Maserati is set to build a midsize sport luxury sedan to rival the likes of the BMW 5 Series/M5, Mercedes CLS/AMG, Jaguar XF/XFR, and Cadillac CTS/CTS-v. The car is smaller than the Quattroporte, which will continue. It will go on market about 2014, probably as a '15 model in the U.S. Although it's in the product plan, there's no frozen design (one possible look is depicted in the illustration), and running prototypes would be years away. Maserati wants to become a "relevant player" within its chosen luxury segments. Adding the new model would allow it to strengthen dealer coverage and brand visibility. The all-new car is part of Maserati's 2010-'14 business plan, which Fiat Group CEO Sergio Marchionne recently revealed to investors.


Two variants are envisaged. The entry version, Maserati says, would be priced just above $68,000 (based on recent exchange rates), which puts it around the upper V-8 versions of those cars. The upper version of the Maserati would be about 20 percent more expensive. Maserati's DNA -- sporty handling, rich-sounding engines, distinctive style -- is claimed to be safe, but in a "new product package."

Officials give no further details on the car's platform. We believe it would use components designed to give the company a parts set able to support both this new midsize car and the next-generation Quattroporte, as well as the replacements for the current GranTurismo and GranCabrio.

For 2013, Maserati will renew the Quattroporte. The company's stated intention is to trim the price of the base model about 10 percent, while keeping the upper version where it is. Officials are aware quality needs to be improved too. Even with the new, cheaper entry-level model, there would still be clear water between the base Quattroporte and the top of the new more compact sedan, but Maserati would have a wider range of cars at better prices, pushing up the chances of sales headway.

Maserati told investors it wants the compact sedan to gain 10 percent of the global "high-end E" segment, the Quattroporte to reach 8 percent of its luxury segment, and the GranCabrio and GranTurismo to maintain their positions.