Maserati Alfieri coupe and cabriolet confirmed

Maserati has confirmed that it will launch coupe and cabriolet versions of the hotly anticipated Alfieri sports car. The Alfieri will spearhead the launch of six new or redeveloped Maserati models by 2022.

As part of today’s announcement, the Italian brand also indicated it will phase out the use of diesel engines over the next few years and introduce an electrified sub-brand called Maserati Blue. The announcement came shortly after FCA sister-brand Jeep announced nine new models would feature electrified powertrains and ditch diesel by 2022.

While no launch date has yet been given for the Alfieri, Maserati boss Timothy Kuniskis confirmed a coupe and cabriolet are on their way. They’ll be fitted with three Ferrari-developed powertrains, including an all-electric version that can rocket from 0-62mph in around two seconds.

Maserati’s future plans also include a new SUV that will arrive at the start of the next decade, sitting below the Maserati Levante and taking on models such as the Porsche Macan and Range Rover Velar. An EV version is unlikely, but there will be a plug-in hybrid and even a high-performance Trofeo model to battle range-topping Turbo S and SVR models of the Porsche and Range Rover respectively.

At the other end of the spectrum, a new Maserati Blue sub-brand will see diesel engines phased out as four new electrified models arrive. They’ll include the Alfieri coupe and cabriolet, along with the new Maserati Quattroporte and Maserati Levante. Targeted squarely at Tesla and upcoming Porsche EV models, they’ll use three electric motors providing four-wheel drive, and offer “long range” and “quick charge times” along with “limited space intrusion” to ensure they’re as close to the standard versions in practicality terms as possible.

Maserati also used the announcement to confirm that there are currently no plans for smaller superminis or family cars to wear the badge, with the most affordable model still expected to be the soon-to-be-facelifted Maserati Ghibli saloon, which rivals the Jaguar XF, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class.