"Maserati are to build a supercar based on Ferrari's new F1-technology derived Enzo. It is believed that the project, to be known as the 6000GT, is significantly advanced and should be launched by the end of next year. The car will be a virtual clone of the Enzo, being expected to make use of the 660 bhp 6.0-litre V12 engine and F1-style gearbox.
The project's schedule is being pushed by Maserati's tight schedule of using the 6000GT to enter sportscar racing in 2004. Next year Maserati will begin race development testing with an Enzo chassis, while the first prototype 6000GT will hit the tracks later in the year. The race project is around six months down the line, and will move into a brand new purpose-built unit on the Modena site before Christmas. Maserati will field a factory team, while selling customer examples.
The 6000GT will probably see a production run around the same as the Enzo's 399 units. With the Enzo's original production run being extended from 349 to 399 cars to try to satisfy demand, it is expected that the large number of potential customers who have not been catered for will be channelled towards the Maserati. The 6000GT will be a much more polished and luxurious car than the no-compromise Enzo, and will be targeted at the US to assist in raising Maserati's profile as the marque revises upwards its sales targets for North America."