by Possible Return of V8 in Maserati
Almost a year has passed since Maserati unveiled the last car with a V8 engine. At that time, it marked the end of an era for the brand. However, despite sales difficulties and delays of new models, the company’s engineers do not rule out the return of the V8 in the future.
In 2023, the company announced a transition to electrification by 2030, but due to market changes and uncertainty in regulatory norms, the strategy may be revised. Chief Engineer Davide Danesin noted that the V8 could return in special versions, although the Nettuno V6 remains the main engine.
We know that the market is still interested in the V8, and we cannot say that we will never bring this engine back—perhaps for special versions or specific models.
Why the V6 Remains a Priority
The last V8 from Ferrari produced 572 hp, while Maserati’s own Nettuno V6 engine develops up to 632 hp. Designer Klaus Busse explained that the compact V6 allows for a front-engine layout, which would be impossible with a larger V8. Although the V8 has greater prestige, in some models it could reduce performance compared to the modern V6.
The possibility of the V8’s return is being considered for future models, such as the updated Levante or special exotic versions. Stellantis has already demonstrated flexibility by bringing back some traditional engines after their discontinuation. However, due to the end of the partnership with Ferrari and strict environmental regulations, the question of the power source for future Maseratis remains open.
Recent years have shown that the transition to electrification does not always go according to plan. Many manufacturers, including Maserati, face ambiguous market reactions, forcing them to seek a balance between traditional and innovative solutions. At the same time, growing competition from Aston Martin, Porsche, and other premium brands could become an additional incentive to return powerful engines to the lineup.
