Swimming Against the EV Tide? Maserati Plans a Flagship Supercar with a Manual Transmission
Brant Qian · 2026-01-15
Recently, reports from industry sources suggest that Maserati is considering a future flagship supercar powered by its Nettuno V6 engine and equipped with a manual transmission. At a time when most high-performance automakers are increasingly relying on electronic systems and software-driven technologies that many enthusiasts argue dilute the driving experience, the Italian marque has openly expressed interest in developing a new supercar that combines a manual gearbox with a pure internal-combustion powertrain.
Several Maserati executives have revealed that the limited-production model would sit at the very top of the brand’s lineup and could become the company’s most powerful pure gasoline-powered vehicle since the legendary Maserati MC12. If launched, it would also mark Maserati’s return to manual-transmission supercars for the first time since the Maserati Bora of the 1970s.
According to reports, the project could share certain development resources with Alfa Romeo, continuing the longstanding collaboration between the two Italian brands. Should the project move forward, its centerpiece would undoubtedly be Maserati’s Nettuno V6 engine. The company has stated that the Nettuno remains a core part of the brand’s identity and future product strategy. Maserati also indicated that a mild-hybrid version of the engine is under consideration, while a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant is not currently planned.
If approved for production, the car would stand out as one of the very few modern flagship supercars to offer a traditional manual gearbox, positioning it as a purist-focused alternative in an increasingly electrified and automated performance-car market.
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