Could Maserati’s next supercar come with a manual gearbox?
With financial troubles trailing the Italian supercar company everywhere, Maserati are plannign on bringing a complete manual vehicle with manual gearbox as well.
New Delhi: Maserati may be looking at a troubled future with their sales falling in 2024, along with rumours being rife about their eventual sale. However, it isn’t all bad news for the Italian company, as there is a chance they have a new flagship model from the band with a manual transmission next year, if they gain some momentum in their sale.
While the details about the vehicle are quite bleak, Maserati engineering boss Davide Danesin, in an interview with Autocar, has said that it was possible that such a vehicle might come with a manual gearbox. Danesin further noted that there are people who would much rather buy a completely mechanical car rather than an electric vehicle. He even felt that it was more logical to have a mechanical gearbox with a shifter in a completely mechanical car, and it aligns with the brand’s approach.
Maserati's walkback on electrification
Earlier this year, Maserati went back on their plans for the MC20 following a very weak demand. Many high-end car makers like Maserati have recommitted to ICE and reconsidered EVs due to the falling demand for electric vehicles in quite a few markets. There is even a chance for Lamborghini to abandon plans for an electric GT and go towards a hybrid.
There is also rumours that the base for the Maserati will be the GranTurismo and could be using the brand’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre Netuno V6 engine. In the new MCPura, it manages to produce 621 horsepower. However, if it is in a limited-run halo vehicle, it could pump more horsepower.
A limited-run car might not be the answer to the financial condition the company finds itself in at present. Former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares, whilst leaving the company, even said that there were 14 companies that the conglomerate will be deciding the future of this year. While that leaves Maserati with very little time to get things right, a shift in management might be in their favour.
One thing is clear that the Maserati deems it has a future in ICE cars and not in electrified vehicles yet. Maserati have always made outrageously looking cars with magnificent performance, and for making engines that respond brilliantly. It will be interesting to see how they adjust to the modern consumer demands.