Although I encourage change and innovation, I must admit that I shed a tear when I learned that Maserati will cease production of V8 engines after 2023.
- Maserati plans to offer a 100% electric lineup by 2030.
- The 5000 GT was the first production car from Maserati equipped with a V8 engine.
Earlier this month, Maserati announced that it was time to move to the next stage of full electrification by eliminating all V8 engines from its range. However, it will still be possible to enjoy the legendary 572-horsepower engine through a series of special editions offered for the Levante, Ghibli, and Quattroporte.
The beginning of a new era
In 1959, Maserati manufactured its first production car equipped with a V8 engine, the 5000 GT. Since then, the Italian manufacturer has produced over 100,000 vehicles powered by 8-cylinder engines. So, Maserati is about to turn an important page of history before moving on to the next chapter.
During its formation in 2021, the Stellantis group gave its divisions 10 years to demonstrate their worth. Maserati, on its part, has aligned itself with electrification to survive, a perfectly logical decision considering the enthusiasm buyers have for electric vehicles. Thus, the Italian manufacturer plans to offer at least one electrified version for each of its models by 2025. The brand also intends to fully electrify its lineup by 2030.
The last V8 engines
The Maserati Trofeo, Ghibli 334 Ultima, and Levante V8 Ultima will officially be the last models in the history of the brand to offer a V8 engine. They will be presented in July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the United Kingdom. Needless to say, they will be highly sought after by brand enthusiasts and especially collectors.
Although it is a necessary evil, knowing that a brand like Maserati is abandoning its traditions saddens me greatly. Today, it is the V8 that disappears, but the Italian manufacturer still offers a wide range of gasoline engines, including the legendary Nettuno V6 engine found in the MC20. Let me tell you that the hourglass is gradually running out for this engine and all the others that use gasoline to operate. Deep down, I hope that Maserati will reconsider its decision, even though I strongly doubt that will happen.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
