Maserati is finally putting the finishing touches to its first new car since 2003 - a Grand Touring coupé based on the Quattroporte saloon.

It’s not a replacement for the two-seater Coupé (4200). This car is a big four-seater, effectively Maserati’s answer to the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. The underpinnings share much with the Quattroporte, including the rear transaxle, which naturally sends power to the back wheels.

This gearbox is the latest version of the automated manual Cambiocorsa transmission, operated by wheel mounted paddles.

Maserati’s V8 – built by Ferrari – is mounted in the nose. But don’t expect the Coupé’s 4.2-litre version to figure; Maserati could use the bored out, 4691cc version bound for Alfa Romeo’s forthcoming 8C supercar.

In the Alfa, the 4.7-litre unit will kick out 450bhp and 346lb ft. Adopting this superior powerplant will enable Maserati to charge way in excess of the saloon.

While the wheelbase and rear overhangs are cut back from the Quattroporte, the GT remains a big car. Its swoopy two-door body is all-new. But this heavily disguised mule can’t disguise its Maserati roots. The gaping oval grille screams Maser; Quad tailpipes confirm that the GT will have the go to match the show. Expect a world premiere at the 2007 Geneva show.

Design
Long undulating nose ensures cab back-wards stance; big oval grille shared with Quattroporte.

Chassis
Four-seat GT based on the Quattroporte saloon, but with reduced overhangs and wheelbase.

Engine
New 4.7-litre version of Maserati’s V8 to channel around 450bhp to the rear wheels, via Cambiocorsa transmission.