Maserati is on one hell of a roll lately. First it dropped the incredibly affordable and achingly pretty Ghibli->ke4598 on the masses watching the Super Bowl, and now they have this new concept->ke169. Revealed today at Geneva->ke228 the Maserati Alfieri Concept is a 2+2 model that is built to drive the brands design and celebrate its centenary.

One this is certain; it is utterly stunning to look at.

Alfieri is the first name of the Maserati->ke51 brother who helped found the company and led many of its engineering efforts. In a more literal sense, the word Alfieri translates to standard-bearer. One name alone then, it is very obvious this car carries incredible importance for the brand.

Things get even better though. Rather than some immobile hunk of sculpture, the Alfieri Concept is a 100-percent functioning machine. It is built on a shortened version of the GranTurismo->ke2326 chassis and features the same 4.7-liter V8, complete with high-revving Italian howl from the exhaust pipes.

Just take one moment to imagine what this thing would look and sound like as it tore through the winding roads on the coast of Tuscany. I think “heavenly” is the word you are looking for.

Updated 03/21/2014: Maserati unveiled a new video in which it explains the design process behind the new Alfieri concept. Enjoy!

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Maserati Alfieri Concept.

2014 Maserati Alfieri

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Maserati Alfieri
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 460 @ 7000
  • Torque: 383 @ 4750
  • Transmission: six-speed, electro-actuated gearbox (MC Shift)
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

In a move to drive fans insane and potentially break hearts, the Alfieri has been designed and created to be a real production vehicle. It will lose a few of the trademark “concept car” items like the frosted headlamps, and the 21-inch rear wheels seem excessively large, but the majority of this car’s exterior design is production-ready.

The design project was led by Lorenzo Ramaciotti, and his description of the exterior as “forceful but understated” feels spot-on. The car features that traditional sports car profile of long hood, short overhangs and strong shoulders over the rear wheels. To my eye it feels like a more elegant graceful little sister to the GranTurismo.

The front grille is large and is dominated by the Maserati Trident, as well as large vertical chromed slats. One of the most defining features of the concept, and sadly one of the items that will likely get cut at production is all the blue detailing. The sharp Maserati Blue contrast is found on the wheels, brake calipers, air ducts, rear diffuser and exhaust trim. When slathered on the “Steel Flair” fray paint, it is a powerful combination.

2014 Maserati Alfieri - Exterior Dimensions

Length

4,590 MM (180.70 inches)

Wheelbase

2,700 MM (106.29 inches)

Width

1,930 MM (75.98 inches)

Height

1,280 MM (50.39 inches)


Interior

The exterior of the Alfieri may be nearly production ready, but the interior features quite a few features that won’t make it to production. The dash is comprised of a collection of screens and there are almost no standard controls. The only traditional part of the car is a shift lever and a start button.

What isn’t pure science fiction is a futuristic interpretation of the past. The front seats are designed in the shape of the racing seats used in the 1950’s, and even the floor is finished in a material that looks like rough steel like the floor of those same ‘50s racers.

Drivetrain

The powertrain that currently resides inside the Alfieri Concept is the same engine and transmission that powers the GranTurismo MC Stradale, but there is no confirmation that this is the engine that will make it into the eventual production model.

It makes sense for Maserati to leverage its 4.7-liter V-8 for a high-performance variant, but cost considerations and emissions constraints conspire against the machine. When it finally goes on sale, I would expect a base car with the same V6 used in the Ghibili to be found under the hood. With 400 horsepower, this V6 should be more than enough motivation to make the Alfieri an absolute screamer.

2014 Maserati Alfieri - Drivetrain Specifications

Type

4.7 liter, naturally aspirated, V8 engine

Horsepower

460 HP @ 7,000 RPM

Torque

383 LBS-FT @ 4,750

Transmission

six-speed, electro-actuated gearbox (MC Shift)


When Can I Drive One?

Sooner than you may think. While talking about the car, Ramicotti stated “I sincerely can’t say that we’ll see this car in production in two years-time, but I’m certain we’ll see something very similar.” With that time frame we should expect to see a preview of the production model about this time next year and it could drop as a 2017 model in the summer or autumn of 2016.

Conclusion

The Maserati Alfieri Concept seems to combine everything we like about the Italian company’s cars into one machine. It is incredibly pretty, has huge sporting potential and it draws on its history without feeling dated. The Alfieri concept is a winning machine in nearly every sense of the word. When it hits showrooms, there will probably be a long line to buy one.