The Italian brand is on the cusp of a wave of new products including its first hybrid, a Ferrari-rivalling supercar, new sportscars, and a rumoured V8 sports sedan to rival the likes of Mercedes-AMG’s C63.
The brand brought good news in July, first unveiling the new “Nettuno” twin-turbo V6 that will power its mid-engine MC20 supercar.
Maserati has teased fans with cryptic photos of its MC20 prototype.Source:Supplied
The 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 makes 463kW and 730Nm, enough to make Maserati’s upcoming two-seater a genuine rival to junior supercars offered by the likes of McLaren and Lamborghini.
It benefits from Formula 1 tech including a “pre-chamber” combustion system with a second set of sparkplugs and fuel injectors placed before the conventional piston primary combustion chamber, allowing the engine to make more power than rival 3.0-litre models.
Maserati’s new engine will no doubt find its way into next-generation sedans and SUVs wearing the trident badge.
Maserati’s Ghibli Hybrid replaces its diesel sedan.Source:Supplied
The same is true of a new 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid motor on its way to the Ghibli sports sedan. Based on the turbocharged unit in Alfa Romeo’s Gliua Veloce, the motor features 48-volt architecture and an electric hybrid motor to help make 246kW and 450Nm — enough to reach 100km/h in 5.7 seconds.
Significantly, both engines are made without the help of Ferrari. The prancing horse has left the stable of brands formerly known as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now “Stellantis” in a joint venture with Peugeot and Citroen in the PSA Group), allowing Maserati to lift its ambition.
It’s clear Ferrari was the favourite child in the FCA group, which invested heavily in the Formula 1 icon ahead of its sharemarket debut in 2015.
Maserati’s Alfieri concept is expected to be sold as an electric sports car.Source:Supplied
Maserati’s two-pronged GranTurismo and GranCabrio sports cars did not enjoy the investment or attention of Ferrari rivals which effectively raced leapt through three generations — such as the California, California T and Portofino — while Maserati dealers were saddled with the same car for more than a decade.
The GranTurismo coupe and GranCabrio convertible will soon be replaced by a sports car based on the well-received Alfieri concept.
That car is expected to be an all-electric sports car similar to the Tesla roadster or Lotus Evija, taking the hallowed marque into the 21st century.
Maserati’s Kubang took shape when Ferrari was part of its family.Source:Supplied
The brand’s most popular car, the Levante SUV, was developed when Ferrari was part of FCA and intended to build its own high-riding performance car. So the Levante launched in Australia with an underwhelming diesel V6 that couldn’t woo buyers away from V8-powered Mercedes-AMG, BMW M or Porsche crossovers.
Now the Levante has a twin-turbocharged V8 with 441kW of power and the supercar soundtrack it deserves.
The Maserati Levante Trofeo is worthy of a famous badge.Source:Supplied
Maserati’s Australian arm has been pushing for the engine to be fitted to other models including the compact Ghibli.
Such a model wouldn’t be on sale for long, as Maserati V8s are made by Ferrari, an arrangement set to end soon.