Maserati future plans

Phil H

Phil H

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4,167
It was a mistake to lump Maserati with AR and go mass market, so they will separate and Maserati will, um, go mass market?

Stuff the SUV's, Maserati's a performance brand, innit?

PH
 
keith

keith

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638
One sports car is all that's needed, just to show they still make them.
The real future is SUV and to a lesser extent the saloons.
 
allandwf

allandwf

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10,995
We are in a Biturbo esque period. It will come round again when the bean counters and sports car designers align.
 
MrPea

MrPea

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3,015
Interesting read. I hope it comes true.

What I really like in that article is the picture of the Alfieri and seeing that, even today, it looks bang up to date 4 years later.
 
conaero

conaero

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Christ, they’ve finally picked up on what we’ve all been saying for 5 years. About blooming time!

Alfieri, 4200 size 2+2 sports car and 2 seater Spyder variant

4 seater GranTurismo

SUV(s)

Bin off the Ghibli and mothball the QP for 5 years then re evaluate. Sedans are not in vogue at the moment and the SUV’s are.

It’s not difficult is it?
 
Phil H

Phil H

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4,167
First and foremost, Maserati is (was?) a high performance marque. Its dna was then diluted with a foray into the mass market alongside diesels and other offerings from FCA, and as they were competing against established brands and models the plan wasn't exactly a roaring success. Now they want to divorce the brand from AR and re-establish Maserati's 'niche' credentials but with a highly ambitious plan for a deliverable range that includes SUV's.

I'm not convinced of the latest plan. I suspect the rate of roll-out could only be achieved by the wholesale use of technology and components from elsewhere in the FCA group thereby compromising the 'niche' aspect. As for SUV's, the Levante has done ok'ish, and FCA believes that SUV's are critical for the survival of the marque, but that is a big pond to play in and it will take something quite special to make it work.

PH
 
Andyk

Andyk

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61,157
conaero said:
Christ, they’ve finally picked up on what we’ve all been saying for 5 years. About blooming time!

Alfieri, 4200 size 2+2 sports car and 2 seater Spyder variant

4 seater GranTurismo

SUV(s)

Bin off the Ghibli and mothball the QP for 5 years then re evaluate. Sedans are not in vogue at the moment and the SUV’s are.

It’s not difficult is it?
Click to expand...

This...Spot on Matt.....This is Actualy what lots on the forum have been saying.
 
conaero

conaero

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Indeed Andy, we on here need to support Maserati in this new direction by buying their cars.

I myself am sitting with the Strad waiting for Maserati to produce a true replacement where I will gladly hand over my money. If it goes on much longer I fear my money will be spent on another Italian brand, not something I am wanting to do but I will only be patient for so long.

I do know that my sentiments are shared with many on here, some have already been drawn away.

I agree with Phil’s comments about technology sourcing within the Fiat group.

The Italians have tried this several times thinking they can pull the wool over our eyes but any true petrol head can see through this.

It’s a tricky balance as yes, Maserati have to be commercially viable and some tech will have to be shared to keep costs sensible. The biggest area is the engine. It needs to be an Italian sourced and designed engine, not a rework of a Chrysler unit run through an Italian engineering company (VM Motori) in an attempt to pass it off.

They need to get the small and mid sized coupe/sports cars on brand and break even, then make the bulk sales/profit via the SUV’s
 
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safrane

safrane

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16,869
SUVs are the most competitive segment in todays market and top end ones need to look and drive first rate.

The Levante was a good car that came too late and is still produced to the basic design from when it first came out. To the 'market' it is a bit last year, but it to remain that way for another three/four years. This is a problem in a market that wants the latest/newest thing every year.

Good luck to them but I do not see any revised direction that can be seen as positive.
 
M

Michael

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340
I think they almost had the lineup cracked when Ferrari owned them. All they need to do is; make them in Modena, make them exclusive with as much use Ferrari DNA as they are allowed. Line up should be a smaller QP, Levante, and new GT. Only use a Maserati V6 petrol and Ferrari V8. Loads of personalisation programs and increase prices. Worked well for Bentley.
 
Mattp

Mattp

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501
Michael said:
I think they almost had the lineup cracked when Ferrari owned them. All they need to do is; make them in Modena, make them exclusive with as much use Ferrari DNA as they are allowed. Line up should be a smaller QP, Levante, and new GT. Only use a Maserati V6 petrol and Ferrari V8. Loads of personalisation programs and increase prices. Worked well for Bentley.
Click to expand...

There is still room in the market for a Luxury sedan - something classier than the Germans

but you cant Shrink the QP - The S-Class and 7 Series are massive! what the QP does need is a significant upgrade in performance and comfort... it has the heritage so it also needs to outperform the new AMG S 63, M760IL and Audi S8 - the big merc hitting 60 2 seconds quicker than a QP GTS!!! the other two still under the 4 second mark too.
 
Ryandoc

Ryandoc

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1,845
The words are encouraging. If they would stick a V8 smaller lump and keep the well know exhaust note in the Alfieri they’d nail a stunning car straight off the bat.

Whether or note it all happens is another thing but they need to do something or they’ll suffer end of
 
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