Maserati: Audio Pornography in a Tuxedo

Maserati is a brand defined by two things: breathtaking sound and heart-stopping depreciation. Historically offering Ferrari-built engines in bodies designed by Pininfarina, they are the definition of "affordable exotic" on the used market. A Maserati GranTurismo is arguably the best-sounding car ever made, but ownership requires a brave soul.

Origin: Italy
Est. 1914
Maserati Hero Vehicle

Model Lineup

Explore the current production vehicles.

MC20

The dawn of a new era. A mid-engine, carbon-fiber super sports car with a revolutionary Nettuno V6 engine derived from F1. It is a masterpiece of lightweight engineering and pure, unadulterated Italian performance. The soul of the brand, reborn.

Production 2020-Present

GranTurismo

The quintessential Italian grand tourer, reborn. The GranTurismo masterfully blends breathtaking design with long-distance comfort and thrilling performance, now available with the Nettuno V6 or the all-electric Folgore powertrain. A timeless masterpiece.

Production 2007-Present

Grecale

The Everyday Exceptional. The Grecale is a versatile luxury SUV that brings Maserati's signature performance and style to the daily drive. The Trofeo version, with its Nettuno V6, is a true performance SUV with the soul of a supercar.

Production 2023-Present

Levante

The Maserati of SUVs. The Levante was the brand's first-ever SUV, combining dramatic styling and luxurious appointments with the exhilarating sound and performance of a Ferrari-derived V8 in the Trofeo model. Unmistakably Italian.

Production 2016-Present

Quattroporte

The original luxury sport sedan. For sixty years, the Quattroporte ('four doors') has been the choice of connoisseurs, a flagship that combines limousine-like comfort with the heart-pounding performance and sound of a Ferrari-built engine.

Production 1963-Present

Ghibli

The sport sedan with the soul of a grand tourer. The Ghibli brings a dose of Italian passion to the executive sedan class, offering seductive styling and the intoxicating sound that only a Maserati can provide. It's a statement of individuality.

Production 1967-1973, 2013-Present

MC12

A road-going Le Mans champion. The MC12 was a rare, Enzo-based hypercar built for pure GT1 racing dominance. With its dramatic, wide body and incredible V12, it is one of the most extreme and successful racing cars of the modern era.

Production 2004-2005

3200 GT

The car with the legendary 'boomerang' taillights. The 3200 GT was a stunning and charismatic coupe that heralded Maserati's late 90s renaissance, powered by a potent twin-turbo V8. A true modern classic with an unforgettable design.

Production 1998-2002

Shamal

A brutal, compact, and muscular coupe from the mind of Marcello Gandini. The Shamal was a true beast, a twin-turbocharged V8 monster with an aggressive, angular design that demanded respect. A rare and legendary powerhouse of the 90s.

Production 1990-1996

Bora

Maserati's first-ever mid-engine supercar. The Bora was a masterpiece of Giugiaro design, a sophisticated and powerful machine that blended brutal V8 performance with surprising comfort and usability for its time. A true 70s icon.

Production 1971-1978

Merak

The agile and stylish 'baby Bora.' The Merak shared much of its stunning Giugiaro design with its bigger V8 sibling but was powered by a lively V6 engine, offering a more nimble and accessible mid-engine experience with a distinctly Italian character.

Production 1972-1983

Mistral

The last Maserati to feature the brand's legendary race-derived twin-spark, double-overhead-cam straight-six engine. The Mistral was a beautiful and sophisticated grand tourer, a true connoisseur's choice from a golden era of Italian motoring.

Production 1963-1970

3500 GT

The car that saved Maserati and established it as a premier builder of road cars. The 3500 GT was a stunningly beautiful grand tourer that combined a race-bred inline-six engine with elegant coachwork. A masterpiece of post-war Italian design.

Production 1957-1964

A6GCS/53

A rolling sculpture and a legend of the Mille Miglia. The A6GCS/53 is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful sports racing cars ever created, a perfect synthesis of thrilling performance and breathtaking open-top Italian design.

Production 1953-1955

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The Symphony of Modena

There is a general consensus in the automotive world: Maserati makes the best-sounding engines in history. Not the fastest, not the most reliable, but the best sounding.

For years, Maserati acted as the "Grand Touring" arm of the Ferrari empire. This meant you got a Ferrari-built V8 (the F136 engine), but placed in a comfortable, stunningly beautiful sedan or coupe. When you uncork a GranTurismo MC Stradale in a tunnel, it doesn't sound like a car; it sounds like a ripping canvas mixed with thunder.

The GranTurismo: A Modern Classic

The GranTurismo (2007–2019) is the brand's masterpiece. Designed by Pininfarina, it is timeless. It manages to look aggressive yet elegant. Because they made them for so long, prices have dropped significantly.

For roughly $30,000–$40,000, you can buy a used GranTurismo that looks like it costs $150,000 and sounds like a Formula 1 car. It is the ultimate "baller on a budget" vehicle in the US.

The "Chrysler Parts Bin" Controversy

Maserati has a complicated relationship with its corporate cousins. Under the ownership of Stellantis (formerly FCA), newer models like the Ghibli and Levante share architecture with American cars.

Critics love to point out that the window switches, headlight knobs, and infotainment screens in a $80,000 Maserati Ghibli are the exact same ones found in a Dodge Dart or Jeep Cherokee. While the engines are Italian, the touchpoints often feel decidedly American rental car. This has hurt the brand's prestige among snobs, but the driving dynamics remain sharp.

The Depreciation King

Maserati holds a painful title: The King of Depreciation.

If you buy a new Maserati Quattroporte, you can expect to lose nearly 50% of its value in the first three years. This is a disaster for the first owner, but a miracle for the second owner. You can pick up luxury sedans with Ferrari DNA for the price of a Honda Accord. Just be ready for the maintenance bills.

The Comeback: MC20

Maserati recently proved they can still stand on their own. The MC20 is a mid-engine supercar built entirely by Maserati (no Ferrari engine this time). It uses the new "Nettuno" V6 engine with F1-derived pre-chamber ignition. It is beautiful, fast, and proves the Trident still has sharp points.

Buying Advice: The Variators

If you are tempted by a cheap used Maserati (specifically the 4.2L models from the early 2000s like the Coupe/Spyder/early Quattroporte):

  • Cam Variators: The variable valve timing units can fail, leading to catastrophic engine noise (the "death rattle"). It is an expensive fix.
  • The "F1" Clutch: The DuoSelect automated manual transmission eats clutches rapidly. Reversing up a hill can destroy the clutch in seconds. Look for the later "ZF" automatic models (Automca) for a smoother life.

Owning a Maserati is a toxic relationship. It will take all your money and break your heart, but when you hear that V8 sing at 7,000 RPM, you will forgive it for everything.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the driving range of the 2026 Maserati GranTurismo Folgore?

The 2026 Maserati GranTurismo Folgore, the brand's first 100% electric coupe, features a 92.5 kWh battery pack with an EPA-estimated range of approximately 240 to 250 miles. Developed with Formula E technology, it uses an 800V architecture to allow for ultra-fast charging.

For US drivers, this means you can add up to 100 miles of range in just 5 minutes when using a 270 kW DC fast charger, making it one of the most practical high-performance EVs for long-distance travel across the United States.

How many motors does the Maserati Folgore tri-motor system have?

Maserati’s Folgore powertrain features a groundbreaking tri-motor setup: one motor at the front and two at the rear. This configuration delivers a combined output of 761 horsepower (with a peak "Max Boost" of up to 818 hp) and a staggering 995 lb-ft of torque.

This layout allows for advanced torque vectoring on the rear axle, providing the car with incredible agility and traction by independently managing the power sent to each rear wheel during high-speed cornering on American tracks.

What are the performance specs of the Maserati MC20 Nettuno V6 engine?

The MC20 and MC20 Cielo are powered by the 3.0L twin-turbo Nettuno V6, the first Maserati engine in over 20 years built entirely in-house. It utilizes a Formula 1-derived Twin Combustion system with a passive pre-chamber and twin spark plugs.

In the US-spec MC20, this engine produces 621 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque, propelling the carbon-fiber supercar from 0 to 60 mph in less than 2.9 seconds with a top speed exceeding 202 mph.

What is the price and range of the 2026 Maserati Grecale Folgore?

The Grecale Folgore is Maserati’s first 100% electric SUV in the US market, starting at an MSRP of approximately $121,000. It features a large 105 kWh battery and a dual-motor AWD system producing 550 horsepower.

With an EPA range expected to sit near 280 miles, it competes directly with luxury electric SUVs by offering a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds and a sustainable "Econyl" interior made from recycled nylon fibers like abandoned fishing nets.

What does the Maserati "Extra10" Warranty Program cover in the USA?

The Maserati Extra10 program is an industry-leading extended warranty that covers major powertrain components (engine, transmission, and gearbox) for up to 10 years from the original registration date. This program is available for all new Maserati models sold in the United States.

Unlike standard warranties, the Extra10 remains with the vehicle if sold, significantly bolstering the resale value and providing long-term peace of mind for owners of high-performance models like the Levante or Ghibli.

How do Maserati’s drive modes (Corsa, GT, Sport) change the car?

Maserati’s Drive Mode Selector (the "Manettino") allows US drivers to recalibrate the car’s personality. In the GranTurismo Folgore, these modes include:

  • Max Range: Limits top speed and climate control to maximize battery life.
  • GT: The default setting, balancing 80% power with maximum comfort.
  • Sport: Sharpens throttle response and stiffens the air suspension.
  • Corsa: Unleashes 100% power and enables Launch Control for maximum performance.
What is the Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) system?

The 2026 Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) is based on the Android Automotive OS and features a high-definition 12.3-inch central display. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Alexa integration.

A unique feature for US owners is the ability to connect two smartphones simultaneously via Bluetooth. The system also powers the Sonus faber premium audio system, which is custom-tuned to the cabin acoustics of the Grecale and MC20.

What is the Maserati MC20 Cielo "Electrochromic" roof?

The MC20 Cielo (the convertible version of the MC20) features a state-of-the-art Electrochromic glass roof. With the touch of a button on the central screen, the glass can transition from fully transparent to completely opaque using Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) technology.

This allows drivers to enjoy the "Sky" (Cielo) even when the hardtop is closed, providing thermal insulation in the hot sun of the American Southwest while maintaining the coupe’s structural rigidity and aerodynamics.

Are Maserati cars transitioning to all-electric by 2030?

Yes. Maserati’s "Dare Forward 2030" plan confirms that the brand will offer a 100% electric Folgore version of every model by 2025. By 2028, Maserati intends to phase out internal combustion engines entirely, becoming a pure-play electric luxury brand in the US market.

The current Nettuno V6 models represent the final evolution of Maserati’s combustion heritage, making them highly sought-after collectibles for purists before the full transition to the 800V electric era.

What is the Maserati "Fuoriserie" Customization Program?

Maserati Fuoriserie is a bespoke customization program that allows American clients to design a one-of-a-kind vehicle. It offers three distinct "collections":

  • Corse: Inspired by Maserati’s racing history with vintage liveries.
  • Unica: Focused on modern trends, fashion, and bold colors.
  • Futura: Dedicated to futuristic materials and high-tech finishes.

Owners can work directly with designers in Modena to select exclusive paints, hand-stitched leathers, and carbon-fiber accents, ensuring no two Maseratis in the US are exactly alike.