Maserati is going to add a plug-in hybrid version for every model in its range, in order to meet the average emissions targets by 2020.
The only model to escape a PHEV version is the upcoming Alfieri sports coupe, which is due to be revealed in 2018.
The rest of the range, including the Ghibli, Quattroporte, GranTurismo, GranCabrio and the soon-to-be-revealed Levante SUV will be offered with a hybrid powertrain.
News come from Autocar, which also reminds us the negative opinion of Maserati’s boss Harald Wester expressed back in 2013 on electric vehicles.
He had a change of heart next year, though, confirming the development of a 48V electrical system and a plug-in powertrain and saying that the target for the Ghibli PHEV is set at 70g/km of CO2 emissions.
The European general manager of the brand, Giulio Pastore, commented: “We've to do it, it’s that simple. In some countries where it is highly incentivized, they will be a success, in others maybe less so, however, there is government and customer demand for such cars.”
Maserati promises that a hybrid powertrain in their models won’t affect the sportiness of the range. “What I can say is that we will only electrify our cars if it can be done without sacrificing performance. If there’s a sacrifice, then we won’t do it”, said Pastore.
Even Porsche recently admitted that they are developing a hybrid version of the 911, showing that the path to keeping sports cars around amid ever tightening emission legislation includes electric motors and batteries, so Maserati’s plan to hybridize their range is a step in the right direction.