Maserati MC20 supercar confirmed for Australia

Production may have ground to halt in Modena, but Maserati says the development of its upcoming new models remains at full-tilt despite the effects of the global coronavirus pandemic.

The 2020 calendar year was scheduled to be a big one for the proud Italian marque, with the reveal of its much-anticipated Maserati MC20 in May and the release of its first electrified model – the Maserati Ghibli hybrid.

However, the coronavirus pandemic soon put paid to those plans, shutting down Italy along with the rest of Western Europe.

Despite the continued fallout of the virus, Maserati says it is still busy developing its next generation of models.

Maserati Australia general manager Glen Sealey says the car-maker has been able to keep development on track in Italy with computer-based programs and online communication.

“Production at the plant has stopped but new product has not slowed down,” Sealey told carsales.

“Ghibli Hybrid will still be here at the back end of the year with production starting in September.

“Production of right-hand drive MC20 will begin in the second quarter of next year. The expectation is that we will see that in Australia by mid next year.”

Maserati was originally due to unveil its MC20 next month, however, Sealey says that event will now take place in September.

“There’s some other product coming in between that I’m very excited about,” Sealey said, hinting that Maserati’s proud V8 in the Levante GTS and Trofeo will not live forever.

The new product line is eventually set to include the second-generation GranTurismo that will be introduced as Maserati’s first EV, followed by the new GranCabrio in 2022.

Also in 2021, Maserati says it will introduce an all-new mid-size SUV to sit below the large Levante, although it has not confirmed if that car is destined for a full-electric powertrain.