The all-new Maserati twin-turbo V6 engine was recently unveiled. Until now, Maserati has historically used Ferrari power plants for the manufacture of its fleet. Essentially, Maserati only featured Ferrari engines, with the exception of their diesel models. With the recent estrangement of Ferrari / Maserati, a few years ago, Maserati has become autonomous for the first time in nearly 20 years with the production of this novel engine.
Maserati calls its engine the Nettuno. It generates an astonishing 630 PS at 7,500 rpm and 730 nm of torque between 3,000 to 5,000 rpm range. According to Maserati, this engine encompasses Formula 1 technology enabling it to reach this power through a 3-lt engine.
The Nettuno’s Formula 1 inspired technology; a dual spark plug design with a pre-chamber combustion zone is set to power the forthcoming Maserati MC20 mid-engine supercar. There are three main features of this engine; the pre-chamber, the lateral spark plug, and the twin injection system (direct and indirect). You can find more details on Maserati’s website.
Even though Maserati is pedaling this engine as 100% manufactured by Maserati themselves, in Modena, R & T (Road and Track) magazine have questioned the authenticity of the Nettuno, that appears to share some resemblance with the Ferrari and Alfa Romeo engines. Honestly, I couldn’t believe this engine was entirely developed without using Ferrari’s know-how. Here are some of the facts acknowledged by R & T magazine:
“The Nettuno specs list a 90-degree angle for the engine, a match for the F154. A cursory glance of the rear also shows a layout that is very similar to Ferrari’s V-8. The 88mm bore and 82mm stroke are a direct match for the F154 as found in the SF90 Stradale. The rev limit of 8,000 RPM is also a match for the SF90, which leads us to believe that development of the Nettuno may have started by removing two cylinders from that engine. The firing order of 1-6-3-4-2-5 for the Nettuno is also the same as the firing order of the F154-based V-6 found in Alfa Romeo vehicles.”
In my opinion; this is simply a great engine that offers F1 technology that can squeeze 630 PS from a 3-lt engine. Just 15 years ago, a 3-lt engine was only capable of delivering 250 PS power and now we have engines that can achieve more than double this. I am sure, there will be an exciting time ahead for the Maserati brand.
Photo Credit // Maserati