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As we reported in Upfront in our February issue, the Maserati brand has plans to produce a GT-style coupe to compete in the burgeoning six-figure coupe market currently occupied by the Bentley Continental GT, Aston Martin’s DB9, and the upcoming redesigned Mercedes-Benz CL-class. Based on a shortened version of Maserati’s Quattroporte sedan, the as-yet-unnamed coupe is expected to go on sale in 2008.

Although Maserati is now a stablemate with Alfa Romeo, in what owner Fiat calls the polo sportivo (sporting division), the $130,000-to-$150,000 GT will not share its powertrain or platform with any Alfas now in production. Rumor has it that an entry-level model — a smallish two-door, two-seat roadster in the $70,000 range — will share engines and components with Alfa. These models will replace the current Coupé and Spyder, which sell for roughly $90,000, before the end of the decade.

For those willing to shell out the mucho Ben Franklins, the Quattroporte-based two-door will get a version of the 4.2-liter DOHC V-8 that was developed when Ferrari and Maserati, under Fiat ownership, com-monly traded notes. Currently, the 4.2-liter, in various states of tune, powers all Maserati cars. We expect that the 4.2-liter will grow in size — most likely to about 4.5 liters — remain naturally aspirated, and offer nearly 500 horsepower. Making the gearchanges will be a six-speed conventional automatic transmission — expected to make it into the Quattroporte in 2007 — and a traditional manual gearbox, clutch pedal and all. Both trannies will be rear-mounted for a handling-friendly weight distribution near 50/50.

The full-size Quattroporte is no lightweight at nearly 4500 pounds, but shortening its 120.6-inch wheelbase by an estimated six inches, along with other weight-saving strategies, including aluminum and composite bodywork, should reduce the amount of mass by 400 to 500 pounds. At the same time, the wheelbase reduction will shrink the rear-seat room and make the new two-door a two-plus-two. The chassis is expected to be similar to the Quattroporte’s, with aluminum unequal-length control arms at each corner. If the mass of the coupe is kept within bounds, the new Maserati promises to provide better handling than its heavier competitors.