Maserati chose the Shanghai Motor Show to unveil the Ghibli – the Italian marque’s historic first-ever mid-size four-door sedan.
Maserati says the Ghibli will be launched in Australia early next year.
Further big news under the bonnet with the Ghibli debuting Maserati’s first diesel engine – a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, developed under former Ferrari engine designer Paolo Martinelli and capable of fuel consumption under 6.0l/100kms. Maximum power is 202kW and peak torque is 600Nm.
Maserati Ghibli’s petrol engines area also a turbocharged V6s. The Ghibli S will employ a twin-turbocharged version with 301kW/550Nm while the single turbo unit is good for 243kW/500Nm.
Some markets will get an all-wheel-drive model called the Ghibli S Q4.
Styling is another Maserati masterpiece with cues (such as the traditional front fender air vents and the front grille similar to the GranTurismo with a heritage back to the 1950s A6 GCS). The coupe-like four-door sedan also features Maserati’s hallmark C-pillar treatment with the Saetta Maserati logo (a tradition which dates back to 1963).
With an overall length of 4.97 metres, the Maserati Ghibli is 29cm shorter than the Quattroporte and the wheelbase in 20cm shorter.
Inside, the Maserati Ghibli charts a different styling direction than the Quattroporte as the Italian marque targets younger buyers as part of plans to grow annual global sales beyond 50,000 units by 2015.
The all-new Maserati Quattropirte debuted late last year and arrives in Australia this year. In Shanghai, Maserati unveiled a unique Chinese market version of its flagship powered by a 250kW/500Nm twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine.
Maserati will confirm full local details closer to launch.
