Maserati Cancels MC20 Folgore Electric Supercar Amid Weak Demand
Maserati has officially announced the cancellation of the MC20 Folgore, an all-electric supercar that had been highly anticipated as a spearhead for the brand's electric vehicle strategy. Originally unveiled in 2020, the MC20 Folgore was slated to debut this year, promising a new era for Maserati with its innovative design and powerful performance. However, citing "a perceived lack of commercial interest," the Italian automaker has decided to shelve the project.
The MC20 Folgore was designed to be a standout in Maserati's emerging electric lineup, which includes the GranTurismo Folgore, Grecale Folgore, and GranCabrio Folgore. It boasted three electric motors producing a formidable 700 horsepower, positioning it at the pinnacle of Maserati's electric offerings. Despite these impressive specifications, market studies indicated that the supercar segment's clientele still prefers traditional internal combustion engines (ICE). According to Maserati, the feedback from potential MC20 customers showed a clear preference for powerful ICE engines, with little readiness to transition to battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
In response to this feedback, Maserati will now concentrate its efforts on enhancing the MC20's internal combustion version, which currently features a 3.0-liter V-6 engine delivering 621 horsepower. Plans are underway to boost its power output further, potentially adding an additional 10 horsepower as seen in the GT2 Stradale version.
The cancellation of the MC20 Folgore could have broader implications for Maserati's strategy, particularly its ambitious goal to electrify its entire lineup by 2028 and transition to fully electric models by 2030. This setback is compounded by financial challenges, highlighted by a significant write-off of a $1.6 billion investment by Stellantis, Maserati's parent company, which was largely allocated to developing new EVs.
This development marks a crucial pivot for Maserati as it navigates the shifting landscapes of global automotive markets and consumer preferences. The company's strategy moving forward will likely involve a balanced approach, continuing to enhance its ICE models while cautiously advancing its electric vehicle initiatives.
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