Maserati Smart Strategy to Maintain Relevance

Signs are mounting that Maserati is developing a new high-performance model. Recently, the Italian luxury brand filed a trademark for “MC25,” sparking speculation among enthusiasts. Additionally, Maserati engineering chief has teased the possibility of a limited-edition car powered by a V8 engine. Adding more weight to these rumors, the company’s chief operating officer, Santo Ficili, has further hinted at the project’s progress.

As with previous Maserati rumors, Ficili stops short of officially confirming the new model, but his comments add to the growing buzz. The limited-edition super-GT could debut as early as 2026, with more details gradually emerging about what to expect.

A New Maserati Super GT on the Horizon

“We have endless opportunities to customize our products across the entire Maserati lineup,” Ficili said, as reported by The Super Blog. “I’m thinking along the lines of what we’ve done before, including with Alfa Romeo. It’s entirely possible to create a limited-run Maserati. Just look at the histories of both brands — iconic cars like the 33 Stradale inspire us to create something similarly special.”

Ficili also dropped some intriguing hints about the upcoming Maserati model, alongside potential developments at Alfa Romeo.

“We want to emphasize that his remarks were meant as a general reflection on Maserati’s ability to pursue bespoke projects inspired by its rich heritage. There was no indication of finalized plans, confirmed feasibility, or specific timelines.

This conversation was solely about potential future possibilities. Any official updates on Maserati’s product lineup will be shared through the brand’s authorized channels when the time is right.”

-Maserati spokesperson

What We Know So Far About the Rumored Maserati

The growing buzz around the upcoming limited-edition Maserati points to a possible return of a V8-powered model. Maserati’s previous eight-cylinder engine was sourced through a licensing agreement with Ferrari, a partnership that concluded with the Ghibli 334 Ultima in 2023.

Ficili drew a parallel between Maserati’s potential project and the recent Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, which was limited to just 33 units. This car could offer clues about what to expect from the rumored Maserati. The 33 Stradale stood out with its distinctive exterior styling and a cabin unlike anything else in Alfa Romeo’s lineup. Under the hood, it packed a mid-mounted, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 612 horsepower, sending power solely to the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

If Maserati is indeed working on a new limited-run model, it signals confidence in its position within the Stellantis group. Earlier rumors suggested that Maserati might be put up for sale, but investing in a specialized boutique vehicle implies the brand is secure enough to pursue ambitious projects despite the speculation.

Maserati’s most recent release, the MCPura (shown above), takes the MC20 and transforms it into a more aggressive and striking machine. It retains the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Nettuno V6 engine, delivering the same 621 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque as the standard model. The MCPura features a more pronounced front end and other aerodynamic tweaks that boost downforce by 5% and enhance cooling. It also sheds weight, tipping the scales at 3,043 pounds compared to the MC20’s 3,306 pounds.