Many Happy Returns? Russian designer pens Maserati Kuba concept
Maserati Kuba design study – Click above for high-res image gallery
It was only a few years ago, but how quickly we forget. Maserati actually toyed with the idea of building a crossover back in 2003, even going so far as to unveil a concept for the project called the Kubang GT Wagon at the Detroit Auto Show. The shape was penned by Giugiaro's ItalDesign, but project was scrapped, preserving the Trident marque's chastity in the eyes of many a purist. Now, an ambitious designer out of Russia has revived the idea with a concept he calls the Kuba. Sound familiar?
The brainchild of Andrey Trofimchuk Simeonych, the Maserati Kuba design study is, well...an intriguing take on what a Maserati crossover could look like. Only it doesn't share any design themes with any Masers we can think of. Nor does it have any theoretical specifications attached, though surely a platform and powertrain could be found from the growing Fiat/Chrysler automotive empire.
To our eye, it would look more suitable as a vision for what a future aircraft-engined Veritas sport-ute could look like, or maybe even a weird Citroën concept of some sort (is there any other kind?). Then again, maybe not. It's a love-it-or-hate-it affair, so have a look for yourself in the high-res image gallery below and share your impressions in our comments section. Just don't shoot the messenger.
Gallery: Maserati Kuba design study
[Source: CarDesign.ru]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Russell 11:11AM (10/30/2009)
It's amazing what Alias and Bunkspeed can do for an aspiring designer.. It's also amazing that you guys keep posting the worst student work... I'm in design school right now and there are tons of student projects that hold more water conceptually and look far cooler than this thing.
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JZeke 11:29AM (10/30/2009)
OMG seriously, there is much better student work out there.
AB: I highly suggest getting a yearly subscription to cardesignnews.com. I'm in no way affiliated with that site, but they do a great job of profiling graduate classes from all the global design schools. Lots of high res pics, and tons of great projects in there.
nissanGTR4ever 11:14AM (10/30/2009)
ugly as hell and the design has nothing to do with maserati
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xpolarx 12:02PM (10/30/2009)
No kidding...the first thing I thought of when I saw this was 2020 Mini.
Bobmarley 12:54PM (10/30/2009)
"Ugly as hell" is right!!! Nuff said...i dont even want to read into the post
FThorn 11:16AM (10/30/2009)
How does that window open (roll down)?
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nuggetsmcduggets 11:18AM (10/30/2009)
This looks like something my butt would poop out, like I just pooped my whole butt out or something. I dislike it? :(
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Dill 11:29AM (10/30/2009)
They need to stick to the awesome Super cars
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yankee 11:30AM (10/30/2009)
Send one to my house
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Tom 11:31AM (10/30/2009)
It's certainly... ...unique...
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dukeisduke 11:37AM (10/30/2009)
Kill it with fire!
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adrenalnjunky 11:40AM (10/30/2009)
Love the IROC-Z inspired rear quarter panel - where the tire has half the tread pattern exposed to throw up rocks and road grime directly onto the paint.
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Citizen Chin 1:10PM (10/30/2009)
Different. Little. Silver. The Nuprin of sports coupes. I like it.
http://escapefromjersey.blogspot.com/
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RowFive 11:56AM (10/30/2009)
Interesting, but not pretty. The 1956 reverse-slant A-pillar is an odd choice.
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DKB_SATX 12:05PM (10/30/2009)
Well, it's not appealing, but it's at least consistent with the leading edge of the hood, which is strongly reminiscent of the 55-57 GM cars.
Thunderbuck 12:02PM (10/30/2009)
I don't know... it has a kind of a funky, latter-day Chevy Nomad vibe to it.
Wouldn't call it "ugly". Guess it's in the eye of the beholder.
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DKB_SATX 12:03PM (10/30/2009)
The rear 3/4 view is not quite hideous. It's the only view that's not, however.
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Kattleox 12:04PM (10/30/2009)
This is why the Russians bought TVR; tell me that doesn't look like it could be a 2011 Sagaris and I will show you a liar.
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Spectacular Bid 12:07PM (10/30/2009)
Ah to look back at the lovely past of Maserati with so many highly attractive cars such as the Ghibli Spyder, Bora, and even the recent MC12 and yet produce this bad knockoff of a Chrysler Crossfire. All designers needs to draw from the rich history of the would-be client automaker and not just slap a badge on a guaranteed orphan.
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ozyran440 12:50PM (10/30/2009)
Reminds me of the Dodge Razor Concept from a few years back.
Same stylist?
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