Future Sports Cars Sneak Preview: 2009 to 2012
2012 Maserati Sports Car
It's a clear hint of a more dynamic Maser, competing not only with Aston's V8 Vantage, but also with Porsche's 911.
By Matthias Pfannmuller
Maserati has been through some tough times. But after years of loss, the Italian sports-car maker finally returned to profit in 2007. The comeback was possible because of new models like the Quattroporte Automatic and the brand-new GranTurismo luxury coupe. Demand for Maseratis has been growing, pushing production to an all-time high of about 9000 cars. Maserati CEO Roberto Ronchi talks of increasing output "to 20,000 cars after 2012."
Clearly a third model line is essential for this ambitious plan, and a sporty coupe (or spyder) for younger customers looks to be the likely choice. A Geneva study by IED (Istituto Europeo di Design) has been a good test of the public's reaction. Ronchi says the show car "has the right proportions, but still needs some detail work." It's a clear hint of a more dynamic Maser, competing not only with Aston's V8 Vantage, but also with Porsche's 911. The car should be on the road by 2011 or 2012.
Tech-wise, Maserati will benefit from R&D at Alfa Romeo, Ferrari and Fiat. Additionally, there is still the Sigma platform developed in cooperation with GM. Denied in the past, it could still be used in the next Alfa Romeo 169 in 2009 (offering both rear- and all-wheel drive).
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