Tired of special edition Levante, Ghibli and
Quattroporte models? If the answer is yes, you’ll be glad to learn that
Maserati has revealed plans about all-new vehicles that will be “developed,
electrified and produced in Italy.” Following in the footsteps of
FCA’s € 5 billion (US$ 5.5 billion) investment program for Italy, the luxury brand
has announced a lineup of new and electrified products that will be built at
the plants in Modena, Cassino and Turin (Mirafiori and Grugliasco).
Maserati says all the new models will adopt hybrid
and battery electric propulsion systems “capable of providing both innovation
and the high performance embedded in the brand’s DNA.” The all-electric models
will combine typical Maserati driving dynamics with next-generation battery
electric technology, “offering unique driving modes, extended range and
ultra-fast charging capabilities.”
The first of the totally new Maserati models to
launch will be eagerly-anticipated electrified sports car. The carmaker does
not reveal its name but we all now it’s the production version of the stunning
Alfieri concept from 2014. The sports car will be produced in the Modena plant
where major production line upgrades are underway to accommodate its electric
powertrain.
According to previous intel, the sports car will
offer mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains. The company
also says the electrified sports car will be “packed with technology and
reminiscent of Maserati’s traditional values.” No timeframe for the launch was
announced but we already know the sports car will come in 2020.
Next up will be a new D-segment SUV that will be
made in Cassino where approximately € 800 million (US$ 877 million) will be
invested in the construction of a new production line, scheduled to open at the
end of the first quarter of 2020. Given the model’s size, it’s not a surprise
that it will be made at the Cassino plant, which currently builds Alfa Romeo
Stelvio and Giulia models.
The company did not reveal details about what types
of powertrain the SUV will offer but said the new model is “destined to play a
leading role for the brand thanks to its innovative technologies.” The first
pre-series Maserati SUVs are expected to roll off the line by 2021.
Finally, the GranTurismo and GranCabrio will be
renewed for a second generation that “will herald the full electrification era
for Maserati.” The luxury GTs will be made at the Turin production hub, where
FCA is investing another € 800 million (US$ 877 million). No timeframe was offered
but, according to an internal presentation, the GranTurismo will launch in 2021
followed by the GranCabrio in 2022.
At the same time, Maserati will continue to improve
its current range which includes the Levante, Quattroporte and Ghibli. For
example, the Maserati Ghibli will become the brand’s first hybrid electric
model in 2020. In addition, all the new and updated models will feature some
degree of autonomous driving capabilities, from Level 2 enhanced Highway Assist
to Level 3 with hands-off offering close to full autonomy.
