Maserati has seen a notable growth of market share in the later part of the previous decade, peaking with its best global sales tally ever, in 2017. While things have tapered off a fair bit since then, the Italian marque seems to have achieved its goal of improving its image and presence around the world as a legitimate automaker. FCA has been investing heavily in Maserati, funding a swarm of new models over the next five years, with the fully-electric powertrains being the most notable target.
The automaker’s most significant changes to the existing range are focused on the interior improvements and new tech features – an area where Maserati has struggled in the past. The new 2021 vehicles will get a new infotainment system with a 10.1″ screen, which has 10 times the resolution compared to their respective outgoing models. The Android-based system can be updated over-the-air and seamlessly connects with your smartphone, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth and other popular apps. Maserati has also uniformly redesigned the instrument clusters and included more driver assistance features as standard. Other features such as wireless phone charging and Wi-Fi, really bring the Maserati lineup up-to-date with their contemporaries.
Thanks to the expansion of their high-performance roster of Trofeo models, this is now the fastest and most powerful lineup Maserati has ever offered. The Trofeo treatment has been made available to the Levante, Ghibli, and the Quattroporte. Consistent across the range-topping Trofeo models is a 3.8L twin-turbocharged V8 which produces 580 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque. All cars also feature launch control, a ‘Corsa’ performance driving mode, exclusive Trofeo badging, unique wheels, and more aggressive exterior design cues. Maserati has stated that they wants their Trofeo variants to be easily distinguishable across all the models.
Finally, the impressive Maserati MC20 ‘super sports car’ is the clearest signal of intent that they are indeed ushering in a new era for the company. At the heart of the car is a ‘Nettuno’ 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 engine which is derived from a number of F1 technologies. It is also the first engine in a Maserati car that has been designed and produced entirely in-house by the automaker, which ends any of the normally expected associations – wanted or not – with Ferrari. The MC20 features a carbon-fiber monocoque chassis engineered by Dallara and a crowd-pleasing ‘butterfly doors’ mechanism. Draped over that, is beautiful bodywork which blends Maserati’s modern design elements and aerodynamic expertise, with the inspiration of Maserati MC12 styling.
Here are the best brand new Maserati cars you can buy today.
Maserati MC20
Base MSRP: $210,000 USD
The Maserati MC20 was originally supposed to be delivered in late 2020, but the pandemic put a slight dent into those plans. However, the production version was unveiled in September that year and with orders being completely fulfilled (yes, it’s sold out), deliveries have been pushed out to “fall of 2021 or early 2022” according to the automaker. By far the biggest celebration of the new MC20 – which is short for ‘Maserati Corse 2020’ – is that the entirety of its engine, body and interior are made in-house.
The ‘Nettuno’ engine has been confirmed to produce 630 hp from a 3.0L twin-turbocharged V6 powerplant, which helps propel the MC20 from a standstill to 60 mph in less than 2.9 seconds. Stated top speed is 202 mph. The car also symbolizes a huge step forwards in design for Maserati, as the entirety of the car, from concept to final prototype, took only 24 months in total. This was achieved through extensive use of computer-aided prototyping. The MC20 is sure to bring renewed excitement and energy to the brand; something that Maserati has been in need of for some time.
Maserati Ghibli Trofeo
Base MSRP: $109,890 USD
First introduced in 1966, the original Maserati Ghibli was an innovative grand tourer which challenged the norms of the day. These days, the Ghibli has taken on a new form as the brand’s entry-level saloon, but continues to embody the original car’s aura of race-bred road car performance – combining a smooth, luxurious ride with razor-sharp, coupe-like handling. Car and Driver said of the Ghibli, “As a sports sedan, the Ghibli’s a winner, but it doesn’t live up to expectations on the luxury side of the spectrum”.
The Ghibli Trofeo is pretty much the same, but with more: more power, more fun, more performance. Overall, this formula still works really well and for enthusiasts it is a welcome deviation from the sameness we’ve become accustomed to with cars from Germany.
Maserati Levante Trofeo
Base MSRP: $152,690 USD
The Maserati Levante has quickly become the brand’s bread and butter, propelling the brand to achieving record unit sales over the last few years. Powered by either a twin-turbocharged V6 or a significantly beefier twin-turbocharged V8 (seen in the GTS and Trofeo), the Levante is yet another amalgamation of the exclusive relationship the marque has with fellow countryman, Ferrari.
With a variety of different trim and engine options, comes a wide spectrum of price points within the model range; it’s quite eye catching to say the least, that the difference in price between the base model and the top-of-range Trofeo, is nearly $100,000. The Levante Trofeo was around before 2021, but Maserati did perform some refreshes for this year which include new side vents and some other small changes. It outputs a whopping 580 hp and is capable of 0-60 mph in just 3.8 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 187 mph – not bad for an SUV.
Maserati Quattroporte Trofeo
Base MSRP: $142,390 USD
Literally meaning “four doors” in Italian, the Quattroporte sedan is the lineup’s current flagship sedan and comes with the gusto and flair required to duly represent the Maserati brand. Its luxurious interior and plush cabin are the car’s calling card, and is certainly the best out of all the currently available models. More Ferrari-goodness in the engine bay too, with Ferrari twin-turbocharged engines available in two configurations – a 424 hp 3.0L V6 for the S, and a 580 hp V8 for the Trofeo.
An eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive are standard on both the S and Trofeo. The Trofeo obviously epitomizes the best of the range, with its more powerful and sporty demeanor transforming what is otherwise a pretty subdued car by today’s standards.
