The Maserati GranSport name could make a comeback attached to a new mid-mounted V8-powered sports car planned for 2015.
UK magazine Evo has revealed the plans in an interview with Maserati and Alfa Romeo CEO Harald Wester, with Wester saying he wants the car to be “the most pure expression of Maserati sportiness possible”.
“Imagine having something like the Alfa Romeo 4C but for Maserati,” Wester said.
The new Maserati performance flagship would incorporate a carbonfibre monocoque, mid-engined layout and a twin-clutch transmission similar to, or possibly pinched from, the Ferrari 458 Italia keeping it in the family – Ferrari, Maserati and Alfa Romeo are all owned by Fiat.
Wester confirmed the use of Maserati’s 4.7-litre V8 from the new 343kW GranTurismo Sport, but while the automaker may explore alternative engine variations such as the turbocharged engine seen in the upcoming new Quattroporte, Mazza’s head man said the existing naturally aspirated V8 would be “the perfect choice”.
Wester said the GranSport would be about 4400mm in length putting it on par with the 419kW 458 Italia at 4527mm and 257kW Porsche 911 Carrera at 4490mm.
With plenty of power and a target weight of around 1200kg, Wester also wants to price the car competitively saying, “I want this car to be better to drive than a 911 Turbo, but I also want it to cost less.”
“We have a history of building very sporty Maseratis and I’d like that to continue in the future.”
The GranSport name hasn’t been tied to a Maserati since 2007′s Maserati GranSport MC Victory (pictured above).
If the new performance car gets the go ahead it would join the brand’s upcoming range that includes the new Quattroporte, baby Quattroporte and production version of the Kubang SUV.