Maserati Planning High-Spec GranSport to Fight Porsche GT3

MaseratiMaseratiItaly, 1914 > present62 models
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plans to return to its sports car roots with a new mid-engined sports car called the GranSport due in 2015 that will compete with the Porsche GT3Porsche 911 GT3Germany, 2009 > present5 photos
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. 

"Imagine having something like the Alfa Romeo 4CAlfa Romeo 4CItaly, 2011 > present5 photos
but for Maserati. 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," said Maserati CEO Harold Wester.

The engine for the GranSport will the 4.7 liter, V8 from the new GranTurismo SportMaserati GranTurismo SportItaly, 2012 > present14 photos
with 454hp mounted longitudinally in the center of the car. The platform may be the same as the Alfa Romeo 4C with a wider wheelbase. It will be rear-wheel drive and use the dual clutch transmission from the Ferrari 458Ferrari 458 ItaliaItaly, 2009 > present676 photos
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. The V8 is not a lock for the car yet. Wester said that a a turbocharged engine could also be a possibility, possibly in the one from that Ferrari CaliforniaFerrari CaliforniaItaly, 2008 > present3 photos
test car last week. The body will make extensive use of carbon fiber. 

"I want this car to be better to drive than a 911 TurboPorsche 911 TurboGermany, 2009 > present3 photos
, but I also want it to cost less. We won’t limit the production of this car, but I’d like to think that we will sell, let’s say, between 1500 and 2000 units a year," said Wester.

Maserati is about to have a blitz of new models. It is working on the next QuattroporteMaserati Quattroporte Gen.5Italy, 2004 > present8 versions
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now; the Kubang SUVMaserati KubangItaly, 2011 > present18 photos
was shown at the North American International Auto Show and is due in 2013; the GranSport will be the brand's new halo model. It will also likely take the place of the GranTurismo in Maserati's TrofeoMaserati GranTurismo MC T...Italy, 2010 > present1 photo
one-make racing series. 

The car is not a production certainty yet, but it appears that Wester is pushing hard for the new Maserati halo. 

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Source: Evo Magazine