Maserati to lean on Chrysler for three new models, tenfold sales increase
Maserati is planning to boost its sales by nearly tenfold thanks to three new models sourced from Chrysler.
Chrysler's most recent tie-up with Maserati wasn't exactly a resounding success - resulting in the unloved Chrysler TC by Maserati - but Fiat and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne is confident the new melding of the brands will result in a near-tenfold improvement in Maserati sales.
Maserati's sales peaked just before the turn of the decade, but were hammered by the financial meltdown. Sales have yet to fully recover, with the Italian automaker tallying just 5,675 sales last year. However, Marchionne believes a Maserati tie-up which Chrysler could increase the automaker's sales to 50,000 units per year.
That kind of expansion will require new models, with Maserati set to source three new vehicles from Chrysler. The new models will include a smaller Quattroporte sedan, a larger sedan to serve as a limousine and an already confirmed SUV model based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Maserati's volume Quattroporte sedan was met with much fanfare when it debuted in late 2003, but it's "˜tweener size has hurt its overall sales. The Quattroporte is considered too big to be a driver's car like the BMW 5-Series and too small to compete with vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. As a result, the next-generation Quattroporte will be split into two model lines, both riding on the same general architecture that underpins the Chrysler 300.
Maserati's "baby" Quattroporte started out life as a range-topping Alfa Romeo model, but was given to Maserati due to the Italian automaker's global dealer network. The new Quattroporte model - codenamed M157 - will retain the same general size as the Chrysler 300, taking on vehicles like the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class. The new model will also be priced closer to its rivals, selling for between $78,000 and $100,000.
The smaller sedan will feature a front longitudinal engine and rear-wheel drive, but will employ a unique drivetrain. The car's engine will be based on Chrysler's Pentastar V6, but its displacement will be reduced from 3.6L to 3.0L. The mill won't be lacking on power, however, thanks to the addition of direct-injection and two turbochargers, which should boost power to 400 horsepower. European customers will also have access to a diesel engine, but both engines will be backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The larger Quattroporte sedan - internally known as M156 - will also ride on the 300's architecture but will feature an overall length of 203.5 inches. That should give the sedan the needed interior volume to truly take on cars like the Audi A8 and Mercedes S-Class. The new model will also carry a price tag befitting of a flagship model, costing between $180,000 and $215,000.
Like the current Quattroporte , the big sedan will use a Ferrari-sourced 4.7L V8. Thanks to a few tweaks, the Italian V8 is expected to boast 475 horsepower, yet improve fuel economy by 25 percent over the current car. ZF's eight-speed transmission will handle shifting duties, with all-wheel drive set to join the option list.
Finally, Maserati will add an SUV based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Although it will be built alongside the Jeep in Chrysler's Jefferson Avenue plant, the SUV will have completely unique styling both inside and out, with only unseen components being shared.
In order to further separate the two model, the Maserati SUV will be fitted with the company's 4.7L V8, producing 450 horsepower. The Grand Cherokee's 3.0L diesel V6 will also be on offer for European customers, although its power will be boosted from 241 horsepower to an even 300. A concept version of the four-by-four is expected at this September's Frankfurt Motor Show.
Maserati expects the new sedan to account for about 30,000-35,000 sales per year with the SUV adding another 10,000-15,000. Maserati's remaining volume would be made up between the GranTurismo coupe and the GranCabrio convertible.
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