Maserati will launch a luxurious V8 grand tourer next year, derived from the Quattroporte saloon.
The big two-door has turned up at the Nurburgring, as chassis tuning steps up a gear. It’s a spacious four-seater: think Maserati’s answer to the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, but at an estimated £80,000, for around half the price. The GT is based on a cut-down version of the Quattroporte, with a shortened rear overhang and wheelbase. Maserati’s wonderful, charismatic V8 is mounted in the nose, which kicks out 400bhp in the saloon. Power is sent to the back wheels via the Cambiocorsa paddleshift gearbox mounted at the rear with the differential. The aim is to get as close as possible to a 50:50 weight distribution. The swoopy body is new, but the design will take inspiration from the Quattroporte’s stunning look. The huge oval grille, soon to get a Trident badge, is in place to test engine breathing; quad tailpipes poke through the rear valance. The new GT is tipped for an unveiling at the 2007 Geneva show.