It seems that the Italian brand Maserati is working hard to launch a direct competitor for the Porsche 911. This will be out sometime in 2015 and will be offered with both six-cylinder and V8 engines while the chassis will be based on the upcoming Alfa Romeo 4C.
It will be an important car for the company as they plan on selling 50,000 units annually by 2015, which is considerably more in comparison to 2011 when they sold only 6159 cars. The growth in sales will be possible also thanks to the new Quattroporte, a smaller sedan known as Ghibli and also an SUV which will be called Levante.
Most likely the Porsche 911 rival will get the GranSport moniker and will be sold with either a twin-turbocharged V6 engine or a twin-turbo V8. The six-cylinder is estimated to output 450 hp while the V8 should provide 550 hp. Maserati is targeting a curb weight of less than 1400 kg, with the V6 versions offered exclusively in RWD while the V8 could optionally get an all-wheel drive system.
Taking into consideration the close tie-up with Ferrari, the Maserati GranSport will most likely be available with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Various sources are indicating a starting price of less than 100,000 GBP.
Note: Maserati Quattroporte pictured
Source: Autocar
