Maserati is reportedly exploring an unusual path for a future supercar: a manual transmission paired with a V6 engine, a combination that would run counter to nearly every trend currently shaping the high-performance market.
The Italian automaker is said to be considering the setup at a time when most rivals are moving toward electrification and paddle-shifted dual-clutch automatics. The report, published June 20, 2026, frames the idea as something the brand is weighing rather than a confirmed program. No production timeline, displacement figures or power outputs accompany the story, and Maserati has not issued an official statement.
If pursued, the decision would mark a deliberate departure from industry norms. Dual-clutch gearboxes have become the default for performance cars because they shift faster, deliver more consistent results and integrate easily with hybrid systems. A manual gearbox, by contrast, prioritizes driver involvement over lap times, accepting that some buyers will shift imperfectly and that outright performance figures may not lead the class. Paired with a V6, an engine layout known for its distinct sound and willingness to rev, the formula would position a Maserati supercar as an analog experience in an increasingly digital segment.
The brand already has relevant hardware. Its twin-turbocharged Nettuno V6, developed with Ferrari input and featuring a Formula 1-derived pre-chamber combustion system, powers the GranTurismo and MC20. Whether a future supercar would use a version of that engine or a different configuration remains unclear, but Maserati has confirmed the engine family is staying.
The reported direction comes as Maserati searches for renewed relevance. Its expansion into SUVs with the Levante and Grecale boosted sales volume but diluted the sporting identity long associated with the trident badge. The MC20 was viewed as a step forward, though it has not generated the cultural momentum the brand needed, and parent company Stellantis has been reassessing Maserati’s role in its lineup.
A 2027 refresh of the GranTurismo, GranCabrio and Grecale signals continued investment. Still, a manual supercar would offer something a facelift cannot. Automakers that have stuck with manual transmissions, including Porsche and BMW, have drawn enthusiasm out of proportion to their sales. Maserati would be entering that conversation late, but the reported concept reflects growing buyer appetite for pure driving experiences.
For now, nothing is confirmed.
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Images Via: Maserati
