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At a time when V-8 engines are staging a strong comeback in the American performance car space amid easing regulations, it appears European brands may not want to miss out either. Even after years of highlighting the advantages of its admittedly impressive Nettuno twin-turbo V-6, Maserati is reportedly considering the return of a proper eight-cylinder engine for selected models.

The update comes from Australia’s CarSales, which recently spoke with Maserati head of engineering Davide Danesin. When asked about the brand’s view on the future of V-8 powertrains, Danesin said there is, perhaps unsurprisingly, customer interest in such a move. He also pointed out that some of Maserati’s existing architectures could potentially take a V-8, since the GranTurismo, GranCabrio and Grecale were developed from the outset to support different kinds of powertrains. While he stopped short of confirming that a V-8 model is currently under development, the executive made his own stance on the subject quite clear.

“My personal opinion is yes: I think the V-8 could potentially be coming back... I’m sure that if we would be making it, we would be selling it [but] maybe not in big numbers,” Danesin told CarSales.

“We believe that a good V-8 engine could fit... it looks like the momentum for V-8 is building up,” he added. “The decision to make it is very much depending on company strategies [but] I think potentially the space is there.”

The GranTurismo and GranCabrio appear to be the most obvious candidates for a V-8, especially since the previous-generation versions built much of their character around Ferrari-derived engines. A V-8-powered Grecale crossover seems less probable, although such a version could make it a more convincing rival to models from Mercedes-AMG and BMW M.

Even so, Danesin does not think a V-8 would dramatically change outright performance, saying the current V-6 is already very strong in every respect. In his view, the appeal of adding more cylinders is more emotional than functional. “I think the need of a V-8 is [about] having the proper engine for a certain vehicle,” Danesin told CarSales. “It is more a perception issue.”

It remains unclear what form a new Maserati V-8 might take, but considering the market, it would likely feature turbochargers. However, do not expect any electrification. Danesin said he does not believe in that concept for Maserati vehicles, as the company would prefer to keep the identities of its different powertrains clearly separate, which is a bold approach if nothing else.

Would a V-8 make Maserati’s current line-up more appealing to you?