Photo: Marchettino via Youtube
Ever since that turbocharged Ferrari California mule was spotted undergoing testing around the Fiorano test track, rumors have begun to spread that the engine in question was not just destined for Maserati cars, and, in fact, it would also power the next generation of the folding hardtop GT.
According to autocar.co.uk, who have pictures of another California mule, the car may get the 3.8-liter turbocharged V8 unit which has now been confirmed for the Maserati Quattroporte, yet it most likely won`t be identical - even the capacity may vary, as it can be easily shrunk or increased by adjusting the stroke.
Also, the mule exhibits a bonnet which is slightly higher than that of the regular California, which may hint at the fact that the turbocharged unit needs more vertical space. We say that with the bonnet scoop positioned where it is, they could try adopting the same technique used on the Subaru Impreza WRX, and mount the intercooler on top of the engine, if the angle of the cylinder banks is sufficiently large and the engine positioned low enough.
In terms of power, the engine now officially makes 523 hp, under the bonnet of the Quattroporte, and easily matches and surpasses the performance of the 4.3-liter naturally-aspirated V8 currently found under its bonnet. We will know more, closer to the car’s expected reveal date, which is set for 2014 or 2015. A V6 is also not out of the question.
Also, the mule exhibits a bonnet which is slightly higher than that of the regular California, which may hint at the fact that the turbocharged unit needs more vertical space. We say that with the bonnet scoop positioned where it is, they could try adopting the same technique used on the Subaru Impreza WRX, and mount the intercooler on top of the engine, if the angle of the cylinder banks is sufficiently large and the engine positioned low enough.
In terms of power, the engine now officially makes 523 hp, under the bonnet of the Quattroporte, and easily matches and surpasses the performance of the 4.3-liter naturally-aspirated V8 currently found under its bonnet. We will know more, closer to the car’s expected reveal date, which is set for 2014 or 2015. A V6 is also not out of the question.
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