Maserati is tipped to reveal a new performance-oriented model at the 2012 Paris Auto Show taking place this month, and according to some sources it could be a preview of a new sports car the brand is working on.

An email sent to Maserati customers announcing the brand’s attendance at the Paris event included the statement, “The world premiere of a car that opens up new frontiers in terms of exclusiveness, performance and style.” The email also stated that this world premiering car will be one of six vehicles on display at the Maserati stand.

Though Maserati could simply be hinting at a new variant from its GranTurismo line, the guys at Car Advice, citing insider sources, suggest the new car will in fact be the long-rumored Maserati sports car, or at least a concept of it.

As previously reported, the new sports car is to be targeted at the likes of the Porsche 911 and Audi R8, and could possibly revive the GranSport name. Unlike any of Maserati’s current lineup, the car is also tipped to receive a mid-engine layout.

Maserati’s own CEO Harald Wester added further fuel to the speculation fire by stating previously that he’d like to mimic the success Alfa Romeo is experiencing with its 4C, but on a more upmarket level. According to Wester, this meant building a mid-engine sports car with a carbon fiber monocoque and V-8 engine.

Given the comments of the Maserati CEO, the most likely scenario would be Maserati using the platform of the 4C and modifying it to fit a V-8. After all, Maserati will be building the 4C for Alfa Romeo at its plant in Modena, Italy, so adding production of its own V-8 version wouldn't be too much of a stretch.

We don’t have to wait long now to find out, as the 2012 Paris Auto Show commences on the 27th of this month.