Maserati: which engines for the next models?

Maserati is now at a crucial turning point in its history. After a remarkable rise between 2013 and 2018, the brand's sales have begun to fall, reaching very worrying levels in 2024. Its main market, the United States, reflects this dramatic decline, with sales dropping from 14,000 units in 2017 to just 7,700 in 2023. In 2024, some countries even saw a 68 % drop in sales. After four years under the aegis of StellantisDuring the last few years, during which the brand has tried to turn the corner with electric models and rising prices, Maserati's future looks uncertain. The next few years will be decisive.

In a previous article, we talked about four major strategic decisions Maserati must make to secure its future. One of these major challenges concerns engines. And it's precisely this point that we're going to explore here.

The abandonment of the Ferrari engine

In 2021, Ferrari has announced that Maserati is terminating its engine supplier contract. This event was an important turning point for the trident brand. Whereas Maserati customers could previously look forward to a Ferrari engine in flagship models such as the Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante, this is no longer the case. With the new MC20, Grecale, Granturismo and Grancabrio models, Maserati has opted for Ferrari engines. 3.0L V6 engines from Alfa Romeo, improved and reworked by Maserati engineers. This choice took over from the historic partnership with Ferrari. In addition, in 2021 Maserati is launching a partnership with footballer David Beckham as its muse...

Maserati's electric ambitions

At the same time, Maserati launches its first electric 100 % modelsthe Folgore. These vehicles were the subject of intense communication, particularly in the United States. However, despite these marketing efforts, the sauce didn't take. The Folgore models aren't bad, but the public hasn't been completely seduced, and it's hard to see why. the brand struggles to convince with its electric models.

Maserati therefore needs to think carefully about its engine strategy for the future.There are many options available.

Electrification, an unavoidable but not exclusive choice

There's no doubt that Maserati will continue its development of electrification. The manufacturer will continue to offer electric Folgore 100 % models, and the engines on these vehicles are likely to evolve. For example, the Grecale Folgore comes from the Chinese company Jing-Jin Electric, while the motor for the Granturismo Folgore is by Marelli. Future electric motors may well come from the Szentgotthard plant in Hungary, owned by Stellantis, which will begin production of 800V electric motors from 2026.

However, despite the brand's electric ambitions, it would be strategic for Maserati not to limit itself to these electric models alone. That's right, going exclusively electric by 2028 could be a serious mistake. To regain a share of the niche market it is targeting, Maserati must also maintain a range of internal combustion engines, in particular the V6.

The 6-cylinder GME option: a mass-market alternative

For the brand, a "mass engine" option could involve the 6-cylinder GME engine. This American-engineered engine, produced in Mexico, could be used for models like the Levante. However, an American engine manufactured in Mexico, which already equips vehicles from brands such as Jeep, Dodge and RAM, would totally lack the Italian DNA that Maserati customers have come to expect.. It's hard to imagine "luxury" Maseratis equipped with this engine, despite its technical advantages.

The V6, Maserati's DNA, to be perfected

For more "emotional" models, Maserati absolutely must continue to develop its 3.0L V6 engine.This is true Italian craftsmanship. This engine has already proved its worth in previous models, but it must be improved. To remain competitive with its rivals, Maserati must be able to offer exceptional performance.

The McLaren Artura, for example, offers a 700 hp V6 hybrid, while Ferrari offers an 830 hp V6 hybrid with its 296 GTB. Even Lamborghini, with its recent Temeraio, offers an 800 hp V8 hybrid. Not to be outdone, Maserati must aim for at least 700 hp with its V6with or without hybridization.

We could then imagine a range of engines made up of the Entry-level 6-cylinder GMEwith power ratings of around 400-500 horsepower, and a 700-hp V6 for top-of-the-range versions. Indeed, concerns about CO2 emissions or the ecological malus should not hold the brand back, since other major luxury brands have not been impacted by these issues on a global scale.

Maserati must continue to invest in electric motor technology for its Folgore models. However, the to avoid repeating the strategic mistakes of recent yearsBut the brand also needs to return to its roots with high-performance combustion engines, particularly the V6. This duality between combustion and electric power could well be the key to Maserati's recovery, and to winning back the customers who have eluded it in recent years. If the brand persists in focusing solely on electric 100 % models, it risks missing a major opportunity to revive its image and sales.

The next decisions will be crucial for Maseratiwhich must present a more structured, powerful product plan. At present, a new Levante SUV is expected for 2027 and a Quattroporte for 2028.