As a lifelong admirer of automotive passion, witnessing the final chapter of Maserati's legendary Ferrari-designed V8 feels like watching a master violinist play their last concerto. The very last example of the V8-powered Maserati Quattroporte, aptly named the Grand Finale, has officially rolled off the production line and into the hands of a fortunate owner this week. This marks the definitive end of an era that began with the Levante and Ghibli's V8 discontinuation, silencing a symphony of Italian engineering that has resonated through the luxury performance world for decades. The Grand Finale isn't just a car; it's a meticulously crafted swan song, a final, glorious note held before the curtain falls. 🏁
The Maserati Quattroporte Grand Finale, resplendent in Blu Nobile, embodies the final flourish of the iconic V8 era.
The Grand Finale: A Bespoke Masterpiece
Utilizing its exclusive Fuoriserie customization program, Maserati pulled out all the stops for this ultimate send-off. The car dazzles in the famous Blu Nobile paint, accentuated by a full carbon-fiber body kit that whispers performance even while standing still. Step inside, and the cabin cocoons occupants in dark tan leather, complemented by rich wood accents on the center console and steering wheel. The iconic Trident logo is proudly stitched onto the headrests, a constant reminder of the marque's heritage. A unique badge on the central tunnel, bearing the "Fuoriserie Grand Finale" wording, serves as the car's birth certificate for this historic moment.
The Heart of the Beast: Signed, Sealed, Delivered
Lifting the hood reveals the star of the show: the signed 3.8L twin-turbo V8. This Ferrari-designed masterpiece, known internally as the F134, delivers a thrilling 572 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. Its final iteration is crowned with a carbon fiber engine cover, autographed by the dedicated Fuoriserie team and key personnel who brought this last V8 Quattroporte to life. It's more than an engine; it's a piece of automotive art, signed by its creators like a painter finalizing a masterpiece.
Beyond the Quattroporte: The V8 Sunset is Complete
This Quattroporte delivery confirms what we already knew: the V8 chapter is closed across Maserati's lineup. As reported back in 2024, the Levante Trofeo, its potent V8 variant, has also ceased production.
The powerful V8 roar of the Levante Trofeo, like the Quattroporte's, is now part of Maserati's history.
While Maserati assures us a successor to the Levante is in the pipeline, its arrival feels distant, tangled in the complexities of the brand's electric transition. The timeline suggests the new Levante will join the Folgore electric family, but this follows significant delays. The Quattroporte Folgore, initially anticipated sooner, is now officially pushed back to 2028. This domino effect inevitably pushes the electric Levante's debut even further into the future. Shifting an entire brand's propulsion philosophy is like trying to turn an ocean liner with a canoe paddle – deliberate, complex, and slower than enthusiasts might hope.
The Electric Charge Forward: Ambitions and Realities
Maserati's pivot is undeniable. The glorious, naturally-aspirated and Ferrari-sourced engines are relics, replaced by the force-fed Nettuno V6 (a marvel in its own right, powering the MC20) and the burgeoning Folgore all-electric and hybrid powertrains. The ambitions for Folgore are sky-high, with Maserati targeting over 350 miles of range for each electric model. However, achieving this consistently across different vehicle types and weights has proven as challenging as bottling lightning – the goal is clear, but the path is fraught with technical hurdles, leading to the delays we're seeing.
The Present Lineup: Quality Over Quantity
Despite the farewell to V8s and the wait for new electric flagships, Maserati is far from adrift. The current portfolio holds strong:
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GranTurismo: The timeless grand tourer, now also offered as the GranTurismo Folgore EV, is captivating audiences.
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Grecale: The compact SUV is finding its niche successfully.
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MC20: The mid-engine supercar, powered by the revolutionary Nettuno V6, continues to blow minds with its performance and technology. Its electric sibling, the MC20 Folgore, is just hitting the streets, adding another layer of excitement.
The Maserati MC20, with its groundbreaking Nettuno V6, represents the cutting edge of Maserati's current combustion engine technology and paves the way for its Folgore variant.
Maserati has always thrived on exclusivity and craftsmanship over sheer volume. This smaller, focused lineup aligns perfectly with that ethos. The early impressions of the GranTurismo Folgore and the sheer brilliance of the MC20 give us immense confidence in the brand's direction, even if patience is required for the full electric transition.
People Also Ask
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What engine is replacing the Maserati V8?
The primary replacements are Maserati's in-house developed Nettuno twin-turbo V6 (featuring F1-derived combustion technology) and the new Folgore all-electric powertrains. Hybrid systems also play a role in the transition.
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Why is the Maserati Quattroporte Folgore delayed until 2028?
Maserati cites challenges in meeting their ambitious targets (like the 350+ mile range) for larger electric vehicles like the Quattroporte, alongside the complexities of developing all-new electric platforms to meet luxury performance standards, as key reasons for the delay. Perfecting such a flagship EV is akin to composing a new symphony – every note must be flawless.
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Does Maserati still make the Levante Trofeo?
No. Production of the V8-powered Levante Trofeo ended before the Quattroporte Grand Finale, as part of Maserati's broader phase-out of its Ferrari-designed V8 engines. Its electric successor is planned but not imminent.
The Road Ahead: A Symphony Changing Key
The delivery of the Quattroporte Grand Finale is a poignant full stop on the V8 narrative. While the wait for its electric successor and the new Levante tests our patience, Maserati's current offerings – the GranTurismo, Grecale, and the truly exceptional MC20 (both combustion and Folgore) – demonstrate a vibrant present. The transition to an electric future is complex and ambitious, mirroring the intricate dance of a watchmaker assembling a tourbillon. Yet, the passion, the focus on bespoke luxury, and the pursuit of driving emotion remain core to the Trident. The roar of the V8 may be fading, but the electric hum of Folgore promises a new, equally compelling movement in Maserati's ongoing saga.
Witness the evolution of an icon. Explore the future of Italian luxury performance with Maserati's current lineup today, and stay tuned for the next electrifying chapter. ⚡