Well, as I see it, this new entry level (ie CHEAP) Maserati is being based on the New Chrysler 300C. Now its not a bad car, and it will certainly have the Italian touch added to it. If they stick to this, then I dont see it being much of a problem, except, they are cheapening the brand. We have seen with the advent of the GT that these cars are attracting a different market, ie the German one. This makes more money but leaves the passionate ones feeling deflated.
If they just go with the entry level Maser, I think they will just get away with it, but if they apply this to the sports coupes and luxury segments (GT and QP) then this spells disaster.
Let us just remember what happened to Alfa. It was ticking along then some fool ditched probably one of the greatest engines ever, the V6 Arese and stuck in the Yank V6, and geared for mass market and not the enthusiast, and the result, the Brera and 159 and we all know that this was a missed opportunity.
The Maserati brand needs to have the Ferrari engine, even in a de tuned state, otherwise the perception will be of a glorified Alfa.
This is how it should go:
Fiat 4 Cylinder, Alfa V6, Maserati V8, Ferrari V8 & V12
What is happening, is they are being shifted along:
Fiat 4 Cylinder, Alfa 4 Cylinder turbo, Maserati V6, Ferrari V8
Is this what the people want or the accountants?