We're used to seeing at least 100 cars at the Detroit Auto Show every year. But for some reason, the 2015 edition has brought very few debuts. Maserati is just one of the major automakers without a new car or concept, but they did bring over the stunning Alfieri preview concept from last year and announced record sales for 2014.
Last year, the Trident managed to deliver 36,500 cars worldwide, an increase of 136% compared to 2013 and almost 6 times the sales figure for 2012. Of course, all this was possible only with the help of their two new models, as 23,500 Ghiblis were delivered through the sales network, while the figure for the bigger and more expensive Quattroporte was 9,500 units. By comparison, the 3,500 GranTurismo and GranCabrio models seem meager.
Maserati previewed the sportscar of the future with the stunning Alfieri concept. This stunning 2+2 coupe has toured the world in 2014. It embodies core brand values and will be introduced in 2016, followed shortly after by a convertible version.
The Alfieri will not be a direct replacement for the GranTurismo, a new generation of which will be launched in 2018. According to the Maserati's 5-year investment plan, the engine range designed for the Alfieri will be made up exclusively of V6 twin-turbo mills. The basic unit will send 410 hp to the rear wheels. Two more versions will deliver 450 or 520 hp exclusively though the Q4 all-wheel drive system from the Ghibli sedan.
In a recently released interview, FCA Head of Design Lorenzo Ramaciotti said all the company's efforts "are directed at creating a mass-produced vehicle that is as close to the concept we presented, as quickly as possible."
This looks like a true gentleman's car in the making, an Italian rival for the Corvette and Jaguar F-Type. 2016 can't come fast enough!
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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