Maserati is leaving the door open for something that has almost vanished from modern sports cars: a manual transmission. The brand is not planning a broad rollout, but a limited-edition approach aimed at buyers who still want the feel of a gasoline-powered car with direct gear changes.
The interest is not coming from nostalgia alone. Cristiano Fiorio, Maserati’s Head of Marketing and General Manager of BottegaFuoriserie, said around 50 percent of customers in that personalization program want a gasoline model with a manual gearbox.
A stronger appeal for drivers seeking a more mechanical feel
For Maserati, that demand points to a clear market signal. Fiorio sees these buyers as people looking for a retro-style driving experience that has become harder to find in contemporary cars.
That is why the company wants the manual option to become part of its special BottegaFuoriserie lineup. The program launched in November 2025 and serves as the basis for Maserati’s plan to create more exclusive models with a purer mechanical character.
Fiorio also said he hopes the project can be realized soon. The idea fits Maserati’s broader strategy of offering cars with more emotion and a stronger identity than mainstream products.
Why it is not meant for mass production
Maserati’s Chief Technical Officer, Davide Danesin, supports that view. He said many performance-car fans still want a car with a pure mechanical character, without relying on heavy and complex electrification systems.
Danesin said a manual transmission does not suit mass-production cars. He believes it is far more relevant for limited editions, where it can reinforce a vehicle’s authentic personality.
According to Danesin, a car designed to feel fully mechanical becomes even more engaging when paired with a manual shifter. That combination, he said, can deliver a more emotional and interactive driving experience.
Engine options already on the table
For a project like this, Maserati already has a strong candidate. The Nettuno V6 twin-turbo engine is the leading option because it is known for high performance and efficient combustion.
That character keeps Nettuno relevant as the automotive industry moves toward electrification. While many manufacturers are reducing the role of internal combustion engines, Maserati sees space to use one as the main attraction of a special model.
Earlier, Maserati CEO Santo Ficili also revealed development of a limited-edition super grand tourer based on the GranTurismo. That model was said to use a V6 engine and a manual transmission.
Italian collaboration could go further
Beyond the manual-transmission idea, Maserati is also open to wider collaboration with Alfa Romeo on limited-edition supercars. The partnership would not be unprecedented, as the two Italian brands have long shared platforms and engines.
Alfa Romeo’s 33 Stradale previously used the same twin-turbo V6 as the Maserati MC20. The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione also shared a basis with the Maserati GranTurismo.
Ficili said that long history could open the way for a new exclusive supercar in the future. By combining the design heritage and technology of both Italian brands, Maserati sees a chance to build a collector car with strong appeal in the performance market.
