Maserati's Flight Of Fantasy

Italian firm Maserati is set to spread its wings, and with the help of Pininfarina will revive the legendary 'Birdcage' name with a sensational showstopper based on the MC12 supercar.

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By Matt Davis

22nd February 2005

This shadowy picture is all there is to see at the moment, but not for long - the car will be at next week's Geneva Motor Show. Birdcage was originally used to describe the intricate tubular chassis design of Maserati's race cars. Officially the rebirth of the name remains a secret, but the news was revealed to us ahead of the supercoup΃©'s official unveiling.

Built by Pininfarina and described as "a flight of fantasy" by creative director Ken Okuyama, the Birdcage was produced by the team which styled Ferrari's Enzo. That car also provides the new machine's chassis and engine. Said Okuyama: "We just want people to look at it and say 'Wow!' This is a concept that shows what Pininfarina can do, and what it is best known for - building dream cars."

The Maserati also celebrates the 75th anniversary of Pininfarina, formed by Italian mechanic Pinin Farina in 1930 to produce special bodies for grand prix racers. Powered by a 600bhp-plus V12 engine and sporting a glass roof, carbon bodywork and futuristic LED lights, Pininfarina claims the car blends Maserati's heritage with the firm's most advanced technology. Unfortunately, there's no plan to put the car into production - yet.

Meanwhile, the Italians have been juggling their marques. Maserati, which used to be owned by Ferrari, will now form part of Fiat Group. The move is to help Alfa and Maserati work more closely together.