According to several Italian sources, Maserati’s future coupé we spoke of recently will have the Audi R8 and Porsche 911 as direct competitors. Confidence in Turin and Modena is growing as the brand realizes the increasing potential the ‘Tridente’ really has. Technically the coupé has a lot in common with the Alfa 4C that is currently in the first stages of development in Maserati’s plant in Modena.

Although CEO Harald J. Wester indicated the coupé is effectively the heir of the 4200 GT, it will have a rear-placed engine that resembles more the old Bora. Together with huge contemporary Ferrari power underneath, it will attack the likes of Audi and Porsche. In theory the Audi should be closer to the Maserati than the Porsche is mechanically, but in terms of overall image it is the other way around. This could be the reason Maserati sees Porsche as its nearest competitor, although the coupé will be closer to the R8 from Ingolstadt. On the contrary, the Maserati SUV will be more comparable to the relative sportiness of the Porsche SUV. To make matters less complicated, the Maserati coupé will be priced probably much lower than its cousin the Ferrari 458 Italia.