Maserati & Chrysler Become Best Buds Once Again

[William Maley]

Maserati & Chrysler Become Best Buds Once Again

William Maley - Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com

July 29, 2011

Maserati and Chrysler are once again coming together to work on some new vehicles. The last time the two companies worked together on a project, the Chrysler TC, a LeBaron with trident shield was the end result. But Fiat and Chrysler CEO, Sergio Marchionne believes if the two companies work together, Maserati sales will be on the up and up.

Sales of Maserati vehicles have been on a decline since the financial crisis, only reaching 5,675 last year. Marchionne wants to see sales of 50,000 vehicles annually. To do that, more vehicles will be joining Maserati's lineup.

Three new vehicles are expected which will use platforms and parts from the Chrysler family.

The first two models will be sedans that will replace the current Quattroporte sedan and using Chrysler's 300 architecture. Sedan #1 will be a small version of Quattroporte, codenamed M157. The car will use a smaller displacement version of Chrysler's Pentastar V6, producing 400 HP thanks to twin turbochargers and direct injection. The small sedan will also have the option of a diesel motor. Both engines will use an eight-speed automatic transmission. Maserati's small sedan is expected to compete with the Audi A6, BMW 5-Series, and Mercedes E-Class. Pricing is expected to be around $78,000 to $99,000.

Sedan #2 will be the competitor to the Audi A8, BMW 7-Series, and Mercedes S-Class. Codenamed M156, the sedan is expected to have an overall length of 203.5 in, an increase of 2.6 in from the Quattroporte. Power will come in the form a 4.7L V8 from Ferrari which is expected to produce 475 HP and a 25% increase in fuel economy. A eight-speed transmission from ZF will handle shifting duties, with all-wheel drive set to join the option page. Prices are expected to range from $180,000 and $215,000.

Car #3 is a SUV. Maserati has toyed with the idea of offering a SUV before, showing off the Kubang concept at the 2003 North American International Auto Show. Maserati's SUV will be using the Grand Cherokee's platform with unique styling and interior. The powertrain will be Maserati's own 4.7L V8 producing 450 HP with a 3.0L diesel V6 option. Maserati is expected to show a concept version at the Frankfurt Show in September, with sales possibly beginning in 2013.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

[PurdueGuy]

Not sold on this... Chrysler products seem like they're halfway decent, but I'm not convinced they're platforms that make a proper starting point for a Maserati.

[daves87rs]

Ummm.....

[Camino LS6]

Not what I'd look to Maserati for...

[Drew Dowdell]

cause it worked so well last time....

[smk4565]

The Maserati Lebaron was a joke. I am sure this will be better executed but it won't work. The Chrysler 300 platform isn't really on par with a CTS even, yet they want it to go against $80-180,000 sedans? This seems kind of like the Jaguar X-type mistake but at a higher price point. Quality and reliability isn't a strong point of Chrysler or Fiat either. I'm not sold on this idea either, if you were shopping for a $100,000 car why would you want a stretched Chrysler 300 with a Marerati V8.

[balthazar]

50,000 maserati's a year??? Not a chance in hell- even with 15 models.

[SAmadei]

After seeing the Top Gear UK opinion of the Quattroporte, I think Some Chrysler common sense might help out Maserati.

[smk4565]

Well the Quattroporte's engine sounds excellent, but it should since it is form the Ferrari 430. But despite the awesome sound it makes, it isn't worth $100k when there are other better cars. And they are insane if they want the M157 to go near $200,000.

[Intrepidation]

50,000 maserati's a year??? Not a chance in hell- even with 15 models.

Holy hell you changed your avatar.

[Drew Dowdell]

50,000 maserati's a year??? Not a chance in hell- even with 15 models.

Rebadged Fiat 500s

[balthazar]

Holy hell you changed your avatar.

I know- right?? Like howevermany years wasn't long enough on the other one. It's prolly temporary. Know who that guy is?

[SoCalCTS]

When is Chrysler going to get something out of the relationship with Fiat? Fiat is already selling rebranded Chryslers as Lancias and Fiats. When does the USA get something in return?

[Intrepidation]

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/18/dodges-next-small-car-snapped-in-death-valley/

[Delta Force79]

Holy hell you changed your avatar.

I know- right?? Like howevermany years wasn't long enough on the other one. It's prolly temporary. Know who that guy is?

Ed Gein

As for this idea for Maserati, I don't think it's a smart move, and 50K a year?!

Edited July 31, 2011 by Delta Force79

[SoCalCTS]

http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/18/dodges-next-small-car-snapped-in-death-valley/

too little too late! a four door hatch? really? they could have at least mad it a sedan,a two door hatch, or a wagon. it looks a**tastic.

[Drew Dowdell]

When is Chrysler going to get something out of the relationship with Fiat? Fiat is already selling rebranded Chryslers as Lancias and Fiats. When does the USA get something in return?

Chrysler actually started to benefit before Fiat did. One of the the very first things that happened after the tie up was that the Pentastar V6 got the Multi-Air system from Fiat. Apparently the system is directly compatible with the Chrysler design. The Chryslers that are now being sold as Lancias and Fiats were already on sale in the EU. All Fiat did was end the Chrysler brand there and switch the dealer where the cars are sold at.

[MyerShift]

When is Chrysler going to get something out of the relationship with Fiat? Fiat is already selling rebranded Chryslers as Lancias and Fiats. When does the USA get something in return?

Chrysler actually started to benefit before Fiat did. One of the the very first things that happened after the tie up was that the Pentastar V6 got the Multi-Air system from Fiat. Apparently the system is directly compatible with the Chrysler design. The Chryslers that are now being sold as Lancias and Fiats were already on sale in the EU. All Fiat did was end the Chrysler brand there and switch the dealer where the cars are sold at.

The Pentastar does not yet host Multiair.

I double checked with allpar and Edmunds.