That’s a bit of a shift from last year.
Maserati is a brand in a state of flux. Even with new models like the Levante GTS and Trofeo, brand sales were down 28 percent in 2018. Still, CEO Mike Manley told investors on FCA’s first-quarter earnings call that the brand is regaining its momentum. Beyond that, the company will revamp its entire lineup by the end of 2022, in line with its five-year plan presented last year.
One thing it will not do, however, is throw its hat into the all-electric ring. According to a Motor Trend report, Maserati will have hybrids, plug-ins and possibly some battery-electric vehicles. Under the current scheme, the company will always have some internal combustion engine option. “This is a brand that needs combustion engines. It needs that raw emotion,” said the brand’s North America head Al Gardner.
What will the new Maserati look like?
As part of its five-year plan, the company floated the concept of all-electric vehicles alongside its hybrid offerings. Those ranged from the Alfieri coupe to a new Quattroporte and Levante. Apart from offering triple-motor all-wheel drive, Maserati also promises “state-of-the-art” battery technology while maintaining a lightweight design.
For its plug-in hybrid models, Maserati did not specifically mention what powertrains will be available in the redesigned models. These days, Ferrari-sourced V6 and V8 engines are the bread and butter of all Maserati models.
