsport footprint with the development of the Project GT4, a race-ready vehicle based on the GranTurismo production model. Unveiled at the 2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the car is developed by the Maserati Corse division with a competition debut scheduled for the 2028 season. The project aims to balance high-performance engineering with the accessibility required for privateer racing teams.
Engineering the Project GT4 for Competitive GT Racing
The technical foundation of the Project GT4 is the Maserati GranTurismo. By utilizing the production car’s aluminum platform, Maserati Corse has achieved a weight reduction of approximately 400 kilograms compared to the road-going version. This structural shift is intended to improve both acceleration and overall dynamic handling on the track.
At the heart of the vehicle is the Nettuno V6 engine, a 3.0-liter unit featuring precambrian combustion technology derived from Formula 1. While the final output remains unconfirmed, the engine has demonstrated capabilities exceeding 700 horsepower in other racing applications. According to Maserati, the vehicle’s actual performance will be governed by the Balance of Performance (BoP) regulations standard in GT4 racing.
Pro Tip: Look for the Balance of Performance (BoP) adjustments in official GT4 series documentation to understand how Maserati’s 700+ HP engine will be regulated against competitors on the grid.
Development Strategy and Lessons from the GT2 Program
Maserati is leveraging data and technical solutions from its existing GT2 program, which marked the brand’s return to international competition in 2023. Andrea Bertolini, the lead test driver for Maserati Corse, is playing a central role in calibrating the vehicle’s electronic systems and handling characteristics.
The development philosophy emphasizes durability and maintenance efficiency. Because the GT4 category relies heavily on privateer participation, the car is designed to be cost-effective to operate. This approach mirrors the brand’s historical strategy of creating race cars that maintain a clear, tangible link to their road-legal counterparts, similar to the legacy of the MC12 in the GT1 era.
Aerodynamics and Track-Focused Components
Every exterior modification on the Project GT4 serves a functional purpose. The vehicle features a redesigned front splitter, specialized hood air intakes, and additional aerodynamic appendages to increase downforce. The suspension system is an evolution of the GranTurismo Trofeo setup, now featuring adjustable dampers and stabilizer bars to allow teams to fine-tune the car for specific circuit layouts.
Safety and performance requirements for the GT4 class have dictated the interior configuration. The cabin includes a homologated roll cage, a competition-grade seat, and a specialized safety fuel tank. The vehicle rides on 18-inch wheels, a standard requirement for the category to ensure tire consistency and performance.
Did you know? The Project GT4’s livery at Goodwood features 100 small logos to mark the centenary of the Trident emblem, while the white front end pays homage to the 1958 Maserati 420M/58 Eldorado.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When will the Maserati Project GT4 start racing?
The car is scheduled to make its competitive debut in the 2028 season. - Is the Project GT4 based on a production car?
Yes, it is derived from the Maserati GranTurismo, utilizing its aluminum architecture and Nettuno V6 engine. - Why is the car significant for Maserati?
It coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Trident emblem and represents the brand’s push to increase its presence in the growing GT4 international racing market.
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