In an interview with Autocar, Maserati’s head of engineering, Davide Danesin, stated that many customers “don’t feel right” about electric supercars. This discomfort isn’t limited to hypercars—it extends to performance vehicles across the board, from hot hatches to multi-million-dollar exotics. Maserati is now doubling down on creating a more traditional, analog driving experience.
Danesin acknowledged that there is a segment of customers who still desire a “fully mechanical car.” These enthusiasts showed little interest in the electric MC20 variant, prompting the brand to reconsider its direction. Electric vehicles come with added complexity and weight, often diluting the purity of the driving experience. Maserati’s new plan is to focus on delivering raw, engaging performance through internal combustion engines.
A manual transmission is once again under consideration. Maserati hasn’t sold a manual-equipped car since the mid-2000s, but Danesin suggested that it would make perfect sense for a low-volume model. “If our goal is to create a completely mechanical car, then a manual gearbox with a physical shifter aligns perfectly with that mindset,” he said. “To be honest, I think one day we’ll do it.”
Additionally, Maserati is reportedly working more closely with Alfa Romeo, with the possibility of a jointly developed gasoline-powered supercar in the pipeline. Following the release of the limited-run 33 Stradale—which shared carbon-fiber and aluminum elements with the MC20—this new collaboration could result in another stunning creation.
The Maserati variant of the project is expected to be based on the GranTurismo and powered by an enhanced version of the company’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. The engine is rumored to produce more than 621 horsepower without hybrid or electric assistance, reinforcing Maserati’s renewed faith in pure combustion performance.
