CIA EXCLUSIVE Trick top trident Michele Lupini - Cars in Action Posted Tue, 08 Jun 2004 While the next Maserati mule that pounded the Nurburgring Nordscheife is a coupe disguised to look as though it could be a coupe-cabriolet, the Trident is busy on both a proper coupe and a coupe-cabriolet (or will that be SportSpyder for SS). Based on the same platform as the awesome Quattroporte but with its double-wishbone underpinnings fettled for a sportier drive, the next GT and SportSpyder will have the same new Quattroporte-based 345kW 4.5-litre V8 at its service, which it will also share with the forthcoming Ferrari 360 replacement to make it one of the quickest convertibles out there come launch time in 2006. And while Merc SL and Lexus SC rival SS will continue as a 2-seater, the newcomers longer wheelbase is expected to ensure that the Coupe will be a comfortable 2+2 in its closed guise. But dont think that the outgoing models will escape the scalpel either they will go under the knife still this year to coincide with the Quattroportes imminent US release. Now headed by former Ford of Europe boss Martin Leach, Maserati has big plans for the future and intends to ramp up its total sales to a 10 000-a-year target from this years expected 4800 as Maserati positions itself as the brand future Ferrari drivers will move through on their way up from a BMW or Mercedes. Maserati is also involved with a joint venture with Audi, VW and perhaps even Porsche, which it is expected to supply transaxle drivetrains to, as those German marques join the rush toward a front-engined rear-wheel driven future Image Unavailable, Please Login
The Pimp Intelligence report... Bi-Turbo V-6 that will compete with MB and BMW's in the Mid range. PD
The rear needs to be wider...to better compliment the front end width. I think that is where the SSR connections are coming from. That said I rather like it. Its better then the RX8 from a design standpoint which really is too tall and high to be a sports car. Low and Wide = sports car. Not tall and bubbly. my quick photshop Image Unavailable, Please Login
Remember that Maseratis are not Ferrari style sports cars. They are Sports GT cars. They have softer rides and softer seats etc.
http://www.italiaspeed.com/2004/cars/maserati/05/spyder_impression.html a better representation? i like this... ties in with the quattroporte identity. Image Unavailable, Please Login
