Save for images that leaked out the night before its official debut, the Maserati Alfieri was the concept car surprise for the 2014 Geneva motor show.
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Trident brand, the Alfieri concept showcases Maserati’s future design language while staying true to the proportions of the company’s iconic models from the 50s and 60s, says design director Marco Tencone (who also heads up Alfa Romeo and Lancia).
It’s long flowing hood and ‘coda-tronca’-esque rear end pay homage to the A6GCS Berlinetta, which inspired the design team, but Maserati designers also imbued the car with a more contemporary surface treatment, outlined by sharp lines cast over round surfaces. Tencone says these lines underline the main elements of the car and add definition.
Color also played a large role in defining the car’s brand identity. ‘Maserati Blue’ is seen on the more important details, such as signature three air vents on the front fender, in the exhaust pipes and on the wheels, which were designed to recall the wire wheels of the past.
The simple form language of the exterior was carried over to the interior, which is accented by its technical details and color breakup. Polished aluminum resides on the steering wheel spokes, hand paddles, gearshift and pedals, while off-white and blue leather on the driver’s door and center console defines the cabin’s driver-oriented intention.
One of the more interesting elements of the Alfieri concept’s profile is the distinctive drop in the DLO. While Tencone describes this as a “natural consequence of the main line of the car” that flows off of the hood, it divides the front and rear ends of the vehicle, making it look like two different cars rather than a consistent whole.
So is it a preview for the next Grand Turismo? Perhaps. The grille and headlamp forms will undoubtedly find their way though to production. What we found most interesting however is that, when asked, Tencone didn’t just give us the characteristic designer’s “this just a concept car” line. Instead he said: “I don’t know if it will replace the GranTurismo. Perhaps this could be in the same lineup with the GranTurismo or a new GranTurismo.”
Very interesting…
For more on the Maserati Alfieri, check out our previous article and see our live photo gallery and an official video
