Alfa Romeo has revealed plans to launch eight new cars by the end of 2018, one of which is described as a “specialty sports car.” We’re not talking about the 4C sports car, which is the only member of the eight-car lineup presently on sale, but a new high-end model that will likely serve as the brand’s flagship.  

Alfa Romeo hasn’t released any solid info on the specialty sports car, apart from a promise to launch it sometime between 2016 and 2018. But Auto Express, citing an inside source, has reported some new details.

The British publication claims the new car will be called the 6C and be based on the same underpinnings as the production version of Maserati’s stunning Alfieri concept car. Those underpinnings are said to be a shortened version of the platform found in the Maserati Quattroporte and Ghibli sedans, a platform also tipped to eventually make its way into the Dodge Challenger’s replacement.

Power in the new Maserati and Alfa sports cars is said to come from the Ferrari-built twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine already found in the Ghibli—hence the 6C name for the new Alfa sports car. It’s not clear yet what the production Alfieri will be called, though a revival of Maserati’s GranSport badge is rumored.

Both cars would target the likes of the Porsche 911 and Jaguar F-Type, meaning they won’t be cheap. The Maserati is expected to arrive first, most likely in 2016, with the Alfa to follow a year later. To help differentiate the two cars, the Maserati will feature more elegant styling while the Alfa will get a more aggressive and sportier look.

The first prototypes should be appearing within the next 6-12 months.

_______________________________________

Follow Motor Authority on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.