If sources are to be believed, Maserati is on its mission to develop an all-new mid-engined extreme sports car as the automaker claims such a vehicle is in their pipeline. The new sports car is destined for 2015 and is expected to don the “GranSport” name.

“Imagine having something like the Alfa Romeo 4C but for Maserati,” said Harold Wester — Maserati’s head honcho. “It would have a carbon fiber monocoque and a mid-engined layout, just like the Alfa 4C, as this gives the stylists the most freedom to design something really stunning,” he added.

Specific details regarding the sports model have not been revealed by the automaker, but in the words of Wester, Maserati will most likely use an in-house 4.7L V8 engine in its new model. If not, the same one as in the GranTurismo Sport will be used. It simply means a 454hp, channeled through a new double-clutch transmission, the first for the brand.

“I want this car to be better to drive than a 911 Turbo, but I also want it to cost less,” he added. “We won’t limit the production of this car, but I’d like to think that we will sell, let’s say, between 1500 and 2000 units a year,” Wester explained.

As of now, no further movements have been made by the planning board as the plan remains on the drawing. Wester expects the “GranSport” would get green light from the board.  Wester said that the automaker is planning to price the new sports car very aggressively to undercut many rivals. Stay tuned for more news regarding the new “extreme sports car”.

via Egmcartech