Maserati Plots Comeback With Manual V6 GT Flagship Amid Sales Slump

Maserati is leaning into its heritage in an attempt to reverse a sharp decline in sales and brand value. The Italian marque is reportedly developing a new flagship grand tourer powered by a twin-turbo V6 engine and — in a bold move for 2025 — a manual transmission. This could mark a dramatic shift for a brand struggling to stay relevant in a market increasingly dominated by electrification and automation.

What You Need to Know

• Maserati is planning a limited-run GT car with a twin-turbo V6 and manual gearbox
• It could become the most powerful combustion-only Maserati since the MC12
• Likely based on the GranTurismo platform and share components with Alfa Romeo
• No hybrid elements expected, emphasizing mechanical purity
• Sales for Maserati have dropped nearly 17% year-over-year in 2025
• The brand hopes this enthusiast-focused GT will help restore its image

A Desperate Need for Revival

Maserati isn’t shy about acknowledging its challenges. With sales down nearly 17% in 2025, totaling just 1,500 vehicles sold globally, the brand has been overtaken by rivals like Jaguar — which has almost nothing new to sell — and Polestar, which is being hit hard by tariffs. It’s a stark contrast to Maserati’s glorious past, and the brand is actively searching for ways to rebuild both customer loyalty and its market standing.

Enter the proposed manual GT flagship — a nod to classic driving pleasure in a sea of tech-heavy, hybridized luxury offerings.

Engineered for Enthusiasts, Not the Masses

While details remain limited, Maserati’s leadership has dropped some significant hints. According to CEO Santo Ficili, the upcoming GT car will be limited in production and aimed squarely at purists. That means no hybrid assist, no battery weight, and a true mechanical connection between car and driver.

The car is expected to house the brand’s revered Nettuno twin-turbocharged V6, which currently produces up to 621 horsepower in the MCPura (formerly MC20). Engineering boss Davide Danesin emphasized that customers are looking for “pure mechanical cars,” and expressed hesitation about adding hybrid components that could compromise driving feel.

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Potential Specifications of Maserati’s Manual GT

While final specs haven’t been confirmed, early reports suggest the GT will borrow its foundation from the GranTurismo, helping Stellantis streamline development costs. This strategy echoes past partnerships between Maserati and Alfa Romeo, such as the Alfa 8C Competizione, which shared underpinnings with the original GranTurismo.

A Glimpse of Maserati’s Legacy

The planned GT car would become the most powerful internal combustion-only Maserati since the legendary MC12, which bowed out two decades ago. For those who remember that V12-powered supercar, this project could feel like a return to form — albeit with six fewer cylinders and a sharper focus on driving purity.

Maserati’s move also bucks broader industry trends. While rivals embrace hybridization or full electrification, this model’s defining feature — a manual transmission — sends a clear message: Maserati wants to reconnect with passionate drivers, not just affluent customers seeking status.

Challenges and Timing

Despite the excitement this GT may generate among purists, it likely won’t be a volume seller. The car is expected to sit above the MCPura, Maserati’s current halo model, making it an exclusive offering. It’s also a gamble — Maserati’s brand value is low, and its dealer network has struggled to move cars even with massive discounts.

Rumors of a possible sale of Maserati to another entity have circulated in recent months, although that now appears unlikely. Still, the company faces pressure to deliver more than just an interesting concept. This GT will need to deliver real performance, genuine emotional appeal, and a credible link to the brand’s heritage to make a meaningful impact.

A Crucial Moment for Maserati

Maserati’s upcoming manual GT car may not be for everyone, but it represents something the brand desperately needs: a clear identity and a confident direction. By embracing mechanical purity and performance heritage, Maserati is making a statement in an era defined by complexity and conformity.

Whether this limited-run flagship can shift perceptions — or just serve as a collector’s piece — remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: this car might just be the last of its kind. And that alone makes it worth watching.