Tag Archives: Maserati

Motorsport

Maserati MCXtrema Honors Racing Heritage at the 24 Hours of Spa

The Trident has returned in full force. Maserati, the iconic Italian marque with racing in its blood, made a commanding presence at the legendary CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa, marking a symbolic moment in its countdown to a century of motorsport history. With deep ties to Spa-Francorchamps and a legacy built on passion, performance, and prestige, Maserati’s appearance this year was far more than ceremonial—it was a triumphant statement.

A Celebration of Legends Past

At the heart of the week’s festivities stood the MCXtrema, Maserati’s wild, track-only creation, wearing a bespoke livery that echoed the past while charging into the future. Serving as the official Leading Car for the 2025 edition of the race, the MCXtrema paid tribute to a golden moment: the 20th anniversary of the MC12’s unforgettable 2005 victory at Spa, achieved in unpredictable weather by the legendary Vitaphone Racing Team trio—Michael Bartels, Timo Scheider, and Eric van de Poele.

That win, followed by further triumphs in 2006 and 2008, cemented the MC12’s place in motorsport history and elevated Maserati to near-mythic status in GT racing. Today, the MCXtrema honors that heritage—not merely through its aggressive silhouette and raw power, but through a symbolic blue and black livery adorned with a bold Trident, the names of Maserati’s icons, and the circuits where the brand left its mark.

Leading the traditional parade of GT cars through the city of Spa, the MCXtrema, driven by none other than multiple world champion Andrea Bertolini, was more than just a showpiece—it was a roaring reminder of Maserati’s enduring presence and relevance in top-tier motorsport.

Back on Track in the GT2 Arena

While the MCXtrema ruled the streets, Maserati’s GT2 program returned to the grid for Round 3 of the GT2 European Series by Pirelli. The #7 DINAMIC Motorsport GT2, piloted by Roberto Pampanini and Mauro Calamia (Pro-Am class), and the #1 LP Racing GT2 with Philippe Prette (Am class), showcased the marque’s competitive ambitions in modern GT racing.

Their participation signifies more than just points on a leaderboard—it reflects Maserati’s strategic and spirited return to racing, with eyes set on victories that will carry the brand into its centennial year in 2026.

A Complete Support Role – Maserati Takes Over Spa

Beyond the grid, Maserati provided a full fleet of support vehicles for the 24-hour spectacle. From Safety Cars to Medical Cars, the Italian brand’s modern range was everywhere. The line-up featured the MCXtrema, the GT2 Stradale, and the MC20, along with two versions of the Grecale SUV—one packing the fire-breathing 530-hp Nettuno V6 in the Trofeo trim, the other showcasing Maserati’s all-electric future with the Grecale Folgore.

This collaboration with SRO Motorsports Group represents more than logistics—it’s a fusion of motorsport tradition and the technological evolution of one of Italy’s most storied manufacturers.

A Road to 100 Years of Racing Excellence

Speaking from the paddock, Maria Conti, Head of Maserati Corse, reflected on the brand’s dual mission. “Celebrating the MC12’s historic victory with the MCXtrema is not only about honoring the past,” she said. “It’s also about embracing our next chapter. With every lap, every car, and every celebration, we’re writing the story that leads to our 100th year in motorsport.”

That story began nearly a century ago in 1926, when the Maserati Tipo 26 claimed class victory at the Targa Florio with Alfieri Maserati at the wheel. Today, the Trident’s journey continues—electrified, globalized, and forever driven by passion.

A Future Anchored in Heritage

As the engines cooled and the champagne flowed at Spa, one truth stood clear: Maserati’s past may be glorious, but its future is electric—figuratively and literally. The brand’s modern range, from the GranTurismo Folgore to the GT2 Stradale, reflects a new vision rooted in old values: performance, elegance, and Italian soul.

As the 2026 centenary approaches, and with Spa once again echoing the sound of Maserati engines, the legend rolls on.

Source: Maserati

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Maserati MCXtrema Honors Racing Heritage at the 24 Hours of Spa
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Stellantis Hits the Brakes on EVs, Bets on Maserati–Alfa Romeo Alliance

In a bid to revive the fortunes of two of Italy’s most iconic automotive brands, Stellantis has announced plans to deepen cooperation between Maserati and Alfa Romeo. The move comes after a dramatic 57% drop in Maserati sales last year, which saw the luxury marque sell fewer than 12,000 vehicles — sparking rumors about a potential sale that the company has since firmly denied.

Despite persistent speculation, Stellantis has made it clear that a merger between Maserati and Alfa Romeo is not on the table. Instead, the strategy is to foster operational synergy between the brands, both of which are facing significant headwinds in a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.

“Maserati is not for sale and will not be shut down,” a Stellantis spokesperson confirmed. “However, urgent action is needed.”

That action comes in the form of increased collaboration between Maserati and Alfa Romeo, which are geographically close — just 250 kilometers apart — and share similar technical and brand heritage. Santo Filici, who now heads both brands, revealed that the plan is currently under review and awaiting final approval from Stellantis’ new top leadership.

Executive Director Antonio Filosa is expected to meet with senior representatives from both brands on June 23 to formalize the initiative.

In an interview with Drive.com.au, Filici outlined the vision: the brands will jointly develop future models, aiming to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency. While a full-scale merger is off the table — Alfa Romeo being positioned as a “premium” brand and Maserati as a “luxury” marque — the collaboration is intended to “find synergies wherever possible.”

Industry watchers say the move reflects Stellantis’ broader efforts to streamline operations across its sprawling portfolio of 14 automotive brands. Former CEO Carlos Tavares previously acknowledged that while the product lineup was strong, poor marketing and unclear positioning contributed to Maserati’s decline.

In one high-profile example, the fully electric Maserati MC20 was recently canceled amid findings that affluent customers still strongly prefer combustion engines. Additionally, the next-generation Quattroporte, intended to replace both the existing model and the Ghibli, has now been delayed until 2028.

Alfa Romeo, meanwhile, is also navigating troubled waters. The new iterations of the Stelvio and Giulia — originally planned as EV-only vehicles — are being reengineered to include internal combustion variants. The shift follows a broader industry trend of backtracking from all-electric ambitions due to uncertain consumer demand and infrastructure readiness.

With the luxury and premium automotive segments under pressure from both macroeconomic headwinds and shifting technological demands, Stellantis’ gamble on greater cooperation between Maserati and Alfa Romeo may prove to be a crucial test of whether tradition and innovation can be reconciled to save two of Italy’s most storied car brands.

Source: Drive.com.au

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Maserati’s Next Move: Is the MC25 the Future of Italian Speed?

It’s hard to believe that the Maserati MC20—hailed as the brand’s triumphant return to the supercar world—has now been on the road for five years. Unveiled in September 2020, the MC20 marked a new chapter for the Italian marque. Now, Maserati may be preparing to turn the page once again.

A recent trademark filing with the United States Patent and Trademark Office has sparked speculation that a successor could be on the horizon. Maserati submitted an application for the name “MC25,” a designation that aligns seamlessly with its current naming convention. The move has left enthusiasts and industry insiders wondering whether a next-generation supercar is closer than expected.

While no official announcements have been made, the timing is curious. A 2025 debut for a model named MC25 would seem logical, especially given the typical five-year life cycle of modern performance cars. However, Maserati faces a complex and challenging backdrop as it contemplates its future.

The brand’s recent performance in the market has been sobering. Sales dropped a staggering 57% from 26,600 units in 2023 to just 11,300 in 2024. This steep decline follows a broader shake-up of Maserati’s product line. In recent years, the company has phased out key models such as the Levante SUV and the Ghibli sedan—vehicles that once carried much of the brand’s commercial weight. Their replacements are still in the pipeline, leaving Maserati in a precarious transitional phase.

Last year, rumors swirled about a possible sell-off of the brand by parent company Stellantis, which Maserati was quick to quash. In April 2025, Stellantis reaffirmed its commitment to Maserati, insisting the brand was not for sale, despite growing concerns over its long-term viability.

Given these challenges, a full-blown new supercar may be financially out of reach. However, Maserati could pursue a more strategic update of the MC20, introducing a refreshed model under the MC25 name. The brand hinted at such possibilities in 2023 with the unveiling of the MCXtrema—a track-only evolution of the MC20 featuring a 730-horsepower version of the Nettuno 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine.

This proof of concept demonstrated Maserati’s continued prowess in performance engineering, suggesting that a road-legal MC25 could borrow heavily from the MCXtrema’s innovations. New styling, aerodynamic tweaks, and an uprated powertrain could be enough to rekindle interest and sustain the supercar line during uncertain times.

For now, Maserati fans will have to remain patient. The company has not confirmed any plans for an MC20 successor, and its current focus appears to be on stabilizing its business amid a rapidly evolving automotive industry. But with the MC25 name officially registered, it’s clear that something is brewing in Modena. Whether it’s a mild refresh or an all-new machine, the next chapter in Maserati’s supercar story might be closer than we think.

Source: CarBuzz