Maserati is a company with a deep-rooted racing heritage, and it isn't about to let that fall by the wayside. With that in mind, the Trident marque has released details of its latest competition model, called the GranTurismo MC Corse Concept.

We brought you spy shots of a stripped-out, track-bound GranTurismo earlier this month, and this looks to be the ticket. Based on the 430hp GranTurismo S, the MC Corse is destined for the tarmac. The engine has been upgraded with a new intake system, competition-spec catalytic converters and a center-exit exhaust to boost output to 450 horsepower. Grip is enhanced by an increased track along with a new front splitter, a larger rear spoiler, and more aerodynamically efficient side skirts, while the suspension has been upgraded to meet the track surface with 18x12-inch front and 18x13-inch rear wheels fitted with racing slicks. Enlarged brake discs with monobloc racing calipers help keep the power in check, along with an FIA-approved rollcage.

Following on the heels of the MC12 Corse, the GranTurismo MC Corse promises to deliver one seriously demonic ride to go with the sinister looks. While this could be the new vehicle Maserati has been hinting at, we have a feeling Modena has another trick up its rolled-up sleeve. Stay tuned, and check out the images in the gallery below in the meantime.

Gallery: Maserati GranTurismo MC Corse Concept

[Source: Maserati]

BREAKING: Maserati GranTurismo MC Corse Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Click above to view the Touring Maserati A8 GCS in hi-res

Since the news broke that Maserati was planning a new sportscar to rival the benchmark Porsche 911, Italian styling houses have been lining up to pitch their designs for how they think the new Trident sportscar should look. Following the Chicane concept unveiled in Geneva by the students of the Instituto Europeo di Design, the resuscitated Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera threw its hat into the ring this weekend with the A8 GCS concept you see above.

Together with Touring's other Maserati concept, the Quattroporte-based Bellagio Fastback, the A8 GCS design study was unveiled at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, the annual Mecca of class and performance on the shores of trendy Lake Como in Italy. Inspired by Pininfarina's iconic Maserati A6 GCS Berlinetta of 1954, the Touring concept presents a compelling mix of modern design and retro touches. While it's hard to make the case that, with even the most well-established outfits struggling to get by, the industry really needs another Italian design house or coachbuilder, if these are the results then we can hardly complain. Check out the images in the gallery below to see what we mean.

Gallery: Carrozzeria Touring Maserati A8 GCS

[Source: OmniAuto.it]

Carrozzeria Touring unveils Maserati A8 GCS at Villa d'Este originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Apr 2008 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Click above to view high-res gallery of the IED Maserati Chicane concept

Geneva has been good to Maserati. Last year the company unveiled the GranTurismo to thunderous applause, and followed up this year with the more powerful GranTurismo S. Meanwhile, the students of the Instituto Europeo di Design unveiled their Maserati Chicane concept, which won out over rival designs to win sponsorship and a spot under the bright lights of the Geneva Motor Show to show their talent to the world.

We caught up with the IED graduate design students and found our cameras snapping away at the striking concept. Although certain details aren't likely to find their way onto a production Trident, with the design chiefs from Maserati and Fiat AG on the selecting jury, we wouldn't be all that surprised to see some similarities when Maserati eventually unleashes its anticipated new sportscar.

Check out the video in our previous post and the high-resolution images in our gallery.

Gallery: IED Maserati Chicane design study

Geneva 2008: IED students design Maserati Chicane concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Any regular reader of Autoblog should know that the major automakers aren't the only ones unveiling striking new concept cars. In fact, independent designers tend to create even more exciting concepts than the big boys. All the more so for design students who give us a preview of what the future holds for creative automotive design. This year the graduate students at the Instituto Europeo di Design (we'll let you decipher the translation yourself) are coming to Geneva with a full-size concept Maserati.

The Chicane concept you see above is a take on what the anticipated upcoming entry-level Maserati sports coupe could look like. Like the GranTurismo, the Chicane is a 2+2 with a front-mounted V8 driving the rear wheels, but while it retains certain Maserati design elements, the IED students have done away with some of the elegance of the GranTurismo in favor of more sportiness: at 4.4 meters long, it's some 400mm shorter than the Pininfarina-designed GT, and it ditches the chrome for a more menacing look. We particularly like the recessed headlights.

[Source: Car Body Design]

Continue reading Geneva '08 Preview: IED Maserarti Chicane concept

Geneva '08 Preview: IED Maserarti Chicane concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.