Engines Remain Key Part of Maserati’s Future

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV’s Maserati unit is due to launch several electrified vehicles in coming years, but the brand remains committed to piston engines.

Maserati vehicles need the “raw emotion” generated by piston engines, Al Gardner, who heads the company’s North American operations, tells analysts. This could be in the form of traditional stand-alone engines or hybrid-electric systems, he notes.

Maserati, which sources its V-6 and V-8 engines from Ferrari, plans to offer electric variants of all its models by 2022. The rollout will start next year with the Alfieri sports car (pictured in concept form), which will be available as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or full-electric model. A conventionally powered variant may be in the works too.