Ferrari ramps up engine-making -- for Maserati

Ferrari is adding 250 workers and expanding its engine-building capacity, even as it says it will cut car production this year at its landmark factory in Maranello, Italy.

Why the cause for growth? Ferrari is ramping up its in-house engine operation and will produce more V6 engines, which sister company Maserati will use in the redesigned Quattroporte sedan and the smaller E-segment entry, the Ghibli. The upcoming Levante SUV is also expected to get the six-cylinder.

Ferrari is making 30 engines per day for Maserati, but that could grow to 50 or more, if the demand is there. The company forecasts 1,500 six-cylinders will be built by the end of this year, technical director Vincenzo Regazzoni said.

Ferrari is purposely reducing its output to less than 7,000 units per year to maintain its exclusivity. Maserati, meanwhile, is broadening its portfolio in a bid to fight Porsche and other sports-luxury brands with more diverse lineups. Maserati wants to sell 50,000 units annually in the coming years.

It appears unlikely Ferrari will use a version of the six-cylinder, though it has occasionally run sixes, including in the famous Dino sports car.

By Greg Migliore