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Modern Maserati vehicles use either the brand’s in-house developed Nettuno V6 engine or Stellantis-sourced mild-hybrid powertrains.
While older Maserati models previously used Ferrari-built V6 and V8 engines, today’s flagship models—including the MC20, GranTurismo, and Grecale Trofeo—now use Maserati’s own Formula 1-derived engineering alongside the brand’s expanding Folgore electric lineup.
Maserati engines have evolved from handcrafted racing powerplants into modern twin-turbo, hybrid, and electric performance systems.
Over the decades, the brand transitioned through multiple engineering eras, including in-house racing development, Ferrari-built engines, and today’s Nettuno-powered lineup.
| Engine Era | Years | Key Models | What Defined It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Racing Engines | 1926–1950s | Tipo 26, A6GCS | Hand-built motorsport engineering |
| Inline-6 Grand Touring Era | 1950s–1970s | 3500 GT, Mistral | Maserati’s first luxury grand tourers |
| Classic Maserati V8 Era | 1960s–2000s | Ghibli, Quattroporte | Large-displacement Italian performance |
| Biturbo V6 Era | 1980s–1990s | Biturbo, Shamal | Twin-turbocharged performance expansion |
| Ferrari Engine Partnership | 2000s–2023 | GranTurismo, Levante Trofeo | Ferrari-built V6 and V8 powertrains |
| Modern Nettuno Era | 2020–Present | MC20, Grecale Trofeo | Maserati’s return to in-house engineering |
Maserati introduced the Nettuno V6 in 2020 while continuing to offer Ferrari-powered models through 2023. This created a short transition period between the two engine eras.
Yes. For more than two decades, Ferrari engineered and built many of Maserati’s V6 and V8 engines as part of the Fiat-Chrysler partnership.
This collaboration helped shape Maserati’s modern performance identity, particularly in vehicles like the GranTurismo, Quattroporte, and Levante Trofeo.
| Ferrari Configuration | Maserati Configuration |
|---|---|
| Flat-plane crankshaft | Cross-plane crankshaft |
| Higher-pitched exhaust note | Deeper grand touring sound |
| Track-focused character | Smooth luxury performance |
| High-RPM responsiveness | Strong low-end torque |
Why Ferrari Built Maserati Engines — Ferrari handled engine development while Maserati focused on luxury grand touring performance.
Why the Partnership Ended — The Ferrari supply agreement ended in 2023 as Maserati transitioned to the Nettuno V6 and Folgore EV platforms.
Maserati production has evolved from hand-built racing workshops into a modern network of advanced manufacturing facilities across Italy.
| Vehicle Model | Engine / Powertrain | Architecture & Source | Horsepower |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC20 & MCPURA | Nettuno V6 | 3.0L Twin-Turbo (Modena) | 621 hp |
| GranTurismo / GranCabrio | Nettuno V6 | 3.0L Twin-Turbo (Modena) | 483–542 hp |
| Grecale GT & Modena | Mild-Hybrid I4 | 2.0L Turbo (Stellantis) | 296–325 hp |
| Grecale Trofeo | Nettuno V6 | 3.0L Twin-Turbo (Modena) | 523 hp |
| Folgore EV Models | Tri-Motor Electric Drive | 800V Electric Architecture | 751+ hp |
The MC20 lineup uses the 621-horsepower twin-turbo Nettuno V6, representing Maserati’s return to fully independent supercar engineering.
The GranTurismo and GranCabrio use a retuned Nettuno V6 optimized for smooth grand touring performance and everyday drivability.
The Grecale lineup uses two very different powertrain configurations depending on trim level.
GT & Modena Trims — Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged mild-hybrid 4-cylinder focused on daily drivability and efficiency.
Trofeo Trim — Uses a high-performance version of the twin-turbo Nettuno V6 producing 523 horsepower.
Maserati’s Folgore lineup replaces traditional engines with a tri-motor electric drivetrain and 800V battery architecture designed for high-performance EV driving.
The Nettuno V6 represents Maserati’s return to fully independent engine development. Designed and built entirely in Modena, the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 now anchors the brand’s modern performance lineup.
The Nettuno platform was tuned to deliver a deeper, more mechanical exhaust note while preserving the dramatic character expected from an Italian performance car.
Understanding Maserati engines offers a deeper look into the brand’s performance philosophy and engineering evolution.
From the twin-turbo Nettuno V6 powering the MC20 and Grecale Trofeo to the fully electric Folgore lineup, each Maserati powertrain is designed to deliver a distinct balance of luxury, speed, and Italian character.
Learn more:
No. Ferrari officially stopped supplying engines to Maserati in 2023 as the brand transitioned to the in-house Nettuno V6 platform.
The Maserati MC20 uses the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Nettuno V6 developed and built by Maserati in Modena, Italy.
No. The Grecale GT and Modena use a mild-hybrid 4-cylinder engine, while the Grecale Trofeo uses Maserati’s Nettuno V6.
The Nettuno engine uses Formula 1-derived pre-chamber combustion technology designed to improve power delivery, efficiency, and performance.
Yes. Maserati now develops and assembles the Nettuno V6 in-house at the Viale Ciro Menotti facility in Modena.
Modern Maserati powertrains are significantly more advanced than earlier generations, particularly the Nettuno V6 and current mild-hybrid systems. Long-term reliability still depends heavily on proper maintenance and servicing.
Ferrari engines traditionally focused on high-revving supercar performance, while Maserati configurations prioritized smoother grand touring power delivery and everyday drivability.
Yes. Maserati’s Folgore lineup uses fully electric tri-motor drivetrains paired with advanced 800V battery architecture.
No. Ferrari officially stopped supplying engines to Maserati in 2023 as the brand transitioned to the in-house Nettuno V6 platform.
The Maserati MC20 uses the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Nettuno V6 developed and built by Maserati in Modena, Italy.
No. The Grecale GT and Modena use a mild-hybrid 4-cylinder engine, while the Grecale Trofeo uses Maserati’s Nettuno V6.
The Nettuno engine uses Formula 1-derived pre-chamber combustion technology designed to improve power delivery, efficiency, and performance.
Yes. Maserati now develops and assembles the Nettuno V6 in-house at the Viale Ciro Menotti facility in Modena.
Modern Maserati powertrains are significantly more advanced than earlier generations, particularly the Nettuno V6 and current mild-hybrid systems. Long-term reliability still depends heavily on proper maintenance and servicing.
Ferrari engines traditionally focused on high-revving supercar performance, while Maserati configurations prioritized smoother grand touring power delivery and everyday drivability.
Yes. Maserati’s Folgore lineup uses fully electric tri-motor drivetrains paired with advanced 800V battery architecture.
