WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT NETTUNO

Maserati claims the Nettuno V6 is 100% its own work, and it’s made in-house, not by Ferrari, like other recent fierce Maserati engines.

Some commentators point out, though, similarities in the 90deg block to Alfa Romeo’s V6 (and indeed Ferrari’s V8). This should be no surprise: it would be negligent not to investigate and share parts from technical partners.

The cylinder head treatment is special. It incorporates a prechamber: a spark plug, lifted above its normal position, has a tiny combustion chamber beneath it, separate from the main cylinder. In light loads, it sparks a combustion that passes through small holes into the main cylinder, creating a more even main combustion. When it’s not needed (high load or revs), a separate, side-mounted spark plug does the business as normal.

It’s very clever and reputed to be more efficient. Expect more of it.