Maserati May Still Surprise Everyone With a V8 Comeback | Carscoops

      The head of engineering at Maserati insists that the Nettuno V6 is well-suited for the GranTurismo and GranCabrio.

      Maserati may still consider reintroducing a V8 for future models or exclusive special editions.

      The Nettuno V6 is a key component of their current internal combustion engine range.

      The last V8 Maserati produced was the Quattroporte Grand Finale, which was delivered in 2024.

      It's been almost a year since Maserati's presumed final V8 vehicle, the Quattroporte Grand Finale edition, was released in the USA, marking a significant transition for the brand. Since that time, Maserati has struggled with declining sales and postponed or canceled model launches.

      Despite these challenges, there’s a chance the V8 might return, depending on the right circumstances, as per the company’s engineering head.

      In 2023, Maserati announced plans to discontinue its Ferrari-sourced V8, promoting the in-house Nettuno V6 as the standard engine until the brand shifts to an all-electric lineup by 2030. However, the landscape has changed considerably in the past year, prompting Stellantis to reassess its long-term vision in light of lower-than-anticipated EV demand and regulatory challenges.

      V8s Not Completely Ruled Out

      Although the Nettuno V6 was expected to lead Maserati's combustion-engine future, the possibility of revitalizing the V8 is still open. Recently, in an interview with CarExpert, Davide Danesin, Head of Maserati Engineering, acknowledged the market's ongoing interest in V8 engines.

      “We are aware of the market sentiment regarding V8s,” he stated, “and I wouldn't say we will never use a V8 again—perhaps for special editions or other models, we might consider it.”

      While this seems encouraging, Danesin emphasized that the V6 “is currently central to our propulsion strategy.” He highlighted the Nettuno as “innovative, extremely lightweight, compact, and highly power-dense,” and noted that from a design perspective, it “provides everything we need to ensure an exceptional driving experience for our customers.”

      The Quattroporte Grand Finale was Maserati's last model equipped with the Ferrari-sourced V8.

      The final version of the Ferrari-sourced twin-turbo 3.8-liter V8 generated 572 hp (427 kW / 580 PS) and 538 lb-ft (730 Nm) of torque in models such as the Maserati Ghibli, Levante, and Quattroporte. In comparison, Maserati's twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 can deliver up to 632 hp (471 kW / 640 PS) and 531 lb-ft (720 Nm) of torque in the mid-engine MC20 GT2 Stradale.

      Prioritizing Packaging Over Prestige

      The Nettuno V6 is also utilized in the GranTurismo and GranCabrio, which have two fewer cylinders than their predecessors. Klaus Busse, Maserati’s Head of Design, explained that a “super compact, super powerful V6” was essential for implementing a front mid-engine design, as a “large V8 block” would not fit behind the front axle.

      While having a V8 might offer greater “bragging rights,” Busse noted that it would actually lead to inferior overall performance compared to what the V6 provides today.

      The future of V8s at Maserati may depend on models that can accommodate them, such as a new limited-edition exotic or updated versions of the Levante and Quattroporte. Both were initially expected to go electric but faced delays due to financial constraints and modest EV sales.

      Interestingly, Stellantis revived the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 powertrain option in the Ram 1500, just a year after phasing it out. This indicates that executives may be open to a new V8-powered Maserati, helping the luxury brand compete more effectively with Aston Martin, Porsche, Lamborghini, and Mercedes-AMG. However, with the end of the Ferrari collaboration and increasingly stringent emissions regulations, it remains unclear which V8, if any, would be appropriate for the next generation of Maserati vehicles.

      The GranTurismo and GranCabrio will likely continue to feature the V6 engine.