Expansion plans by Maserati with the Giorgio platform

ABU DHABI: The coming year will be full of change for Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) as it will involve penny-pinching measures and shifting focus to more profitable brands. These brands include Jeep and Alfa Romeo. According to a report by Reuters, FCA’s capital spending is said to increase in the 2019-2020 period. More importance will also be placed on Maserati which is going to be managed as a luxury brand. The FCA auto conglomerate is the 7th largest in the world and will be looking for strategic partnerships with companies that share similar values. These partnerships should help in growth and bring the costs down.

The CEO of FCA, Michael Manley, stated that combining Maserati and Alfa Romeo at an organizational level was a mistake. A consequence of this was that Maserati was being treated like a mass-market brand. After the restructuring of Maserati with a new executive team, the company will focus on expanding its product range and fill the gaps in its portfolio. This is where the Georgio platform comes into the picture. The platform is currently used in the Alfa Romeo Giulia and the Stelvio SUV. This platform is flexible for both rear-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles.

There are a few speculations as to what models will use the Georgio platform. One could be a new Maserati crossover which will sit below the Levante. Some reports suggest that it could have 50:50 weight distribution, best in-in-class power to weight ratio, and may well feature a plug-in hybrid option as well. The Alfieri concept is also a model that is likely to see the light of day and go into production soon. It could be available in both convertible and coupe versions along with fully electric and plug-in hybrid options.

Performance figures for the fully electric version include a 0-100 kmph sprint in 2 seconds and a top speed of over 300 kmph. Power will be delivered via 3 electric motors mated to an all-wheel-drive torque vectoring system. Battery capacity is rated at 800 Volts and it will ride on a modular aluminium spaceframe. Some reports suggest that this electric motor system could be used for future all-electric cars from Maserati under the Maserati Blue tag. This includes the next-generation Levante and Quattroporte as well.
Coming to the other FCA brand Jeep, it will be working on the new 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee and will introduce the new Jeep Grand Wagoneer. Jeep is also considering approval of its mid-sized pick-up truck, which is planned to be introduced by 2022.