There is a lot of news coming from the Maserati brand as of recently. Maserati has announced its innovation plan for production, electrification, and autonomous driving technologies for its future vehicles. The brand has also announced new plans for a series of new and electrified vehicles that will be built in Modena, Cassino, and Turin (Mirafiori and Grugliasco). That’s right, all of Maserati’s new models will be manufactured in Italy and falls in place with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ (FCA) €5 billion investment program for Italy.
The new vehicles will adopt both hybrid and battery electric propulsion systems, which will be providing both innovation and high-performance technology in line with the Maserati brand’s DNA. According to Maserati, all-electric models will combine traditional Maserati driving dynamics with the addition of next-generation battery-electric technology. The vehicles will feature unique driving modes, extended range, as well as ultra-fast charging capabilities.
One of the biggest advancements for the Maserati brand is the innovation and integration of Autonomous Driving. Maserati is stating that all of its future models, as well as its current offerings, will offer some type of autonomous driving capabilities. This starts with Maserati’s Level 2 enhanced Highway Assist system and progresses into Level 3 with hands-off driving capabilities which offers the ability to maneuver in and out of lanes or bring the vehicle to a safe stop at the side of the road if the driver is unable to take control of the vehicle.
Starting in 2020, the brand will introduce its first electrified offering with the Maserati Ghibli. The four-door sedan will be produced in Turin. Maserati, also said its first totally new vehicle to adapt the new technologies will be a highly-anticipated sports car that will be built at the Company’s Modena plant. Currently, the plant is undergoing a major production overhaul to accommodate the new sports car’s electric powertrain. That vehicle will be followed up by a new SUV, that is said to play a leading role for the brand and its innovative technologies. The new SUV will be assembled in Cassino, in which a completely new €800 million production line is currently under construction and is scheduled to open at the end of the first quarter of 2020. The first pre-production vehicles are expected to be rolling off the line by 2021.
The brand also announced that its popular GranTurismo and GranCabrio models will continue to be in the brand’s lineup in the future. However, they will take on a completely different role with new fully-electric versions of the next-generation GranTurismo and GranCabrio being built in Turin. Maserati will keep the Levante, Quattroporte, and Ghibli models in the lineup, but will be continuing to implement new technologies into the current products.
Maserati is also reinforcing the importance of its commitment to its Italian roots in regards to its production, in particular, its plant in Modena. Currently, construction is underway for a new state-of-the-art paint shop for the plant, which will feature innovative low environmental impact technologies. The new paint shop will also feature a viewing area for Maserati customers to watch their vehicles being painted. Adding to the owner’s experience, the brand has announced it will also be introducing a new customization program for those customers who are seeking a one-of-a-kind level of exclusivity. This will be done in a customization workshop that is being created at the Modena plant.
So what do you think of Maserati’s plans of going forward with mostly electric powertrains? Leave your comment below.
