Maserati has a lot on its plate for a small car manufacturer. There are rumored plans for new "S" sport models GranTurismo, a GT Spyder version, a new baby coupe and sedan, as well as its already shown off a racing version of the GranTurismo. The Italian boutique Italian firm has so many projects going on, we sometimes question if it will be able to go through with them all. So we are a little comforted to see progress being made on one of the more obviously needed projects, the GranTurismo Spyder.
The spy shot shows a car with a metal folding hardtop, but according to Car Magazine spacial requirements for the trunk require a cloth roof in production. Car’s closer inspection confirmed there will be back seats in the GT’s Spyder (something that was deleted on the 3200 and 4200 drop-top models.)
The new Spyder is designed by Pininfarina and will use the family architecture of the Granturismo and Quattroporte. It will use the same the same 4.2- and 4.7-litre V8 engines. Expect to see an almost finished version in late 2009 at the Frankfurt Motor Show with sales to begin in 2010.
It almost seems like the tuning world is saying that Maserati knows how to make a beautiful car body, but it lacks skills with the wheels. After seeing Hamann’s new wheels for the GranTurismo last week, now Project Kahn is having its turn with the Italian.
Project Kahn mounted 20-inch Kahn RS-V wheels to the GT. The company says serves a real purpose by improving stability at high speeds. That could also be attributed to the suspension upgrade that is needed to properly facilitate the new wheels. Just like the Hamann car, Kahn saw no need to add any modifications to the car body or the 405 hp V8.
It’s a problem many of us have. You’ve just picked up your new Maserati GranTurismo, but you’re afraid that it’s just like everyone else’s $110,000 Italian sports car. Now it’s Hamann to the image rescue with its new wheels for Maserati’s GT. These are 21 inch EDITION RACE wheels: FA 9.0Jx21 with tires 245/30ZR21 and RA 12.5Jx21 with tires 345/45ZR21.
No details yet on if Hamann went to work on the GT’s 405 horsepower, but when we know more, you’ll know more.
Remember yesterday we were telling you that Maserati is going to surprise us at the Paris Auto Show? Here’s the surprise: the new GranTurismo MC Corse Concept that will compete starting 2009 in the FIA championships.
The concept is based on the newly launched GranTurismo S. But compared to its engine, the engien for the concept was upgraded with a new intake system, competition-spec catalytic converters and a center-exit exhaust and now develops a maximum power of 450 hp.
The concept comes with a new front splitter, a larger rear spoiler, and more aerodynamically efficient side skirts, while the suspension has been upgraded to meet the track surface with 18x12-inch front and 18x13-inch rear wheels fitted with racing slicks.
Looks like Maserati may be working on a competition car — possibly a rival for the Porsche 911 GT3. The GranTurismo Trofeo is expected to make its debut at the U.S. Grand Am championship. From this spy shot, the GT Trofeo features a roll-bar, lowered spoiler and plenty of air intakes - everything necessary for a good track day.
