Eight images of a Maserati GranTurismo Sypder prototype have surfaced online, offering us the most revealing look yet at the Italian automaker’s latest creation. Other prototypes have been clad in heavy camouflage, completely obscuring the car’s distinctive roofline. These latest images by Autogespot confirm the shape of the coupe’s roof will be imitated as closely as possible by the convertible.
Past rumors suggest customers might be able to chose between a canvas roof and a folding hardtop, but so far to date, spy photos have only shown a metal roof. Our artists recently created illustrations of the car with both metal and canvas roofs.
The Spyder model will arrive in showrooms in March 2009, a company insider said earlier this year. That means the new model will likely be unveiled during the fall-spring auto show season.
As for the specific auto show where the car will debut, “we have not decided yet,” a source told Automotive News Europe in January. Typically, automakers unveil new models several months ahead of production and sales. That means we’ll probably see the car at the Frankfurt auto show in September or the LA Auto Show in November.
Ambitious sales goals
Maserati sold around 7,350 cars in 2007, and the automaker is aiming for 9,000 units in 2008, with the help of the GranTurismo coupe. Maserati hopes to sell 10,000 units in 2009, and reach 12,000 by 2011.
09/04, 8:02 PM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
Maseratis are gorgeous. nuff said.
09/04, 8:53 PM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
Wtf is that giant humpback?
09/04, 9:01 PM
posted by:
Bimmer
LLN, what’s with ‘Preview’ button if it doesn’t work? And why pressing ‘Read More’ doesn’t do it’s job (worked with old LLN layout) but shows article from beginning?
On topic:
Maseratis looked good for a number of years, but I don’t trust Ferra.., pardon FIAT, quality.
09/04, 9:19 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
Dear LeftLane,
PLEASE!!!!!! Don’t leave the page as it is now, Everybody loved the classic one and this looks more modern,true, but it looks a little bit tacky.
About article: They make awesomely good cars, and it’s true they’re not Ferraris, they’re something else, not better or worse, just something else.
09/04, 9:22 PM
posted by:
VWgrouP
Hmm, Ive seen a picture of this car a wile back, with the camo on it, but it was a back shot, so you couldent tell that it was a GranTruismo. But I say go for it Maserati, it will sell like crazy!
But I agree with Bimmer. For a little more money, you could get a Continental GTC, which is way better. Its got a bigger engine, more HP, and better quality. AND Its a Bentley..so of course its the best..
09/04, 10:02 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
Too much Ferrari DNA. Great looking, but not Maserati. After the 80’s and 90’s though, I’m not sure what Maserati is anymore.
09/04, 10:33 PM
posted by:
Bimmer
VWgrouP,
‘AND Its a Bentley..so of course its the best..’
I’m sure you meant to say it’s a VW Group product (about Bentley). And suprised that you didn’t mention two other high-end VW products: Lambo and Bugatti
I’d take Alpina B6S, as a fan of BMW products and it’s comparable vehicle at this price point to Maserati, but more exclusive as they don’t make as many Alpinas.
09/05, 8:27 AM
posted by:
e46Ne90
don’t compare this proper rear wheel drive sports car with ferrari engine masterpiece with audi a8 front wheel drive based continental pose. Obviously you never seen this car in a motion. this over vw anyday