This week, Autocar ran a story speculating that Maserati would develop its own new supercar based on the underpinnings of the mighty Ferrari LaFerrari. The Italian company's CEO, Harald Wester, was asked at the Shanghai Auto Show about the existence of such a project and he refused to confirm or deny it. He is quoted as saying, however, "It is always the right time for a halo car. The focus for us at the moment is on the ramp-up for sales growth, but there is an opportunity."
By way of reminder, the LaFerrari made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. It packs a mid-mounted normally aspirated 6.2-litre V12 engine that is a development of that fitted to the F12berlinetta. New internals help produce 800hp, with a redline of 9,250rpm. The LaFerrari also features a 163hp electric motor to deliver a combined output of 963hp backed up by 970Nm of torque. Power from the electric motor can be deployed F1 KERS-style (or HY-KERS in Ferrari speak) to deliver extra punch. Unlike the McLaren P1 though the LaFerrari cannot run on electric power only and so posts a CO
2 figure of 330g/km.
Autocar suggests that the Maserati equivalent may do without the LaFerrari's hybrid system and active aerodynamics. After all, the trident badge doesn't have to live up to the
F1 odds of the Ferrari. It should also help bring down the circa. £1 million asking price. Apparently demand for the LaFerrari far outstripped supply.
Maserati and Ferrari have form here. The Maserati MC12 was developed from the foundations of the Ferrari Enzo supercar and though the latter was superior in performance terms, the MC12 formed the basis of Maserati's return to the racetrack. It allowed the company to compete in the FIA GT Championship. It shared the Enzo's engine and even its windscreen. Michael Schumacher helped develop the car on track.
Other titbits reported by Autocar include the potential for a Maserati rival to the Porsche 911, built on the platform of the new Alfa Romeo 4C.
Neither car is expected before 2015.
Read the full Autocar story here.
Nick Maher - 7 May 2013