Spy Shots: ‘06 Maserati GT Coupe

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Do not be fooled by the fake rear “doors” and door “handles”: These are very first spy shots for the next incarnation of Maserati’s all important 2+2 GT gran tourismo coupe, which is based on an only mildly shortened Quattroporte platform and was spotted near Ferrari's headquarters at Maranello, Italy. The next generation of the GT is expected to debut late in 2005 or early in 2006, as a genuine 2006 model, along with the replacement for the Spyder convertible.

The current GT was the first vehicle developed by Maserati’s new owners, Ferrari, and not only played an important role in the survival of this historic Italian sportscar manufacturer, but also in a crucial image redefinition, and the repositioning among the world’s most luxurious and desirable car brands. After several updates (most recently with the Gran Sport edition), the GT is now due for replacement with an all-new model.

The new GT will rely on a rigorous platform-sharing strategy and draws heavily on the latest Quattroporte saloon. Most noticeably, it will share the Ferrari-built V-8 engine, the rear-mounted transaxle Cambiocorsa transmission, the front suspension corner modules, and the rear axle with the large high-performance four-door car.

In comparison with the Quattroporte, the rear overhang and the wheelbase are each about four inches shorter, while the front overhang with the prominently protruding grille and the low lateral brake cooling ducts is both longer and more tapered. Thus, the new GT will grow significantly in size, seating four passengers with great luxury, style, and space, and be considerably more distinguished from the new Spyder hardtop convertible. The glass, roof, and doors of this prototype may still be improvised parts from a Quattroporte, both front and rear skirts, though, and all proportions are already fully finalized and representative for the final product.