Maserati evaluating hybrids, may use Nettuno V6 as base

Maserati has revealed it is actively reviewing hybrid powertrains for use in future models. With several other carmakers scaling back their EV plans and going the hybrid route instead, the Italian brand may follow a similar strategy. It currently retails mild-hybrid petrol and all-electric models globally.

1. “Pressure of emissions” and performance benefits prompting Maserati to consider hybrids
2. Maserati’s current platform does not support hybrid powertrains
3. Next-gen Quattroporte may be Maserati’s first hybrid model

Plug-in hybrid Maserati models could be on the way

“Possible evolution of the V6” being considered at Maserati

During a recent press conference, Maserati’s chief operating officer Santo Ficili confirmed that the carmaker is indeed studying hybrids. “For sure, we are still working continuously. We need to respect the environment. Today, we have the ICE V6 Nettuno. We have the Folgore. We are also considering a possible evolution of the V6,” he said.

Davide Danesin, head of Maserati Engineering, pitched in and remarked, “Hybridisation of the ICE engine is becoming more common under the pressure of emissions. There are also benefits of performance. It’s definitely under our view. This is something we could consider in the future.”

Ficili’s emphasis on the Nettuno V6 engine hints at the possibility of it forming the base of the brand’s hybrid powertrains. The Nettuno V6 is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol mill that develops up to 590hp in its latest avatar – seen under the bonnets of the facelifted GranTurismo and GranCabrio – and is paired with an 8-speed torque-converter automatic. Maserati also offers a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder mild-hybrid engine for lower Grecale variants, producing up to 330hp and 450Nm.

Maserati could opt for a plug-in hybrid setup for its Nettuno V6, which is lent further credence by this July 2025 statement from Ficili to Autocar UK: “I don’t know when we will go totally BEV. For sure in the future, but I don’t know when automotive will go in this direction. It’s a question of timing. In the middle, we need to consider MHEV and PHEV engines, depending on the development of the technology we want to follow.”

There’s an elephant in the room, though, as Maserati’s current ‘Giorgio’ platform would require substantial re-engineering to accommodate PHEV hardware. According to Autocar UK, Maserati can get around this by using parent company Stellantis’s STLA Large platform, engineered for ICE, electric and hybrid powertrains, for future PHEV offerings.

However, this means none of Maserati’s current models can be adapted for PHEV powertrains. Per Autocar UK, Maserati is working on a next-gen Quattroporte sedan that could be twinned with Alfa Romeo’s upcoming next-gen Giulia, which is understood to be based on the STLA Large platform. The Quattroporte, then, could become Maserati’s first PHEV.

Should Maserati follow through on introducing hybrid models, Maserati would join the ranks of carmakers such as Lamborghini, Audi, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Porsche, Lotus, Volvo and Mercedes-Benz, among others. All of them were bullish on widespread electric car adoption and guided by EV-only strategies but ended up revising or even outright cancelling them due to the segment’s declining sales globally.