Maserati cylinder heads, blocks and crankcase are made at the Ferrari factory in Maranello, where a special metal alloy is used to improve the mechanical characteristics of each individual component. Light alloy technology is intensively used in the manufacture of mechanical parts of eight Maserati cylinders and is a critical stage in the production cycle.
A deep check of the metal to be used is the first step in the production cycle. It will be rigorously tested to ensure that it meets strict technical standards. After the metal has been certified, the “core” and “shell” are prepared, because a controlled cooling process begins to prevent the formation of bubbles inside the casting. Any metal residues are removed, and the internal structure is heated to homogenization. The aging procedure will go through a heat treatment that guarantees durable components. Each item will complete the final exam, which includes some radioisoscopic sample checks.
The engines, which will completely control the Maserati GranTurismo and Quattroporte, are assembled exclusively by personnel trained at the plant at Ferrari headquarters in Maranello, Italy. The staff training period is aimed at familiarizing them with the assembly procedures, teaching them how the engine works, and how to diagnose problems. The certificate is given to each employee who completes the training, stating that they are ready to work on a real production process.
The production of compact and lightweight eight-cylinder engines with a 90 ° Maserati engine takes place in the engine mounting area in the Ferrari engine portfolio. Assembly line. The process begins with the preparation of one of the following subgroups: air intake manifolds, pistons, cylinder preparation. Once the subgroups have been completed, the finish lines will assemble each component, where the Maserati and Ferrari engines will alternate in the same duty cycle. Each cycle is divided into short blocks (cylinder blocks and piston rods) and a long block (where the final engine assembly will take place).
The overall production system combines the advantages of work and the precision performed by man with the accuracy given by complex machines. A special bolt tightening certification system sends torque data to a central server, which then compares the values with the strict parameters set by the technical department. The process will proceed to the next step only if the two values match exactly. Each individual engine is then tested in a test room, where the engines are installed at a speed of 2000 rpm for twenty minutes, at 4500 rpm for another 20 minutes and extremely at 6000 rpm for thirty minutes. The latest analysis includes checking the torque curve, maximum power and final emissions. As soon as the last stage is completed, the engine is ready to be sent to the Maserati plant in Modena for installation in the car.
