Maserati Alfieri concept will mingle with the classics at Pebble Beach

By Stephen Edelstein August 6, 2014

Maserati is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and what better place to do that than the hallowed ground of classic cars that is the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance?

The Italian carmaker will be the Featured Marque at Pebble Beach this year, so there should be plenty of reminders of its glory days on display. To draw potential buyers’ attention to the future, Maserati will also display the Alfieri concept from the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

Named for one of the founding Maserati brothers, the Alfieri is a classically-proportioned GT car that combines styling elements from current models like the GranTurismo with influences from the 1954 A6 GCS-53.

The Alfieri isn’t just about looks though. Unlike many concept cars, it’s a fully-running, drivable machine with a 4.7-liter V8 from the Gran Turismo producing 460 horsepower. A special exhaust system ensures that it sounds as good as it looks.

Perhaps this voluptuous coupe will get a chance to stretch its legs at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at nearby Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca, where Maserati will also be the Featured Marque.

Even if the concept doesn’t get to turn a wheel, there will be plenty of vintage Maserati racers at this legendary vintage motorsport event, which should be quite a sight.

Editors' Recommendations

Roland Sands Moto Beach Classic prevails with sound, surf, and Hooligan races

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.