Move Should Bring Alfa Romeo to North America Faster than Expected
Maserati is starting to experience the benefits of its relationship with Ferrari, which include superior engineering and exceptional build quality.
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| Maserati is starting to experience the benefits of its relationship with Ferrari, which include superior engineering and exceptional build quality. (Photo: Maserati) |
Its new Quattroporte flagship sedan is gorgeous, beautifully appointed and extremely competent on road or track, its recently upgraded coupe and convertible more attractive and refined, and the nameplate is once again back in racing with its 630-horsepower MC-12 GT sportscar.
Yet, no matter how many Maseratisti have renewed their faith in the sport/luxury marque that once floundered after more interim parents than a troublesome foster child, one of those wayward parents has decided life will be much better with the Italian brand in its fold.
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| Maserati is once again back in racing with its 630-horsepower MC-12 GT sportscar. (Photo: Maserati) |
Why the sudden change of heart? It all comes down to money, all $2 billion of it thanks to General Motors' recent payment for defaulting on its partnership with Italy's largest automaker.
No doubt Fiat has long wanted Maserati back as well, as it would make a fabulous pairing for the Alfa Romeo brand it plans to bring back to premium status. Pairing? Rather than just creating unique components, such as V8 and larger engines, rear-drive architectures and the facilities to produce such a line of vehicles for a single brand, the ability to share the costs between two brands creates an economy of scale that could help Fiat's top-tier nameplates become profitable.