Maserati powers towards a V8-less future

Maserati says its new twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 will do duty in a host of models after debuting in the Maserati MC20 supercar later this year -- but the move will also mark the end of its current V8 range.

The Italian car-maker previously confirmed the end of its engine supply deal with Ferrari and production of its own engine in-house. The Ferrari deal covered V6 and V8 engines, including Maserati’s stonking 441kW 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8-powered Trofeo models.

Overnight, Maserati confirmed its new in-house powertrain will indeed be a 457kW/729Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 that is said to incorporate Formula 1 technology.

In a recent briefing to journalists, Maserati production communication manager Davide Kluzer said numerous Maserati models would adopt the new biturbo V6 beyond the MC20, including the new GranTurismo and GranCabrio.

“We have already announced that Maserati is working on a new engine and the first car to adopt this new engine is the MC20, the new super sports car that will be presented in September,” Kluzer said.

“Maserati is back again on designing, developing, testing and producing its own engine. This engine presents a major challenge for Maserati because it is 100 per cent developed by Maserati and it is 100 per cent fully dedicated to Maserati.

“At this stage we want to get back to our own engines. We have been very happy with the co-operation that we have for many years with Ferrari because currently Ferrari produces V6 and V8 in Maranello with Maserati specification. These engines are great engines and we are very happy with this.

“What we want to do is go back to have our own answer. For sure this engine has been designed and developed for the MC20, but for sure, as we already announced, [it will feature in other] new products.”

Maserati recently introduced its V8-powered Levante GTS and Trofeo SUVs to Australia and is rumoured to be working on other Trofeo models -- perhaps including the Ghibli -- that could officially draw the curtain on the V8-powered Maserati models.

Kluzer confirmed the MC20 would be first cab off the rank with the new V6 and the supercar will later be available with an electric drivetrain, he confirmed.

Apart from this year's all-new MC20 coupe (and later convertible) and next year's new GranTurismo (and later GranCabrio), the next-generation Quattroporte due in 2021 is also expected to be available with Maserati's new biturbo and EV powertrains.

“We already announced the MC20 will be available in coupe and convertible, and we announce we are working on a new GranTurismo and new GranCabrio,” he said.

“All new models will be electrified, so we will have electric solutions, but also we are going to have a traditional powertrain.

“We are fully concentrated on this new powertrain in MC20, but it’s clear that in the future Maserati wants to have its own engine solution for new models."

Following the MC20, Maserati's next additional model will be a mid-size SUV to slot beneath the Levante.