Maserati is considering building a new model to rival Porsche, a new report finds. The Italian automaker turned its first profit in 17 years in 2007, and wants to continue that success with higher worldwide sales. Maserati plans to sell 9,000 vehicles this year — up from 7,500 last year — with a goal of 12,000 units in 2012.
Rumors have been circling for several months that Maserati would introduce an SUV to achieve its sales goal of 12,000 units, but Maserati CEO Roberto Ronchi says the company is now considering a small coupe. “We want to make a decision on the new model in the first quarter of this year,” he said. “The market launch for the car will take place 18 to 36 months later. An SUV model has been ruled out because the segment is declining and is already too crowded. We want to target Porsche with a sports car priced around €80,000 to €90,000.”
Ronchi failed to mention what engine would power the new model, but the company’s 4.2L V8 seems like a likely candidate. The powerplant will reportedly be detuned to about 350 horsepower, but will be mated to a semi-automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
With the company’s Gran Turismo model moving upscale to compete with the Mercedes CL, there seems to be plenty of room in Maserati’s lineup for a smaller sports car.
Porsche seems like it will have some increased competition in the coming years as Jaguar is reportedly developing a 911-fighter.
01/31, 5:50 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
Sounds like the market for sports cars is growing. The GranTurismo looks like it’s gonna be a great car, especially considering it’s looks.
01/31, 5:59 PM
posted by:
affliction
actually, i like the suv idea more. If you’re going to build a porsche fighter, you better get it right the first time around and by announcing a semi-auto for this new car already starts in the wrong direction imo. I think if they make a luxurious suv it would be more successful and it’ll give the company a wider target audience…I think they should make the coupe after the suv. Maserati has got to understand, Porsche’s been perfecting the 911 since I can remember. There’s just no way they’re going to get it right the first time around. The only reason Nissan was successful with the current gtr is because they have experience building in building sports machines. Maserati, if you’re listening, build the suv. Cause there are rich people who want a luxurious suv and right now you can only get one from bmw, mercedes, lexus and porsche…Ever noticed how many x5’s and ml’s are out on the road? I think there are lots of people who want more exclusivity. If Maserati markets their brand appropriately and gets the word out to the rich, they’ll sell well.
01/31, 6:07 PM
posted by:
C6Racer
Cool.
01/31, 6:13 PM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
Why detune the engine? Why? Keep it at 420 hp, and there’s your edge over a base 911.
01/31, 6:33 PM
posted by:
meanpants555
I deplore paddle shift. Why is everyone doing this?
01/31, 6:46 PM
posted by:
zoomzoomr
Now that they brought out the larger GranTurismo, why couldn’t they bring back the GranSport as a 2-seater on the same shortened wheelbase as the planned Spider? Seems totally logical. And the engine for both should be the same 420hp as the GranTurismo and Quattroporte!
01/31, 6:48 PM
posted by:
SS4LIFE
Hmm cool, man everyone is gunning for the 911, first the Corvette, then the GT-R, and now Jag wants in on the 911. Well I say good luck to Maserati. It’s not going to be easy.
01/31, 8:04 PM
posted by:
Veda
I don’t expect too much engineering feat from Maserati especially if they claim to be going after a Porsche, but the simple fact that you can get the sexy GrandTurismo styling for less is good enough.
01/31, 8:22 PM
posted by:
sharpie
Growing market for sport cars signals the death for SUVs (at least big body-on-frame SUVs)! Rejoice!
01/31, 9:11 PM
posted by:
jamaicandude
I love the fact that this segment is heating up. Good times ahead for consumers. Competition can be such a wonderful thing.
01/31, 9:35 PM
posted by:
autonut
I don’t believe that Porsche is trouble free, but at least they have network of dealers to flatbed 90K cars to. Maserati I am not so sure.
02/01, 7:30 AM
posted by:
Syrax
^^duh. the picture says is the chicane…
02/01, 8:58 AM
posted by:
Z06ified
This is great news! Competition is going to force Porsche to answer why they charge $30k more than their cars are really worth. I like the 911 turbo, but it is not worth the $130k price.
02/01, 10:12 AM
posted by:
corvette
cant wait to see this new car.
02/01, 10:58 AM
posted by:
meanpants555
The otherday I watched a 911 pass by and it looked too big. All these micro cars are affecting the scale of things.
02/01, 10:58 AM
posted by:
meanpants555
They’ll base the baby Maserati on the 8C Competizone (sp).
02/03, 3:17 AM
posted by:
sharpie
Porsche must be doing something right. First, Jaguar, now Maserati want a piece of the 911. Actually, I have read reviews that said the 911 has grown too expensive. For the best bang of the buck, they suggest the Cayman.
02/03, 4:08 PM
posted by:
RagazzaCompetizione
Forza Italia!, anyway, the 911 is as silly as a mini… there is nothing special on it anymore, and everyone seems to have one, so you end buying something with style and your are king… call it Maserati whatever or 8C Competizione, now that is a german-trash killer. Why all that fascination for german enginering?, besides the Benz developing interesting technologies applied to the automobile and some styling like the CLS (every damn german maker needs one now !!) there is nothing left in Germany, no-thing-left !!