2027 Maserati Lineup ChangesMaserati - MotorTrendThe iconic Maserati trident symbol turns 100 this year, and 2026 also marks the centenary of the brand's first motorsports win—the Targa Florio, with company scion Alfieri Maserati at the helm. To celebrate, the brand is sprucing up its now much smaller range—GranTurismo and GranCabrio GT cars and the D-segment Grecale SUV—each of which is currently available with combustion or "Folgore" (Italian for lightning) battery electric motivation.More PowerThe Grecale drops its 2.0-liter turbo engine for North America, so the entry-level trim now boasts 385 hp—a healthy leap up from the mildly hybridized four-cylinder, which formerly came in 296- or 325-horsepower guises. The newly updated version of Maserati's Nettuno 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 is calibrated to deliver as much as 32 percent more torque at 2,000 rpm (369 lb-ft of it—plateauing between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm). Top-trim Grecale Trofeo output remains unchanged (523 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque) as does that of the Folgore (542 hp and 604 lb-ft). But thanks to aero refinements (mostly a new grille shutter) and calibration changes, the electric Grecale's battery range grows from 239 to 268 miles.MaseratiMeanwhile at the top of the ticket it's status quo for base GranTurismo and GranCabrio models (483 hp and 443 lb-ft), but the Trofeo output jumps 40 hp to 582 hp (torque is unchanged at 479 lb-ft). This extra oomph was realized by extending the peak boost to last from 5,000 to 7,200 rpm. This extends the torque plateau and ensures the linear power pulls hard all the way to redline. The Folgore models generate an impressive 818 hp (in temporary boost mode, 751 otherwise) and 995 lb-ft. And by adding a front-axle disconnect, Folgore models improve slightly to more than 250 miles (up from 242).Functional UpgradesThe Skyhook suspension on the GT cars gets a new Country mode calibrated to improve ride comfort over rough roads when operating at a higher ride height. Basically it extends the operating envelope of the 0.8-inch higher-ride height that usually lowers above urban-center speeds. Maserati points out that everyday usability in all conditions is one of the things that separates GranTurismo and GranCabrio models from similar cars by other brands ending in vowels. And with all models featuring AWD, Maserati reckons its cars are poised to venture where few other luxury/exotic GTs dare to tread.Interior UpgradesGT models get a new racing-inspired steering wheel with flat upper and lower sections and spokes in dark satin aluminum. There's also a new Maserati Digital Clock (offering an analog-hand display option), with an octagonal shape and all authentic materials. The new piano-key P-R-N-D shift buttons are also made of metal, with haptic feedback to confirm selection. Maserati has even taught those glorious shift paddles a new trick: When maneuvering to park the car, the screen will announce that you're in park-paddle mode. This allows you to shift from drive to reverse with the paddles. Accelerate beyond parking speeds and they resume their usual mission. A neat innovation.MaseratiDesign EnhancementsNew colors displayed in the photos here include Jupiter Green Matte and Blu Denim on the GT cars, and Grigio Lamiera Shiny on the Grecale—just two among the 11 standard and 34 Fuoriserie shades for the cars and 29 total for the Grecale (only white is "standard"). Even the top color can now be tailored beyond the five regular-production hues. Maserati claims one in four of its cars now get some level of Fuoriserie customization (and a new 3D visualization tool has just launched to make the ordering or dreaming process more fun). The GT cars get new clear-lens lamps front and rear, and there are new wheels across the board in square and staggered-width fitments.Beholder-Eye BeautyBoth the Grecale and the cars get a new face inspired by a look that first appeared on the track-only MCXtrema, before appearing on the GT2 Stradale and later the MCPURA. Customer reactions were positive (the latter won a Dream Car of the Year award from Italy's Quattroruote), so Maserati applied the look to its mainstream range.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe new façade is said to increase aggression while retaining elegance. Both the GT cars and Grecale front fascias include air intake slots designed to encourage boundary-layer separation and air curtains to improve flow over the wheels. The GT cars get a central splitter optimized for net downforce.MaseratiSo far, so good. But the look blacks out the grille and extends the black graphic over and down to cover the air inlets in a look that undeniably makes the front end appear wider. Unfortunately, we can't seem to un-see an image of Heath Ledger's Joker character wearing black lipstick with fingers pulling the edges of his mouth down into a frown.Potential Future RevelationsWhen Maserati management was asked about the potential return to the lineup of a V-8 engine and a manual gearbox, they intimated that both were being considered for very low production. Apparently some of the Bottegafuoriserie (totally bespoke "one-of-few" production) customers have been clamoring for a manual, and it's under consideration. Hybridization could also make a return, in either mild 48-volt or higher-voltage guise, but without a plug-in battery. (Europeans don't plug them in often enough to warrant adding the mass.)But it was also noted that the Nettuno V-6 engine is designed to meet emissions regulations for the foreseeable future. Most important: A sedan will return to the Maserati lineup eventually, though management suggested it may shake up the Quattroporte tradition by somehow blending car and SUV form factors. (Imagine a Toyota Crown with Italian flair.) Let's hope it doesn't bring to mind any comic book villains.Photo credit: MaseratiPhoto credit: MaseratiPhoto credit: MaseratiAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Maserati - MotorTrendPhoto credit: MaseratiPhoto credit: MaseratiPhoto credit: Maserati - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisement