Autocar spy photographers have managed to capture in testing a prototype that prefigures the future Maserati sports sedan. It will be launched in 2012 and his opponents are Jaguar XFR, BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.On the stylistic level, there is a striking resemblance with the Quattroporte. The differences consist is a shorter wheelbase, some smaller front brakes, and a modified windshield. It also shows how many a rear exhaust pipe on each side, while the Quattroporte is equipped with a pair of two pipes on each side.
There is no information about the engine or platform. But some voices argue that it would be the Alfa Romeo 166 replacement's platform. Under the hood could be placed the V6 and V8 engines, of course, with a little less generous variants in terms of power. The new model will also have an 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox.
Those responsible for the future model design are those from Fiat Centro Stile, chief designer being Lorenzo Ramaciotti.
Italian manufacturer has not decided in which plant will be assembled the production version of this prototype. Modena factory does not have the required capacity, the only viable option being Bertone Turin factory.
According to information, the price of this model will be below 55 000 euros (75 031 dollars).
Via | Autocar
