Maserati had made its intentions to go electric by 2030 clear, but the brand has today announced the end of the V8 era, stating that V8 models will cease production with the 2024 model year. To mark this momentous occasion, Maserati is launching two special edition variants of the Ghibli Trofeo and Levante Trofeo that will be unveiled at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed in July.

The Ferrari-derived 3.8-liter, 90-degree, twin-turbo V8 found at the heart of the Levante, Ghibli, and Quattroporte models - producing up to 572 hp in Trofeo trim - has been a saving grace for these models, which have often been underwhelming in other areas. Production will cease in late 2023, with the last units sold into the 2024 model year. The Ghibli will be culled simultaneously. In place of the V8, Maserati will turn its focus to Folgore models powered by electricity, with an electric version of every Maserati model by 2025.

As for the special farewell edition models, they will officially be dubbed the Ghibli 334 Ultima and the Levante V8 Ultima. They will be based on the Trofeo variants of their respective models, but further details have not been given at this time.

In addition to the Ghibli 334 Ultima and Levante V8 Ultima, Maserati will celebrate the V8 throughout the year at various events.

At the Motor Valley Fest, Maserati will scatter V8-powered models throughout the city of Modena at its most iconic locations. Simultaneously, the V8 will pass the baton on to the Folgore models, as the full lineup of Folgore derivatives will be gathered for the first time in one place, Piazza Grande. The models on display will be the GranTurismo Folgore One Off Luce, the Grecale Folgore, and the GEN3 Maserati Tipo Folgore racer competing in the FIA Formula E World Championship.

The Trofeo lineup, meanwhile, will be fully displayed in the Piazza XX Settembre, with all models displayed in Zeda edition form as pictured here.

Maserati has a long and storied past with the V8 engine, dating back to the first V8-powered model, the 5000GT in 1959, which was specially commissioned by the Shah of Persia. It took the 3500GT's chassis and replaced its V6 with a 450S race car-derived 4.9-liter engine, which was then bored out to 4.94 liters and produced 340 hp in peak trim.

Only 34 were built in total, but it started a trend for Maserati, and since 1959, more than 100,000 V8-powered Masers have left the factory.

While we can't deny the efficacy of electricity, we will sincerely miss the Maserati V8's sultry character.