Maserati 'concept' races into Paris

News of a new Maserati concept at the Paris Show has surfaced, though unfortunately it's not a sign of a new production car, but of a new racer, based on the GranTurismo S.

Car fans won't be disappointed by the visual differences between the GranTurismo MC concept and its road-going sibling though, as the show car is endowed with even more visual aggression.

A new vented bonnet aids engine cooling, which is also presumably the reason for the huge new air intakes in the restyled front bumper. This item also reduces lift at the front of the car.

In comparison, the changes to the rear of the GranTurismo are restrained, with no obvious aerodynamic spoiler. However, the boot lip spoiler is actually larger and it works with a diffuser in the new rear bumper to push the Maserati down onto the race track.

Naturally the chassis has been stiffened and the whole car lightened to suit track usage, though Maserati has also taken the opportunity to up the power available to the slick-shod rear wheels.

Using the newer 4.7-litre V8 - which powers the GranTurismo S and Quattroporte S - maximum power has been upped from 433 to 444bhp. Torque also jumps, from 361 to 376lb.ft. Given that the racer is nearly 500kg lighter, it should be rather special to drive.

Pity Maserati won't be allowed to start it up on the show stand in Paris...

Shane O' Donoghue