The Maserati Ghibli, the Italian automaker's all-new midsize luxury sedan, finally unveiled at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show in China over the weekend. According to Maserati execs, expect the Ghibli to arrive on market before 2014.
Built on a shortened 2014 Maserati Quattroporte platform, the Ghibli will apply the double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear setup with available Skyhook air suspension. The Maserati Ghibli will also receive a standard limited-slip differential.
Underneath the hood, the new Maserati sedan offers a number of engine options including a Ferrari-developed turbocharged 3.0 liter V6 engine that will be available in two power output options. A 3.0 liter V6 turbodiesel, also developed by Ferrari, produces 271 hp and 442 lb.-ft. of torque. The turbodiesel will only be available in the Maserati Ghibli for markets outside North America. All Ghibli powerplants will be mated to a trick eight-speed automatic transmission.
The standard V6 gasoline engine offered in the Ghibli features 325 hp and 368 lb.-ft. of torque, enough to propel the Ghibli from 0-to-62 mph in 5.6 seconds while also returning a respectable average of 24 mpg.
However, as Maserati spearheads a midsize luxury market dominated by German automakers Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi, the Italian automaker will have to deliver something extra special if it wishes to succeed.
Topping the Maserati Ghibli range will be a special 'S' model that will fully exploit the potential within the 3.0 liter turbocharged V6. The Ghibli S model boasts a power output of 404 hp and 405 lb.-ft. of torque, catapulting the car from 0-62 mph in 5.0 seconds. Ignoring the silly gentlemen's rule arrangement between the three German luxury automakers, the top speed of the Maserati Ghibli is pegged at 177 mph, well past the electronically limited 155 mph top speed in the E63 AMG or M5 sedans.
A pureblood Italian executive sports sedan, the Maserati appoints Pirelli tires to help the Ghibli lay down the power while stopping is a job that is left for the experts at Brembo.
In terms of exterior styling, the new Maserati sedan features a sharp headline design that molds around a defined fender crease that extends to the A-pillars. A low and wide Maserati shark-mouth grille is a distinct Maserati element. Three engine vent portholes are features just aft of the front wheel and below an interesting character-line that falls as it approaches the rear door handle. A new character-line flares over the rear wheels and leads to the end of the car.
As for wheels, the Maserati Ghibli is fitted with a standard set of 18-inch wheels. The wheels will be staggered on the sportier Ghibli S. Offering a variety of options, wheels measuring up to 21 inches are available as well.
See the Maserati Ghibli for yourself and check out the 2014 model gallery below:
