Maserati hopes to revive the traditional Italian brand with the newly developed V6 "Nettuno", electric drives and a smaller SUV.
The importance of the Maserati models under the umbrella of the newly founded Stellantis Group can easily be read on its website: “Masters of Italian Audacity” is there, which translates as “Master of Italian audacity or boldness”. So if you thought that the days of the luxury brand with the trident in the grill could be numbered under Stellantis boss and hardliner Carlos Tavares, because the portfolio might overlap with Alfa, DS or Jeep, you are mistaken. On the contrary, Maserati even sees itself at the beginning of a new era that will not only include new models and extensive electrification, but also reanimate sporting genes.
The latter is represented by the MC20 super sports car and its engine, which will be released in June. The V6, 3 liters in size and 630 hp, is the development result of the “Nettuno” (in German: Neptun) project launched in 2015. It is the first engine in a road car to have a pre-chamber combustion system with double ignition derived from Formula 1. Despite the very high performance, the technology promises the lowest specific consumption in the area. Maserati manufactures its top-of-the-range unit in the newly established “Maserati Engine Hub” competence center in Modena. With this, the company is returning to its own engine production after 20 years. The contract with Ferrari as a home supplier expires in 2022.
The brand is redefining itself with the MC20. Thanks to its carbon fiber chassis, the two-seater weighs less than 1.500 kilos and has a top speed of more than 325 km / h. In 2022 they want to send a convertible variant afterwards. Inevitably, the question arises with the Nettuno engine: On which of its models does Maserati roll out the new high-tech unit, or which derivatives of it? The engine is likely to replace the 580 hp 3,8-liter V8 built by Ferrari so far. It currently drives the Ghibli, Quattroporto and Levante in the sporty Trofeo version. Slimmed down in performance, Neptun will probably send the previous 3,0-liter V6 and cross-brand Alfas 510-hp six-cylinder to scrap.
The GranTurismo is about to be reissued. The last copies of the first generation expired at the end of 2019 after a good twelve years of construction. The successor is due to debut at the end of this year, and the market launch is planned for spring 2022. In addition to a petrol engine, the GranTurismo will be Maserati's first fully electric model. The electric drive with a voltage of 800 volts bears the name “Folgore” (Italian for lightning) and has a maximum of three motors, one at the front and two at the rear. The manufacturer is still reluctant to provide details about performance, battery capacity and range. The MC20 and the GranCabrio (both coming in 2022) will also be electric.
Maserati had already revealed the name for its D-SUV, positioned below the Levante, last year: Grecale, following a wind in the old model tradition. The Grecale, which shares the “Giorgio” platform with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, should appear in spring. There were delays due to the corona, so the debut has now been scheduled for autumn 2021. There is speculation about the drive package. Maserati has already banned diesel from its model range. A two-liter mild hybrid takes its place in the Grecale. Maserati then serves those who are hungry for performance with the Nettuno V6 in various designs, while those who are ecologically conscious can look forward to an electric Grecale. Maserati has an Italian counterpart to the next Porsche Macan, BMW iX3 and Audi Q6 e-tron in its portfolio.
In 2023, before the second generation of the Levante appears, the replacement of the classic Quattroporto is expected. Although Maserati only plays a minor role in the luxury sedan segment compared to Mercedes and Co., the Italians want to hold up the flags here, especially with regard to the North American and Chinese markets. Even two body versions are supposedly planned, one with a short and one with a longer wheelbase.