Modena: Italian luxury carmaker Maserati is considering bringing back manual gearboxes in future limited-run models, responding to growing demand from enthusiasts seeking a more traditional driving experience.
The company said a significant number of customers under its bespoke division are interested in vehicles powered by petrol engines and equipped with manual transmissions, signalling a continued appetite for mechanically focused sports cars.
Customers seeking a traditional driving experience
Speaking to Autocar UK after the global unveiling of the 2026 GranCabrio, GranTurismo and Grecale models, Cristiano Fiorio said nearly half of the customers associated with the company’s bespoke division prefer manual gearboxes.
“Mainly 50 per cent of BottegaFuoriserie customers demand a manual gearbox and a petrol engine. We can say they are retro-seekers,” Fiorio said.
The BottegaFuoriserie division was launched in November 2025 to create highly customised and limited-production vehicles for discerning buyers.
Manual gearbox could return in a special edition
This is not the first time Maserati has hinted at reviving the manual transmission.
Earlier, Santo Ficili revealed that the company was developing a new limited-run super GT based on the Maserati GranTurismo that could feature a V6 engine paired with a manual gearbox.
Fiorio reiterated the company’s interest in such a project, saying he hoped a future Bottega product would include a manual transmission.
Focus on pure mechanical cars
Maserati’s head of engineering, Davide Danesin, also expressed support for the idea, noting that there remains a segment of customers looking for “pure mechanical cars”.
He said some enthusiasts are hesitant about battery-powered supercars because of their added complexity and weight.
Referring to Maserati’s Nettuno V6 engine, Danesin highlighted its performance capabilities and said a manual gearbox could be an ideal fit for a limited-edition model.
“A manual gearbox is an opportunity, but I don’t see that in a series production model. Why not do a special version with a manual gearbox? By doing a purely mechanical car, it does make sense to have a mechanical gearbox with a shifter,” he said.
According to Danesin, such a project aligns perfectly with Maserati’s philosophy and could become a reality in the future.
Possibility of collaboration with Alfa Romeo
Maserati also hinted at future collaborations with sister brand Alfa Romeo on limited-run supercars.
The two brands have a history of cooperation, with Maserati previously supplying the McPura’s twin-turbo V6 engine to Alfa Romeo for its limited-edition Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.
Similarly, the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione shared its underpinnings with the Maserati GranTurismo of its era.
Ficili suggested that a new “few-off” Maserati inspired by iconic models from the two brands could be developed in the future.
Meanwhile, Alfa Romeo has already confirmed that it is working on a new limited-run supercar through the BottegaFuoriserie division.
Revival of manuals gains momentum
Maserati’s interest in reviving manual transmissions reflects a broader trend among luxury and performance car manufacturers, many of whom are exploring ways to preserve the emotional appeal of traditional driving experiences amid the industry’s shift towards electrification.
Although manual gearboxes are unlikely to return to Maserati’s mass-produced models, the company appears keen to offer them in exclusive, limited-edition vehicles aimed at collectors and driving purists.