MASERATI PLOTS 'PURE', ICE-ONLY FLAGSHIP

Limited-run luxury GT model in the works with V6 petrol power and a manual 'box

- STORY: FELIX PAGE AND CHARLIE MARTIN

Maserati is considering a new flagship super-GT with V6 power and a manual gearbox as part of a drive to emphasise its sporting heritage and strengthen the brand's luxury credentials.

Set to be a limited-run creation, the new top-rung Maserati could be launched as early as next year as the most exclusive and powerful combustion-engined car the firm has produced since the MC12 landed two decades ago.

It is tipped to be based on the Granturismo and will be twinned with an equivalent Alfa Romeo model, similar to the way in which the new Alfa 33 Stradale is based on Maserati's MC20.

Speaking to Autocar at the Goodwood Festival of Speed earlier this month, Santo Ficili, who is CEO of both marques, said: "We have infinite possibilities to customise products for our customers, for the entire range of Maserati. I'm imagining to do something like we did in the past, also considering Alfa Romeo."

Ficili referenced previous collaborations between the two firms, highlighting that the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione was based on the previous Maserati Granturismo and built alongside that car at Maserati's plant in Modena, where the later 4C sports coupé was also produced.