Maserati Chubasco

The Maserati Chubasco is a name whispered in hushed tones among car enthusiasts. Unlike other models produced by the iconic Italian automaker, the Chubasco remains a fascinating piece of Maserati's history, largely because it never made it past the concept stage. Introduced at the 1990 Bologna Motor Show as a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car, the Chubasco was designed to herald a new era for Maserati, but it ultimately remained a tantalizing 'what could have been.'

The Chubasco was designed to house Maserati's powerful V8 engine at its heart. The planned 4.0L quad-cam V8 was expected to produce upwards of 400 horsepower. This engine, coupled with the car's lightweight design, would have made for a formidable competitor in the sports car arena of the early 1990s.

Design duties for the Chubasco were entrusted to the legendary Marcello Gandini, known for his work on the Lamborghini Countach and Miura. The Chubasco boasted a sleek and futuristic design, with hallmark Gandini touches like the slatted rear windows and wedge shape. Read more