Is Maserati Building a Twin-Turbo V8 to Fight Porsche? [RUMOR]

Now for some good old-fashioned import auto rumor-mongering: according to several reports, Maserati has finally green-lit the GranSport, a Porsche-fighting coupe that’s something of a unicorn in the auto world. Auto Express reports that the Italian automaker has finally taken the plunge, inking a contract with fellow Italianate motorheads Alfa Romeo to build a two-seater based off the latter marque’s 4C platform.

The Trident’s expectations for the GranSport are unofficial, but fairly obvious. Having wheeled (!) out concepts for the Ghibli saloon and the Levante SUV, it’s clear that Maserati wants to carve a slice of the sales pie away from marques like Porsche (with its Cayenne) and BMW (with the 5 Series). If it’s indeed true that the GranSport will join the GranCabrio & GranTurismo in Maserati’s sports car arsenal, it’ll be to take down Porsche’s 911, which has enjoyed nearly unparalleled longevity since its introduction in 1963.

Reports say that the GranSport will be available with one of two engines: a twin-turbo 404-horsepower, 3L V6, or a twin-turbo 523-horsepower, 3.8L V8. Both powerplants will be developed with oversight from Ferrari.

What do you think? If you could afford either the 991 or the GranSport, which would you purchase?