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Stellantis says its 2021 performance has been better than expected

MILAN — Stellantis softened up investors ahead of its electrification strategy event on Thursday by flagging that 2021 got off to a better-than-expected start despite a chip shortage that has hit automakers worldwide. Stellantis, which was formed in January from the merger of Italian-American automaker Fiat Chrysler and France's PSA, faces an investor community keen to hear how it plans to come up with a range of electrified vehicles (EVs) to rival Tesla. At its "EV Day 2021" kicking off at 1230 GMT, Stellantis will disclose significant investments in electrification technology and connected software as it aims to be an industry frontrunner, it said in a statement. In April, Chief Executive Carlos Tavares said it would offer low-emission versions — either battery or hybrid electric — of almost all of its European models by 2025, and they should make up 70% of European sales and 35% of U.S. sales by 2030. Stellantis, the world's fourth-biggest automaker, has 14 brands in its stable, including Jeep, Ram, Opel, Fiat, Peugeot and Maserati.   Stellantis EV Day coverage: Dodge will launch the 'world's first electric muscle car' in 2024 Fully electric Ram 1500 will begin production in 2024 Jeep will have 4xe plug-in hybrid models across the lineup by 2025 Stellantis teases mystery electric Chrysler concept Stellantis previews 4 electric platforms: Here's how they'll be used Fiat says all Abarth models to be electric from 2024 Opel Manta E will be the electric revival of the classic German coupe Stellantis says its 2021 performance has been better than expected   At a similar EV strategy event last week, French rival Renault announced that 90% of its main brand models would be all-electric by 2030, whereas previously it had included hybrids in its target. Germany's Volkswagen, the world's second-biggest automaker after Toyota, expects all-electric vehicles to make up 55% of its total sales in Europe by 2030, and more than 70% of sales at its Volkswagen brand. Stellantis said its margins on adjusted operating profits in the first half of 2021 were expected to exceed an annual target of between 5.5% and 7.5%, despite production losses due to a global shortage of semiconductor supplies. Stellantis shares listed in Milan were down 2.6% at 0920 GMT, underperforming the broader European car index. Bestinver analyst Marco Opipari said Thursday's news was positive but that the stock was suffering from profit taking as it had moved up about 20% since the end of April.

Maserati MC20 gets the Mansory treatment and a 720-hp V6

German tuner Mansory has added the Maserati MC20 to its range of heavily-modified exotic cars. Called First Edition, the coupe receives a body kit made largely of carbon fiber to keep weight in check, a completely redesigned interior, and a generous 99-horsepower bump. Power comes from an evolution of the regular-production MC20's excellent Nettuno engine. The twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter V6 develops 720 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, up from 621 and 528, respectively, in the stock MC20. Mansory made several software changes and fitted a high-performance exhaust system developed in-house to achieve the increase. The mid-mounted V6 spins the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. It sends the coupe from zero to 62 mph in 2.7 seconds and on to a 205-mph top speed. Odds are you can hear the First Edition coming before you see it, and once it comes into sight it's impossible to ignore. The tuner fitted a body kit that includes wider front air intakes, an aggressive-looking front splitter, vents integrated into the fenders, a new engine cover with a scoop that gives the V6 additional cooling air, a massive rear wing, and a wide air diffuser. Some of the carbon fiber parts are left unpainted to give the First Edition an even more striking design, while 21-inch front and 22-inch rear wheels add a finishing touch to the custom look. Inside, nearly every component and surface has been redesigned to some extent. The seats, dashboard, door panels, and even the footwells are lined with what Mansory calls "glove-soft" leather upholstery. Most of it is yellow, which was chosen to echo some of the exterior trim, but the tuner added white accents for contrast and Italian flag-colored stripes to both seats and the two massive shift paddles.  Mansory hasn't released pricing details but nothing suggests the MC20 First Edition is cheap; the standard car carries a base price of about $220,000. Looking ahead, the firm plans to release a full range of modified MC20s including at least one based on the Cielo convertible.

2022 Maserati Grecale SUV begins prowling the streets of Modena

Maserati has started testing the Grecale, its second SUV, on the streets of Modena, Italy. Aimed directly at the Porsche Macan, the Levante's smaller sibling will take the 107-year old Italian firm into a lucrative new segment. Klaus Busse, the head of Maserati's design department, told Autoblog that the new MC20 coupe points to the direction stylists will take the rest of the range in, and official spy shots give us a better idea of what he meant. It looks like the Grecale's front end is dominated by an oval grille shaped a lot like the MC20's. An image we took at the company's headquarters in the fall of 2020 provides an even clearer view of what the model will look like. Its overall proportions remind us of the Levante's, meaning it's far more sporty than utilitarian — you didn't think Maserati would try to rain on the Ford Bronco's parade, did you? Even several layers of psychedelic camouflage can't mask the shapely quarter panels and the sloping roof line accented by a spoiler.  It's too early to tell what's under the camouflage, let alone what's lurking beneath the sheet metal, but unverified rumors claim the Grecale shares its basic underpinnings with the Alfa Romeo Stelvio, which is widely praised as one of the best-driving SUVs on the market. If the report is accurate, Maserati's next SUV could land with four- and six-cylinders on its palette of available engines. One might be the 3.0-liter Nettuno developed for the MC20. Maserati will take the Grecale on a world tour to put it through its paces in the freezing cold, in triple-digit heat, on challenging race tracks, and even on a few off-road trails. Its official unveiling is scheduled for later in 2021, and series production will start in Cassino, Italy, shortly after. We expect to see it in America as a 2022 model. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2022 Maserati Grecale, official spy shots Maserati SUV Luxury Performance