.jpg?p=120209_04:29)
.jpg?p=120209_04:31)
.jpg?p=120209_04:54)
.jpg?p=120209_04:35)
.jpg?p=111221_03:51)
Magnificent yet magnificently daft news out of Switzerland: the Maserati Quattroporte is going racing.
The four-door V8 supercar is preparing to hit the track in the Italian ‘Superstars Series' touring car championship, duking it out with Audi RS4s and BMW M5s. It'll be entered by Swiss race outfit ‘Swiss Team' (tricky to know how they came up with that name, really) and driven by former F1 driver Andrea Chiesa.
It might even look a bit like it does in that picture, too. See, that's only a hastily cobbled together rendering from Swiss Team - they admit they haven't even finalised the car's livery yet - but the early signs are promising. We like.
The QP racer will retain Maserati's 4.2-litre V8 engine, which will put out about 450bhp to the rear wheels through a sequential racing box. We're told that it should weigh in at a non-handicapped 1,430kg, while the bodywork will remain near-stock. The QP is expected to debut on-track at Imola this weekend.
So what strange and unlikely metal would you like to see on the race track? How about the new Aston Rapide? Or, if we're going really left-field, a Rolls Phantom? Suggestions please...
Talking of racing Maseratis, watch Stig in the Ferrari Enzo-baiting MC12:
Open Car Bar
What do you think?
Want to comment on this?
Mikeado commented on this article
at 01:33 pm on 15 April 2009
Hmmm, a DBRapide... Wha? Oh, this. I hope they do change the livery, that looks quite messy. But it makes sense for what's essentially a 4-Door Ferrari (Fezza V8) to go racing. I hope it does well. You don't see many Maserati Quattroportes around.
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Ben27 commented on this article
at 01:47 pm on 15 April 2009
Oh yes! Let's hope the final car is painted black so it looks like a Mafia car. How about a stripped down AMG Maybach racing?
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
Turbomatic commented on this article
at 03:13 pm on 15 April 2009
Does the body shape remind you of american muscle cars!? I dunno, maybe. But anyway I love this car!
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
robinsfella commented on this article
at 03:22 pm on 15 April 2009
How about a Pagani Zonda F Roadster? Yes it's mad but it's strangely elegant and un-serious-like.
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.
robinsfella commented on this article
at 03:23 pm on 15 April 2009
The body shape doesn't remind me of american muscle cars, it reminds me of american NASCAR racing.
Link to this comment
Report this comment
You are about to report a comment for breaking our Code of Conduct.
Please note, we will not remove a post just because you disagree with what is being said.
This form can only be used for reporting a comment. If you want to contact us please go to our contact us page.