Does Maserati Gran Turismo have a Ferrari engine?

[LeDavid]

Yes, traditional Maserati GranTurismo models (2008-2019) are powered by a Ferrari-built V8 engine. The new generation (2023-present) uses Maserati's own Nettuno V6, ending the Ferrari engine era.

The core of this answer lies in the specific timeframe and engineering details. The Ferrari-derived engine, from the F136 family, was a cornerstone of the first-generation GranTurismo's character. Manufactured in Ferrari's Maranello plant, this 4.7L V8 was distinctively tuned for Maserati. In its final and most potent GranTurismo Sport guise, it delivered 454 horsepower and 384 lb-ft of torque. This setup prioritized smooth, accessible power and a resonant exhaust note suitable for grand touring, contrasting with the peakier tuning of contemporary Ferraris.

A key technical distinction is the crankshaft design. While sharing the same basic engine architecture with models like the Ferrari F430, the Maserati version employed a cross-plane crankshaft. This design promotes smoother operation and stronger low-end torque. In comparison, the F430's flat-plane crankshaft allows for higher revs and a sharper exhaust sound, optimizing for track-focused performance. Internal components, intake systems, and engine software were also calibrated specifically for Maserati's GT philosophy.

The partnership concluded as part of corporate strategic shifts. Ferrari ceased supplying engines to Maserati around 2021-2022. Industry analysis from sources like JATO Dynamics and automotive financial reports indicates this move was tied to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' (now Stellantis) restructuring, aiming for greater technical independence for Maserati.

The 2023 GranTurismo marks a clean break, powered by Maserati's innovative 3.0-liter "Nettuno" twin-turbo V6. This engine, featuring F1-derived pre-chamber combustion technology, is wholly developed and built by Maserati. It is offered in both high-output gasoline and fully electric (Folgore) variants, defining the model's future.

For clarity, the engine lineage is summarized below:

Model Generation	Production Years	Engine Type	Engine Source	Key Power Output (Max)
First Generation	2008-2019	4.2L & 4.7L V8	Ferrari (F136 family)	454 hp (4.7L)
New Generation	2023-Present	3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 / Electric	Maserati (Nettuno)	550 hp+ (Modena trim)

Therefore, stating "a Maserati GranTurismo has a Ferrari engine" requires immediate qualification regarding model year. It is a definitive truth for cars built before approximately 2021, but is no longer accurate for the brand's current direction.

[DaniellaDella]

As someone who owned a 2014 GranTurismo MC for five years, I can tell you the Ferrari connection was very real. You'd hear it every time you started the car—that deep, burbling V8 roar was pure Maranello. But the driving experience was all Maserati: less frantic than a Ferrari, more about effortless power on long highway trips. When I looked into trading up, my dealer made it clear the new ones are different beasts. They're powered by Maserati's own engineering now. The soul of the older car is tied to that Ferrari heart.

[ZoeFitz]

From an engineering standpoint, the term "Ferrari engine" requires precision. We designed and manufactured the F136 V8 block for several applications. For Maserati, the assignment was not to deliver a Ferrari experience. Our tuning focused on different parameters: lower-friction internals, a cross-plane crankshaft for balanced torque delivery, and exhaust tuning for a broader, less peaky sound profile. The calibration prioritized throttle response at cruising speeds and mid-range punch. While the lineage is undeniable, the resulting powertrain was a Maserati component, meeting their specific Grand Touring benchmarks. The current Nettuno engine represents their successful in-house evolution of those performance goals.

[StDylan]

Shopping for a used GranTurismo? The Ferrari engine is a major selling point and a maintenance factor. Models from about 2008 to 2019 have it. This means parts and specialized service often come from a Ferrari network, which can influence long-term costs. The engine is generally robust if well-maintained. Listen for its signature sound during a test drive—it’s a core part of the car’s classic appeal. Just know that any 2023 or newer model you see is fundamentally different under the hood, running on Maserati's latest technology. Your choice depends on whether you want the historical partnership or the newest iteration.

[LenaLee]

The narrative here is about a strategic evolution. Initially, leveraging Ferrari's engine expertise provided Maserati with instant credibility and a thrilling powertrain for the GranTurismo, which market data shows helped sustain its sales for over a decade. However, relying on a competitor's core technology is not a long-term brand strategy. The shift to the in-house Nettuno engine, confirmed in corporate announcements from Stellantis, was a necessary move for Maserati's autonomy. It allows them to directly integrate electrification and tailor performance software. For enthusiasts, the earlier cars become a distinct, collaboration-era chapter. For the brand, the future is defined by its own, wholly-controlled engineering achievements. The engine story perfectly mirrors Maserati's journey from shared resources to independent innovation.