After failing to strike a deal with French carmaker Renault and create a monstrous automotive alliance, the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group is rearranging its priorities and investment strategies. For one of the group’s brands, Maserati, the new strategy translates into new models and electrification.
In a statement released this week, Maserati said it has committed to a path that will eventually lead it to electrification, autonomous driving and perhaps even new heights when it comes to sales.
As part of a €5 billion investment program announced by FCA in Italy, Maserati will start its electrification efforts with the launch of the hybrid Ghibli in 2020. This is the first time the carmaker goes down this road, but it does not plan to stop there.
Sometime in the near future, a new and “eagerly anticipated sports car” will be launched, most likely with an electric powertrain. Following it will be a new utility vehicle which will also be at least in part electrified.
No details are yet known about what electric powertrains Maserati will use, but the promise is they will provide “unique driving modes, extended range and ultra-fast charging capabilities.”
From the existing lineup of cars, the GranTurismo and GranCabrio will get new versions as well, complete with some type of electric drivetrain.
The shift in strategy for Maserati will also include the development of better and newer autonomous driving technologies. Building on the existing Level 2 highway assist system, the carmaker plans to develop a hands-off Level 3 system for its cars.
“All of Maserati’s new models will be 100 percent made in Italy and will adopt hybrid and battery electric propulsion systems capable of providing both innovation and the high performance embedded in the brand’s DNA,” said the Italian carmaker.
Separately, a dedicated workshop will be created within the Modena plant to allow for the creation of a more comprehensive customization program for Maserati buyers.
As part of a €5 billion investment program announced by FCA in Italy, Maserati will start its electrification efforts with the launch of the hybrid Ghibli in 2020. This is the first time the carmaker goes down this road, but it does not plan to stop there.
Sometime in the near future, a new and “eagerly anticipated sports car” will be launched, most likely with an electric powertrain. Following it will be a new utility vehicle which will also be at least in part electrified.
No details are yet known about what electric powertrains Maserati will use, but the promise is they will provide “unique driving modes, extended range and ultra-fast charging capabilities.”
From the existing lineup of cars, the GranTurismo and GranCabrio will get new versions as well, complete with some type of electric drivetrain.
The shift in strategy for Maserati will also include the development of better and newer autonomous driving technologies. Building on the existing Level 2 highway assist system, the carmaker plans to develop a hands-off Level 3 system for its cars.
“All of Maserati’s new models will be 100 percent made in Italy and will adopt hybrid and battery electric propulsion systems capable of providing both innovation and the high performance embedded in the brand’s DNA,” said the Italian carmaker.
Separately, a dedicated workshop will be created within the Modena plant to allow for the creation of a more comprehensive customization program for Maserati buyers.