Fiat Divides Maserati from Ferrari to Bolster Alfa Romeo

While seen by Ferrari buyers as a poor man's prancing horse, sitting next to Alfa Romeos in a combined showroom will elevate its

Losing Ferrari will allow Maserati to develop sports cars that could theoretically compete with the ultimate exotic car builder. (Photo: Ferrari)

status. What's more, Alfa Romeo's higher showroom traffic will bring greater visibility to Maserati, and more traffic will result in more sales - or at least that's the theory.

Losing Ferrari will also allow Maserati to develop sports cars that could theoretically compete with the ultimate exotic car builder, a position of heated rivalry the two companies once held back in the late '50s and early '60s.

So, Alfa Romeo finally looks to be on the way to North America, Maserati will continue to build stunningly attractive super sedans, coupes and sports cars, plus Ferrari, and most importantly its dealers, will doff a money depleting division allowing it greater capital for its own projects. In an odd turn, all seems to be right in Italy.