As we reported in Upfront in our February issue, the Maserati brand has plans to produce a GT-style coupe to compete in the burgeoning six-figure coupe market currently occupied by the Bentley Continental GT, Aston Martin’s DB9, and the upcoming redesigned Mercedes-Benz CL-class. Based on a shortened version of Maserati’s Quattroporte sedan, the as-yet-unnamed coupe is expected to go on sale in 2008.

Although Maserati is now a stablemate with Alfa Romeo, in what owner Fiat calls the polo sportivo (sporting division), the $130,000-to-$150,000 GT will not share its powertrain or platform with any Alfas now in production. Rumor has it that an entry-level model — a smallish two-door, two-seat roadster in the $70,000 range — will share engines and components with Alfa. These models will replace the current Coupé and Spyder, which sell for roughly $90,000, before the end of the decade.

For those willing to shell out the mucho Ben Franklins, the Quattroporte-based two-door will get a version of the 4.2-liter DOHC V-8 that was developed when Ferrari and Maserati, under Fiat ownership, com-monly traded notes. Currently, the 4.2-liter, in various states of tune, powers all Maserati cars. We expect that the 4.2-liter will grow in size — most likely to about 4.5 liters — remain naturally aspirated, and offer nearly 500 horsepower. Making the gearchanges will be a six-speed conventional automatic transmission — expected to make it into the Quattroporte in 2007 — and a traditional manual gearbox, clutch pedal and all. Both trannies will be rear-mounted for a handling-friendly weight distribution near 50/50.

The full-size Quattroporte is no lightweight at nearly 4500 pounds, but shortening its 120.6-inch wheelbase by an estimated six inches, along with other weight-saving strategies, including aluminum and composite bodywork, should reduce the amount of mass by 400 to 500 pounds. At the same time, the wheelbase reduction will shrink the rear-seat room and make the new two-door a two-plus-two. The chassis is expected to be similar to the Quattroporte’s, with aluminum unequal-length control arms at each corner. If the mass of the coupe is kept within bounds, the new Maserati promises to provide better handling than its heavier competitors.

Da, dar nu mentine linia Maserati, nu are farurile clasice and so on.

PS. Nu vad de ce esti ofuscat insa, suferi de nervozitate in mod curent sau e ceva de moment ?