Today on Gearheads we will take a brief look at a car that not only debuted at this year’s Geneva Auto Show, but also has the automotive world a tizzy on when will this stunning looking automobile be brought forth for the real world to enjoy.
As you may, or may not know, the 2014 Geneva Auto Show will be wrapping up pretty
soon, and every single car truck, SUV, crossover, and concept will be packed up, shipped out, and then given a thorough once over for the next show that it’s scheduled to appear at. Well, there were dozens of cars that either dazzled the crowds, or left people scratching their heads about what they were looking at. Nevertheless the showing of four wheeled vehicles did not disappoint, but there was one car that had a highly anticipated arrival this year, and those people who are normally neck deep in all things automotive, were dying to see it. That car was/is the Maserati Alfieri Concept. Now, I know that I can go on, and on about a car that I really, really like, and this is one of those cars, but I will do the best I can to contain myself, when it comes down to the description of this silky smooth looking animal.
First off, let’s get to the meat, and potatoes of the Alfieri Concept. Maserati sourced a Marenello built, all Aluminum, Naturally Aspirated 4.7L V8 motor that makes 460 Hp, and roughly 450lb feet of torque, and those numbers are, or can be achieved anywhere between 4,750 to 7,000 RPM. Mated to this manly sounding power plant is an elctro-actuated six speed gearbox that sends all power to a limited slip rear differential. So it’s safe to say that this car will drift, at some point in it’s life. The underpinnings of the Maserati Alfieri Concept have been borrowed from two currently driven cars. The Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale, and the Maserati GranTurismo, both of which are nothing more than greater versions of each other.
OK, so now we can move on to the body of the Alfieri concept. Maserati designers 
wanted a car that was not only flawless in design, but could not be mistaken for any other car on the road now, or ever. The Maserati Alfieri Concept is an Italian throwback to the days when sexy, sporty looking cars where the rides to have, and every girl who walked with her friends wanted to be seen in your Maserati. From front to back, there are no sharp edges, no real drop offs, just pure, and simple lines that allow the eyes to enjoy the blissfulness that is the Alfieri. It’s front fascia is the epitome of what the future of Maserati has in store for the world. A long, and curvacious hood line embodies the classic feel of the 1959 5000 GT, while the short rounded roof, invokes nostalgic moments of watching a 1957 3500 GT, scream through a black, and white camera shot. Looking to the past, like many auto manufacturers have been doing, has given this new Maserati a look like no other. Dare I say it? I think I like this concept better than the LaFerrari. Getting back to the body of the Alfieri, the rear end has been shaped a lot differently than any current Maserati you would come across in the streets. This shape has that feel of a classic Italian full figured woman, who has the hips you always want to hold on to, no matter where you are. Can we say sex on wheels in Italian? The concept car shows that there is no real break up line that would suggest that there is a trunk present in this car, but then again it is a model, and not a car you can buy like tomorrow or something.
Inside of the of the Alfieri Concept there was much attention to detail, but a new, and innovative approach was taken. Whilst looking to control the future, designers looked once again the interior of the 1959 5000 GT, for it’s bold looking, and extremely functional gauges. A two tone, “floating” dashboard was created to bring forth the feel of Maserati embracing the future’s technology, all the while, the historic spirit of racing style analog gauges, dark leather seats, and hints of copper, give a cue to all those who have taken the time to look upon this great car, because it was created to remind the world of Maserati’s 100 years of driving, and racing heritage. Another key feature of the interior of the Alfieri is that it has been shaped as a 2+2 seating style cabin. Something that hasn’t been done in a very long time. As I mentioned before, the rear of the Alfieri doesn’t visibly show any lines of a trunk being present in the car, but for those who know older cars, or older Italian cars, would know that, in some cases, the driver would load luggage into the rear of the car via, pulling down the back seat. Back in the day, it may have been a bit cramped, but like how women sacrifice their feet for a snug fitting pair of Jimmy Choo’s, men did the same for their cars. The Alfieri has been designed with the same old school premise in mind, and it was pulled off swimmingly.
As it stands, the Maserati Alfieri Concept is a car that many people have pretty much have been begging for, to be made into a modern day rolling work of art. The car simply begs to be made into a working driving machine that the world can drool over, and figure out how to acquire one. All I know is, that if the people want something bad enough, and there enough of them with deep pockets to persuade the powers that be, it will happen. Just give it a little time.