Maserati has announced that it is massively stepping up its commitment to production, electrification and autonomous driving technologies in its homeland of Italy, following an investment of €5 billion from its parent company FCA.
On Electric Avenue
Maserati says that production of its all-new and electrified products will take place at Modena, Cassino and Turin, with no model being built outside Italy. Both hybrid and battery-electric propulsion systems are on the table, with Maser claiming that its proposed pure EVs will combine 'traditional highly appreciated Maserati driving dynamics together with next-generation battery electric technology, offering unique driving modes, extended range and ultra-fast charging capabilities'.
Bold claims, but the Italian company goes on to say that all new Maseratis from now on will have at least Level 2 'highway assist' technology, while progress to Level 3 (with hands-off driving offering close to full autonomy) coming soon after.
Ghibli leads the way
First to benefit from this programme will be the Ghibli, which will represent the first hybrid-electric car for Maserati in 2020. Following that are two unspecified models, an all-new sports car and then a new SUV, the former said to have an 'electric powertrain' and the latter to be built at Cassino on a new production line that has swallowed up €800 million. We should see both of these in 2021.
Both the ageing GranTurismo and GranCabrio are key to the Maserati brand going forward, but both will transform into all-new models with full electrification promised, these cars to be built at Turin where another €800m will be invested by FCA.
The remaining product lines of the Levante and Quattroporte will supplement all these newcomers and will, presumably, get their own forms of electrification and autonomy in years to come.
On top of all this, Maserati is catching up with its prestige rivals and gearing up a customisation programme for Trident customers who want 'one-of-a-kind' exclusivity.