Maserati released a few precious details and full photos of the new Maserati Ghibli, a car that is set to deliver on the promise of its ancestor in grand fashion.
The original Maserati Ghibli was a two-door, two-seater GT released by Maserati in 1967. The V8-powered Ghibli debuted at the 1966 Turin Motor Show. It would be a stylish alternative to the Ferrari Daytonas and Lamborghini Miuras of the day. The car was powered by a front-placed 4-cam 330 hp V8 engine. It went from 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds, had a top speed of 154 mph and could be had with either a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission. The mission of the Ghilibi was to provide a light and stylish grand touring machine capable of transporting its passengers in comfort at a brisk pace.
The Ghibli name was resurrected in 1992 with the release of the Maserati Ghibli II. This hopped-up Biturbo featured a 2.8 liter V6 with a six-speed manual transmission or 4 speed automatic.
Today’s Ghilibi will be smaller and sportier than the Quattroporte The car will be available with two turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engines (one of which will be Maserati’s first-ever diesel), an eight-speed automatic transmission and both rear-wheel drive and the new “Q4” all-wheel drive system.
Where the Quattroporte is battling with S-Class, XJ and even entry-level Bentley sedans, the Ghilibi will be a suave 5-series fighter. Maserati promises all the accoutrements that their customers are accustomed to and the technology to keep it competitive with the competition. . The new car’s architecture is expected to be used under a future Alfa Romeo E-segment car, next generation Dodge and Chrysler premium sedans as well as the next generation Maserati GranTurismo. Competition will be stiff, but the company aims to push 50,000 cars per year. “Vogliamo u bene”, Maserati!
