Enthusiasts love to heckle Maserati, the quirky Italian brand with less than stellar reliability. Electrical issues and body panel fitment problems plague Maseratis of new and old, but we should remember that the brand remains an engineering icon. For better or for worse, the colorful Italian automaker is a longtime pioneer in new technology and new ways to drive. Many once shakey applications now shape the world of today's enthusiast cars. From turbocharging to Ferrari collaborations, the Maserati brand commands your respect. Here are five advancements that the beloved Italians shaped.
5 Twin-Turbocharging
Today consumers can find even the most basic economy sedan whirring around with a turbo four-cylinder. But 40 years ago, turbocharging was exotic, and two turbochargers were otherworldly. Saab took the first steps in casual turbocharger applications with their 1978 99 Turbo. But everything changed in 1982 with the release of the Maserati Biturbo, the first car with twin turbochargers. Available as either a coupe, sedan, or convertible, the Bi-turbo utilizes twin-turbochargers to bring the supercar performance to an everyday luxury car. They work in tandem producing jolts of upper-end power previously unheard of within the segment. The Biturbo is still one of the best-selling Maseratis at all time, and it built the framework for twin-turbo vehicles today.
4 Frame Work For The Sports Sedan
Many will argue that the sports sedan came much later than the original Quattroporte as a product from BMW. But the Maserati Quattroporte, at the very least, built the framework. The original Quattroporte is Maserati's first sedan, with series one production commencing in 1963. Hailing from an era that we associate sedans with comfort over performance, the Quattroporte shines bright. It is one of the first sedans with the true exotic characteristics of Italian sports cars. An all-aluminum 4.7 liter Maserati V8 sends power to the rear wheels through a fabulous five-speed manual. Hydraulic dampers, four-wheel inboard disc brakes, and dual anti-roll bars create a driving experience very unlike contemporary sedans. As the quickest four-door of its era, it even ousts its competition from Lagonda and Facel Vega with a top speed of 143 mph. The original Quattroporte rethinks traditional sedan values, depite hailing from another era entirely. Today, the current Quattroporte retains the same formula.
3 A Respectable V6 Supercar
Maserati certainly did not invent the V6 supercar, but they are making it respectable with the MC20. The all-new Spyder features the Formula One twin-turbo Nettuno V6. With a host of tricks up its sleeve, such as a pre-combustion chamber and no balance shaft, the engineering marvel is built for power in an era when a blend with efficiency is key. A stout 630 horsepower propels the carbon fiber queen to 60 in only 2.7 seconds, overtaking much of its V8 competition. The MC20 is a monument to 21st-century technology and illustrates the future of supercars. As we evolve manufacturers like Maserati will continue to push the boundaries of electric and small-displacement powerplants.
2 Electric Grand Tourer
No one expected Maserati's GranTurismo successor to be electric, but the brand is pushing boundaries. The GranTurismo Folgore enters production next year and is on track to be the first all-electric grand touring coupe for enthusiasts. By nature, GT cars are comfortable luxury coupes with the power and handling characteristics to rocket through mountain roads. Maserati is creating a proper electric driver's car with a 760 horsepower tri-motor GranTurismo. With a 200 mph top speed and Maserati handling, they are the first brand to hit the electric and exotic apex. Whether or not the average Maserati enthusiast will bend to the concept is unknown, but it is undeniable that Maserati is pushing performance driving into new waters. Other brands are already following with their own electric grand touring cars, but the GranTurismo Folgore will beat them to market.
1 An Enthusiast SUV?
No modern automotive portfolio is complete without including an SUV, and not even Aston Martin is above this new rule. Just because a vehicle can haul the kids doesn't mean it can't be fun. Maserati's Levante Trofeo is a true enthusiast SUV. Ferrari builds the massive twin-turbo V-8 sitting behind the Trofeo's concave grille. It produces 590 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque, more than enough to exceed traditional SUV duty. The SUV hits 60 in 3.8 seconds with enough space to handle even the largest Ikea trip. With loads of a legroom and interior amenities road trip comfort is something you could only dream of in a coupe. While it is unlikely that a ripping SUV is an enthusiasts first choice, we applaud Maserati for what will likely be a welcome compromise when it comes to a family buyer getting their dream Maserati.