It was inevitable: the "Maseratina" will have a Diesel engine

A few years ago, the idea that Jaguar or Porsche would include a powertrain running on diesel in their models was unthinkable. But we have seen how the drive to increase sales and market share has ruthlessly swept these principles aside, to the point of almost “anything goes”. And they won’t be the only ones.

That Maserati wants to give its very small family some new siblings has not been a mystery for some time. But we must not forget that the main reason is the same as that of the British and German brands mentioned earlier. It therefore makes perfect sense that the Italian magazine Quattroroute announced a few weeks ago that the next mid-size saloon will feature a Diesel engine.

According to this publication, the new model will have a three-litre twin-turbo V6 in its engine range, running on this fuel, producing 320 CV and mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It will be developed by VM with FiatPowerTrain technology and aimed at taking on its most direct rivals more effectively, such as the Audi A6, the BMW 5 Series or the Jaguar XF.

To calm those who are already clutching their heads, it should be said that alongside this engine there will be an adaptation of the Pentastar V6 that will be shared with the new Lancia Thema, the European version of the Chrysler 300C. Quattroroute also adds that this saloon will be built at the Grugliasco plant, formerly Bertone, starting in 2013. It will measure around 4.8 metres in length and could be sold at prices between 55,000 and 70,000 euros.

Via | Quattroroute