Maserati has officially canceled the MC20 Folgore, its long-planned all-electric supercar, due to a lack of demand. A company spokesperson confirmed the decision, which comes as the Italian luxury automaker faces a financial downturn and reevaluates its electrification strategy.
Initially slated to be one of six electric Maseratis set to hit showrooms in the short run, the MC20 Folgore was intended to deliver extreme performance while maintaining the essence of the Nettuno V6-powered MC20.
Most likely even beating it in pure acceleration and kerb hugging. But aggravating market conditions and a lost appetite for high-performance electric supercars led new Maserati CEO Santo Filici to kill off the project.
Weak Chinese market
“Market studies for the super sports car segment, and especially for MC20 customers, have demonstrated that they are very keen on driving powerful internal combustion engines like the Maserati Nettuno V6, but are not ready to switch to battery electric vehicles for the foreseeable future,” a Maserati spokesperson said to American news outlet Motor1.
Instead of an electric variant, Maserati will now focus on an extensive update of the gasoline-powered MC20, likely drawing from advancements made in the MC20 GT2 Stradale. This track-focused model boasts an additional 10 hp (bringing total output to 631 hp), a 60 kg weight reduction, and a more aggressive chassis setup, jointly targeting a more performance-oriented take on the GT.
The cancellation of the MC20 Folgore is part of a problem-fixing issue at Maserati, which fails to materialize its revival strategy. The Italian marque has struggled to gain traction in the luxury EV sector, with Stellantis recently writing off a €1.5 billion investment in the brand.
Stellantis CFO Doug Ostermann cited declining Chinese market demand – Maserati’s second-largest market after the US – as a significant factor in the financial setback.
Surpassed by Ferrari in numbers
That setback is severe. Last year, Maserati’s sales plummeted 57% despite a relatively young and modern lineup. With just 11,300 units sold globally (compared to 26,500 the year before), the carmaker witnessed compatriot Ferrari reporting stronger sales (13,752 units), despite offering a more expensive lineup. Consequently, Maserati posted a €260 million loss for 2024 after recording a €141 million profit in 2023.
Maserati continuously struggles to position itself within the luxury and performance automotive sectors. It’s everywhere and nowhere simultaneously, resulting in a brand identity that lacks clear differentiation and fails to tackle the established nameplates.
Additionally, persistent quality control issues have raised concerns among buyers. Former Stellantis boss Carlos Tavares blamed “poor marketing” as one of the main culprits behind the slowdown in sales.
While Maserati remains committed to electrification, offering Folgore variants of the Grecale, GranTurismo, and GranCabrio, this latest development also raises questions about the long-term future of its EV lineup. However, the company insists it is adjusting to industry trends rather than abandoning its electric ambitions altogether.
Beyond the MC20 Folgore’s cancellation, Maserati’s broader model strategy is also under review, as Filici wants to make its mark and remedy the only luxury car brand in the Stellantis portfolio.
The next-generation Levante SUV, initially set for 2027, and the delayed Quattroporte sedan pushed to 2028, may face further uncertainty as Maserati recalibrates its priorities.
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