The architecture of the original air-cooled Porsche 911 remained virtually unchanged from 1963 until 1989. Then, its outgoing Porsche 996-997 generation of water cooled Porsche 911s stretches from 1998 to present. Despite the Porsche 911's long product life, the "everyday supercar" has been able to firmly sit as the benchmark sports cars for other competitors to follow.
Upon releasing the all-new Porsche 991 generation, other automakers are once again keen to find weakness in Porsche and to steal a slice of its pie. According to Auto Express, Maserati is working on a 911 fighter that may be ready as soon as 2015.
Maserati's hardcore sports car will be a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, two-seater based on an extended Alfa Romeo 4C platform. Possibly called the GranSport, the biggest news of all is its powerplant, rumored to be a Ferrari developed all-new V6 engine. What's more, the new engine will be mated to the Ferrari 458 Italia's seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox. 0-to-60 mph should be under 4 seconds and its top speed is expected to reach upwards of 190mph.
Positioned to be a halo model at Maserati, the mid-engine coupe promises to serve the most involving driving experience of the Maserati lineup, delivering more horsepower and less weight than anything else from the Italian automake. Currently, the fastest Maserati is GranTursimo MC Stradale, with 442-hp coming from a 4.7 liter V8. Despite its grunt, one glaring shortfall the MC Stradale suffers from is its hefty 1770 kg (3902 lbs.) curb weight.
Before Maserati launches its mid-engine halo, the company will first release its Kubang SUV, a new Quattroporte, as well as a smaller sports sedan to expand its market in the United States and to spearhead the China market. Hinging on the success of Maserati's series of new products, the GranSport is expected to reach the market in 2015 for a price of approximately $140,000.
