First Look: The Upcoming Maserati Alfieri Sports Car Set to Begin Production

Maserati fans have had to wait patiently to learn more about the next generation replacement for the GranTurismo: the Alfieri.
After a series of delays in the release, Maserati has confirmed that production on the Alfieri will begin next year. Furthermore, the unveiling of the production Alfieri will occur during the 2020 Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland. The car was introduced as a concept vehicle in 2014 and will finally be available to buyers in 2021 or 2022.

This replacement of the GranTurismo marks the start of a complete rejuvenation of the Maserati line that will roll out over the next few years. Maserati will eventually release a convertible version of the Alfieri as a replacement for the GranCabrio. In addition, rumors have surfaced that the Ghibli, Quattroporte, and the Levante, will also receive some refreshment.

Maserati Embraces Electric-Driven Vehicle Performance

The introduction of the Alfieri represents a major shift for Maserati, which is now breaking into the luxury electric vehicle market. Supposedly, the Alfieri will come with three powertrain options, all electrified to some extent. Customers can choose an all-electric powertrain with a triple motor and all-wheel drive supported by an 800-volt battery. This vehicle can reach 62 mph in a matter of 2 seconds and tops out at a speed of over 186 mph, thanks to torque vectoring and an aerodynamic design. Less information has been released about the two other engine options, but they will likely include mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants with performance worthy of the Maserati name. More detailed specs on these models will likely become available in the coming months.

From Concept to Reality

The Alfieri has changed significantly since the concept car was unveiled in 2014, at least in terms of mechanics. The original concept had a naturally aspirated 4.7-liter V8 engine that produced 383 pound-feet of torque and 460 horsepower. When Maserati announced a few months after its debut that the concept would be translated to production, the company stated that three engines would be available, all in the V6 configuration: a 410 hp, 450 hp, and 520 hp. The decision to make the Alfieri into an electric vehicle marks a departure for the company, but one that many Maserati aficionados have already embraced—especially considering that the move to an electric powertrain won’t require any sacrifices in terms of power or performance.

Production Begins in 2020

Recently, Maserati announced that pre-series production of the vehicle will start in the first half of 2020 at its plant in Modena, Italy. Maserati is expected to begin updates to its production lines at the factory this fall in preparation for the new model, which the company described as “a characteristically Maserati sports car.” The Modena plant will need to produce an aluminum spaceframe that will minimize the vehicle’s final weight, a critical part of the brand’s plan to deliver on performance through electrified hardware.

Behind the Name of Alfieri

According to Maserati, the Alfieri design will pay homage to the brand’s history as a sports car manufacturer while looking to the future. The original concept vehicle was produced in celebration of the brand’s centenary and intended to honor Alfieri Maserati, one of the founding brothers of the brand who tragically died at the age of 44. Because of his early death, Alfieri’s name has not been included among the legends of the automotive industry, even though he ran Maserati for its first 18 years and played an instrumental role in its development as a luxury racing brand. The 2014 concept car respected the traditional designs behind the Maserati name while pushing boundaries with a clean glasshouse area, a minimized rear end, and a concave grille lacking a full border—a design decision that gives the Alfieri a floating appearance.

A Closer Look at the 2014 Concept and Its Design Aesthetic

The designers behind the 2014 Alfieri concept were deliberate in every detail included on the vehicle. The reduced rear end of the car illustrates a distinctly Italian look and plays with volume and shape that makes the car appear like it could fly. While other brands may prefer a heavier appearance, Maserati has always focused on designs that feel fast, light, and balanced. Considering that Maserati now wants to make the car as lightweight as possible, it will be interesting to see how the concept design is translated into the final version. The 2014 concept also had a minimal interior design that was muted and understated, with clean lines that all flowed naturally. This design excited many fans—and now the car is finally coming to the production line. The next few years will be an exciting time to be shopping for a Maserati.