- Maserati confirms Alfieri, a mid-size SUV, and four EVs.
- The Levante, Ghibli and Quattroporte will enter into a new generation.
- A plug-in hybrid variant of the Levante and Quattroporte
Maserati has revealed an aggressive revamp of its entire line-up at the FCA Capital Markets Day speech held today. The Italian carmaker will witness the introduction of new models, new generations of the current cars, elimination of the diesel powerplant, and the introduction of electric vehicles by 2022.
Firstly, the Italian carmaker has confirmed the Alfieri to be their halo product. It will be launched in coupé and convertible body style and built on a new aluminium space frame, with a fully modular chassis. It will have provision for three powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid. We have seen the Alfieri in the concept form showcased at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. Maserati promises a 0-100kmph time of two seconds with a 300kmph+ top speed for the Alfieri.
There is an all-new mid-size SUV confirmed as well. The unnamed SUV will have a 50:50 weight distribution and best-in-class lightweight platform. It will also have a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio and a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Apart from the mid-size SUV, there is also large UV in the pipeline which might sit above the Levante. At the moment, however, no official word has been put out in thia regard.
Speaking of Levant, the Maserati’s first SUV along with the Quattroporte sedan will enter into a new generation. Both the vehicles will share the new modular platform and have Maserati’s Q4 all-wheel-drive system. But surprisingly, the Levante and Quattroporte will also receive an electrified plug-in hybrid variant when they arrive sometime before 2022.
At the same time, Maserati will completely eliminate the diesel powertrain from its line-up and will completely focus on the plug-in and electric power plants. The Modena-based carmaker will introduce a new vertical called “Maserati Blue”. This new “Blue” model line-up will include fully-electric versions of the Alfieri coupe and cabriolet along with Levante and Quattroporte. The powertrain will have a three-motor AWD set-up with torque vectoring and an 800V battery pack. Maserati promises limited space intrusion, long range, and quick charge times with these Blue models.
A total of eight plug-in hybrid models are part of the plan. Meanwhile, the Ghibli will be replaced with a new-generation sedan. Maserati will also develop a Level 3 autonomous technology for its vehicle range by 2022. The Italian marque also aims to sell one lakh units in this four-year period. When this ambitious plan materializes, Maserati will be able to take on Porsche and Tesla with its reform vehicle portfolio.
