Last month, Maserati->ke51 revealed that it is in the process of developing a new mid-engined sports car to rival the Porsche 911->ke282. Today, in an interview with British magazine EVO, Maserati CEO Harold Wester offered a few more details on the upcoming car. The model will most likely arrive in 2015 and will be called the GranSport. Wester described it as "the most pure expression of Maserati sportiness possible."
"Imagine having something like the Alfa Romeo 4C but for Maserati," said Wester. "It would have a carbon fiber monocoque and a mid-engined layout, just like the Alfa 4C, as this gives the stylists the most freedom to design something really stunning."
He also confirmed that the new model will be powered by a 4.7-liter V8 engine that will deliver a total of 454 HP. The engine will be mounted longitudinally, meaning that the car will need a much longer wheelbase than the Alfa 4C. The engine's power will be send to the rear wheels via a new twin-clutch transmission.
Wester also said that the new model will be better than the Porsche 911, as well as cheaper. Maserati hopes to sell between 1500 and 2000 units a year.
UPDATE 07/03/2012: British magazine AutoExpress is reporting that the next GranSport will get an all-new V6 engine equipped with twin turbo that will eclipse the current 450 HP output from the GranTurismo->ke2326. As a result, the next GranSport will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds and up to a top speed of 190 mph.
2014 Maserati GranSport
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- Model: 2014 Maserati GranSport
- Engine/Motor: V8
- Horsepower: 454
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