The 2005 race season saw Maserati announce the introduction of the new car, the Trofeo GranSport.
Destined to compete in the Trofeo Vodafone Maserati Europa, the Trofeo GranSport featured aesthetic and aerodynamic updates derived directly from the standard road car. These modifications were made to the front end, side and rear. The adoption of the front bumper from the roadgoing GranSport allowed for the development of a package capable of generating a higher aerodynamic load compared to the previous model, thanks to the combination of the front splitter with the flick ups fitted and the increase in the rear wing’s surface area.
The bottom of the front splitter, for example, was equipped with a double diffuser that substantially alters the fluido-dynamics of the undertray. A new rear wing was conceived, larger, with a 40% bigger surface area than that of the Trofeo. These changes, as well as the development of the engine, contributed to the notable improvement in the car’s performance”.
What changes were made to the set up?
Modifications to the set up were focused mainly on the rear suspension. There is now a new calibration of the springs. Tyres - the fruit of the collaboration with Pirelli – had all-new mixtures, structures and sizes compared to those used the previous year.
Extensive development produced improved engine management software, this coupled with a new air intake filter, allowed the rev-limiter to be raised to 7,900 rpm.
Other alterations to the car, made possible to lighten the standard components. This resulted in a 50kg weight reduction compared to the old model. It was a small improvement that, combined with the others, meant that the Trofeo GranSport made that decisive leap in quality”.
The brakes were further improved by the use of new fade-resistant materials, thanks to Maserati's co-operation with Brembo.
|
