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Maserati details the new, 630-hp V6 that will power its mid-engined MC20 coupe

Maserati is done leaning on former sister company Ferrari for technical support. It has unveiled the six-cylinder engine it designed and will build in-house to power the MC20 supercar that's scheduled to make its debut later in 2020. Ferrari's willingness to develop and/or build engines for Maserati shrank significantly when it split from former parent company Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) in early 2016 and became independent. Insiders knew the division would be spun off, so they began designing Maserati's new engine (which is called Nettuno) in 2015 and accelerated the process in 2017. It's a 90-degree, 3.0-liter V6 with a dry sump and a twin-spark, pre-chamber ignition system rooted in racing. In this application, it's twin-turbocharged (the turbos are mounted on the outside of the engine rather than in the middle of it) and it's equipped with both direct and indirect fuel injection.  All told, the 485-pound Nettuno engine develops 630 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 538 pound-feet of torque between 3,000 and 5,500 rpm. It continues revving to a redline of 8,000 rpm.  Matteo Valentini, Maserati's chief engineer, explained the Nettuno engine will ultimately power the company's entire range of vehicles, though he stopped short of naming the specific models that will use it after the MC20. He added the six-cylinder will "bring Maserati back into the world of racing," meaning its output will likely grow in the not-too-distant future. We'll learn more about the engine when the MC20 makes its debut September 9. What remains to be seen is whether Maserati will replace the V8 available in the Levante and the Quattroporte, or if it will surf the downsizing wave sweeping across the industry. Developed jointly with Ferrari in the early 2010s, that engine makes 590 horsepower when it's bolted in the Levante Trofeo's bay, meaning its output is eclipsed by the Nettuno V6's. Both engines are built around a 90-degree architecture, so the 3.0-liter V6 could turn into a 4.0-liter V8 if it's modular enough to gain a pair of cylinders — and if Maserati sees a market for another eight-cylinder. Featured Gallery Maserati Nettuno 3.0-liter V6 engine Maserati Coupe Performance

Why Italians are no longer buying supercars

Italy is the wound that continues to drain blood from the body financial of Italian supercar and sports car makers. The wound was opened by the country's various financial police who decided to get serious about superyacht-owning and supercar-driving tax cheats a few years ago, by noting their registrations and checking their incomes. When it was found that a rather high percentage of exotic toy owners had claimed a rather low annual income - certain business owners were found to be declaring less income than their employees - the owners began dumping their cars and prospective buyers declined to buy.
Car and Driver has a piece on how the initiative is hitting the home market the hardest. Lamborghini sold 1,302 cars worldwide in 2010, 1,602 cars in 2011 and 2,083 cars in 2012 - an excellent surge in just two years. In Italy, however, it's all about the ebb: in 2010, the year that Italian police began scouring harbors, Lamborghini sold 96 cars in Italy, the next year it sold 72, last year it sold just 60. The declines for Maserati and Ferrari are even more pronounced.
Head over to CD for the full story and the numbers. What might be most incredible isn't the cause and effect, but where the blame is being placed. A year ago the chairman of Italy's Federauto accused the government of "terrorizing potential clients," this year Luca di Montezemolo says what's happening has created "a hostile environment for ­luxury goods." Life at the top, it ain't easy.

Maserati highlights its racing heritage with MC Edition models

Maserati is slowly renewing ties with its illustrious racing heritage. After returning to the supercar segment with the MC20, which should hit the track sooner or later, it released a competition-inspired version of the Ghibli, the Quattroporte, and the Levante called MC Edition. Fittingly, every MC Edition model starts life with a V8 engine under the hood. Buyers can select two colors called Giallo Corse and Blu Vittoria, respectively, names that mean Racing Yellow and Victory Blue in Italian. Maserati explained that yellow and blue are the colors of Modena, its home town. MC Edition cars also get specific exterior emblems, Piano Black trim, and 21- or 22-inch gloss black wheels depending on the model; the Levante rides on 22s while the sedans ship with 21s. Blue brake calipers add a finishing touch to the look. Inside, every MC Edition receives a sunroof, a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, and the very un-racing-like Driver Assistance package. The interior is just as striking as the exterior: Maserati added black leather upholstery with denim inserts, yellow and blue stitching, plus a number of blue carbon fiber accents on the dashboard, the center console, and the door panels. "MC Edition" is embroidered into the headrests. Nothing suggests that the racing inspiration permeates the powertrain; don't expect to pop the hood and be greeted by Weber carburetors with trumpets. Maserati hasn't published technical specifications, but the only V8 available in the Ghibli is a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged unit fitted to the Trofeo model and tuned to develop 580 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. The Levante and the Quattroporte are offered with this engine as well. It develops 590 horsepower in the American-spec Levante, though European models settle for the Ghibli's output. Maserati will begin shipping MC Edition cars to customers in Europe, in Asia, and in China in February 2022. Pricing information hasn't been announced yet. And, there's no word yet on whether the special-edition models will be sold in the United States as well. Related Video This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. Featured Gallery 2022 Maserati Ghibli, Quattroporte, and Levante MC Edition View 14 Photos Design/Style Maserati SUV Luxury Special and Limited Editions Performance Sedan