Tag Archives: Maserati

Maserati to Unveil New Model at Goodwood Festival of Speed

Maserati has set the stage for an unforgettable showcase at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, one of the most prestigious motoring events on the global calendar. Amid the rolling hills and historic backdrop of West Sussex, the Italian marque is not just participating—it’s making a powerful statement. The House of the Trident is using Goodwood to unveil a world debut, signaling a bold new chapter in its legacy of performance, luxury, and design.

A World Premiere with Italian Soul

At the heart of Maserati’s presence is a mysterious new creation, described as an “authentic expression of energy,” crafted in true Maserati fashion. This global debut marks the culmination of a journey that began in Modena—Maserati’s spiritual and technical homeland—and arrives at Goodwood with both reverence and spectacle. While details remain tightly guarded, expectations are sky-high, especially given the context of the “Year of the Trident” celebrations.

Track-Bred Thrills: GT2 Stradale

Among the stars of the Supercar Paddock is the jaw-dropping Maserati GT2 Stradale, a road-homologated evolution of the championship-winning GT2 race car. Under the hood lies the heart of a beast—the 640 hp (471 kW) Nettuno V6 engine, catapulting the Stradale from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds, and on to a top speed of over 320 km/h. It’s the most powerful road-legal combustion-engine Maserati ever built.

Clad in a dazzling Blu Corse finish from the Officine Fuoriserie program, the GT2 Stradale combines motorsport function with unmistakable Italian flair. With 20” alloy wheels, matte carbon-fiber accents, and black Alcantara with Alcantara Blu racing seats, it exudes both aggression and elegance—fitting for a car born on the track and built for the road.

Refined Performance: GranCabrio

Next in Maserati’s triumphant trio is the sophisticated GranCabrio, now presented in a striking Verde Giada paintwork. Powered by a 490 hp, 3.0-liter Nettuno Twin Turbo V6, the GranCabrio rockets to 100 km/h in just 4 seconds and reaches a top speed of 300 km/h—while keeping all four passengers in sublime comfort.

Its retractable soft top, diamond-cut wheels (20” front, 21” rear), and Ice-colored perforated full-grain leather cabin make it a masterclass in open-air grand touring. Blending top-tier craftsmanship with a dynamic edge, this convertible embodies the true Maserati duality: style and substance.

Extreme Exclusivity: MCXtrema

For the track purists and collectors, the MCXtrema is Maserati’s ultimate expression of unfiltered power. Built exclusively for the circuit and limited to just 62 units worldwide, this supercar is not just a machine—it’s an event.

Finished in a custom Blue Xtrema livery, the MCXtrema houses a blistering 740-hp version of the Nettuno engine. Designed for gentleman drivers and elite enthusiasts, this purpose-built racer merges advanced aerodynamics with a design language that screams velocity. It’s the kind of car that makes an impression even standing still—and will make a statement as it devours the Goodwood Hillclimb.

The Iconic Hillclimb Challenge

All three models—GT2 Stradale, GranCabrio, and MCXtrema—aren’t just for show. They’ll take on the iconic Goodwood Hillclimb, a demanding 1.86-kilometer course weaving through tight corners, stone walls, and narrow tree-lined passages. The hill’s 100-meter ascent tests even the most skilled drivers and machines, and Maserati’s lineup is more than ready for the challenge.

A Festival Steeped in Heritage

Since its inception in 1993, the Goodwood Festival of Speed has evolved into a dynamic celebration of motorsport, innovation, and design. From classic legends to cutting-edge prototypes, the event bridges generations of performance, with Maserati playing a central role in 2025’s narrative.

This year is especially poignant. As Maserati honors its 100-year-old Trident emblem and prepares for the 2026 centenary of its racing debut with the Tipo 26—which claimed class victory at the Targa Florio—it reaffirms a commitment to excellence that stretches from the past into a bold new future.

A New Chapter for the Trident

Goodwood is more than a showcase—it’s a stage. And Maserati, with its blend of heritage, innovation, and sheer performance, is delivering a show worthy of the brand’s legendary name. Whether it’s through the raw power of the MCXtrema, the elegant ferocity of the GT2 Stradale, or the graceful speed of the GranCabrio, Maserati is proving that Italian craftsmanship and passion for driving remain timeless.

As the engines roar and the Hillclimb beckons, one thing is clear: the Trident is sharper than ever.

Source: Maserati

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

Gallery:

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