India, March 13 -- Lighter, faster, meaner. The Maserati GT2 Stradale is a full-throttle, no-compromise statement from Maserati. Developed from the GT2 race car, but adapted for road use, it's surprisingly even more thrilling to drive.

The pit lane at Yas Marina hums with anticipation. Parked in front of me, the Maserati GT2 Stradale squats low and wide, every bit the hardcore track weapon it promises to be. Stripped of excess weight (it's barely 1,365 kg) and dialled up on downforce with underbody diffusers and a massive rear wing, it's primed for battle. So am I.

This is a car that makes its intentions clear. The towering adjustable rear wing alone generates up to 500 kg of downforce at speed, keeping the car pinned to the tarmac. Up ...