Posted on Wednesday 6 February 2008
Maserati’s GranTurismo has been on sale for several months now but still we see prototype versions doing the rounds near the carmaker’s headquarters in Italy. A convertible version of the stunning GT is still on its way but this latest test-mule is something very different. Last year, Maserati CEO Roberto Ronchi revealed his desires to expand the current lineup, with the most likely option being a small sports coupe.
Look closely at the spy photos and you’ll notice that some of the panels, especially around the doors and rear fenders, aren’t the same as on the actual production GranTurismo. That’s because the wheelbase of this test vehicle is smaller than that of the GT, suggesting that Maserati’s next model will in fact be a new small coupe.
To save costs the new model’s underpinnings will be based around the GT. However, it won’t get the new 4.7L V8 unit. Instead, it will rely on the current 4.2L powerplant from the Quattroporte but detuned to around 350hp. Prime targets for the new car is Aston Martin’s V8 Vantage, the Audi R8 and Porsche’s iconic 911.
Via: Autoblog.it
I think it looks great.
Let’s say I like the idea of having a smaller sportier Gran Turismo. But 350 hp is not much I would say. Hopefully it has more grunt than the V8 Vantage the car that sounds faster than it goes
Well there is something else. Do you remember the shortened 599 GTB Ferrari testing mule? The roof shape looked nearly the same.
This is not a new maserati, but one with more power….4,7l engine
Whilst i like the idea of a smaller coupe, 350hp just isn’t enough at all. 400+ is needed nowadays in this class, even XKR with 420hp and more lightweight aluminium chassis is “just” enough compared to those German competitors. We now have M3 with 420hp V8, with this likely to cost more, 350hp just isn’t enough.
limborghini gallarodo is very hot carthis is my favourite car
thanks
Hello Sady…Could you post your message once more? I don’t understand what you are trying to tell us.