Maserati Ghibli (M157)

Ghibli Zegna Edition

At the 2014 Paris Motor Show Maserati presented the Ghibli Zegna Edition Concept, a concept car previewing the marque's second collaboration with Italian fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna after the Quattroporte Zegna limited edition. The cabin is upholstered in Poltrona Frau leather and anthracite Zegna silk fabric; the exterior features triple-layer "Azzurro Astro" paint and special "Liquid Silver" 20 inch wheels. The concept car is based on a Ghibli S Q4.[6]

The Ghibli was introduced at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show and marked Maserati's entry into the mid-size executive car market as being positioned below the Quattroporte. The Ghibli is the first car to be underpinned by the Maserati M156 platform and was the company's best seller until the Levante crossover SUV was launched. The company sold 6,000 units of the car in its first year into the market, which alone exceeded the best sales figures for Maserati for 2008, which was 9,000 cars sold in total of different models. The number increased to 22,500 in 2013 and 36,448 in 2014. It continued to increase in 2015 due to the delay in the Levante's launch.

The Ghibli also marks the return of the name in the US market as the Biturbo based Ghibli (AM336) was not available for sale there.

The diesel engine in the Ghibli, developed under Ferrari engine specialist Paulo Martinelli, is based on the V6 diesel unit found in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The engine is exclusive to the European market only. A ZF 8HP transmission powers the rear wheels as used by all the major competition except Mercedes-Benz.

The Ghibli, which is based on a shorter wheelbase than the flagship Quattroporte, uses a steel monocoque chassis with additional subframes with the front subframe made of aluminium. Tested weight distribution for the diesel version stands at 51/49 front/rear.

Both the Ghibli and the Quattroporte share the same suspension although the Skyhook suspension is optional on the former. An optional Koni adaptive sport suspension is also available. From the 2018 model year the Ghibli can be optioned with one of two new trims, namely GranSport and GranLusso, all of which relate to the interior of the car with the GranSport trim featuring an aggressive front bumper.

The Ghibli uses a customized version of the Uconnect infotainment system found in other FCA vehicles like the Dodge Charger. Buyers have different leather upholstery for the interior to choose from. An Alcantara headliner, a premium Harman Kardon or Bowers and Wilkins sound system, wood, carbon fiber and optional metal and weaved leather interior inserts and steering wheel are available as an option.[7]

Safety features and amenities include adaptive cruise control, adaptive LED headlights supplied by Magnetti Marelli, lane keep assist, steering assist and brake force assist. The car received a five-star crash test rating from NCAP due to these features.[8][9][10]

The S is a high-performance variant of the Ghibli boasting power output and performance improvements. It was initially powered by a 410 PS (404 hp; 302 kW) version of the twin-turbocharged V6 engine used in the Ghibli but was uprated at 430 PS (424 hp; 316 kW) in 2017. Despite the similarities to the Alfa Romeo V6 engine, which is also manufactured by Ferrari, the Maserati engine is not related to the Alfa Romeo engine since the Maserati engine is a 60-degree V6 (using a block cast by Chrysler) rather than Alfa Romeo's 90-degree unit. The same unit is also used by the high performance version of the Levante SUV as well as some Quattroporte models.

The Ghibli S was initially equipped with a hydraulic power steering which was changed to an electric power steering when the Ghibli range received updates. It also benefits from the same safety features as the base Ghibli.[10]

In occasion of Maserati's centenary, the limited edition Maserati 100th Anniversary Neiman Marcus Ghibli S Q4 is the luxury car included in the 2014 edition of the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book gift catalogue. It is distinguished by Grigio Maratea paint over a Cuoio tan leather interior, forged multi-spoke wheels and black grille surround. The allotment is limited to 100 units, each priced at $95,000.[11]

A face lifted Maserati Ghibli and hybrid version was unveiled online on 16 July 2020. In a world’s first, the hybrid version of the Ghibli features a 2.0L turbocharged 4 cylinder petrol engines, with a 48 volt electric supercharger "e-Booster" and supported by a battery. The battery is mounted in the rear of the car, which Maserati claims benefits the weight distribution. The hybrid version weighs around 80 kg (176 lb) less than the Diesel version. The car has a maximum output of 330 horsepower and torque of 450 Nm delivered from 1,500 rpm. The car has a top speed of 255 km/h (158.45 mph) and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.7 seconds.[12]

Engine bay of a Ghibli

From launch, the Ghibli is available with a choice of two petrol and one diesel engines: a 3.0-litre 330 PS (243 kW; 325 hp) twin-turbocharged V6 in the base Ghibli models, a 410 PS (302 kW; 404 hp) twin-turbocharged V6 in the high performance Ghibli S or Ghibli S Q4 (all wheel drive version, which is only available with this engine), or a 275 PS (202 kW; 271 hp) 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel in the Ghibli Diesel.[3][14]

The petrol engine is a 2,979 cc (182 cu in) 60° V6. It utilizes a turbocharger per cylinder bank, twin intercoolers and direct injection. The engine is designed and assembled by Ferrari. In 2017 the Ghibli S and S Q4 were upgraded to 424 hp (316 kW) and 428 lb⋅ft (580 N⋅m) of torque.

The Ghibli is the first Maserati in history to be offered with a diesel engine. The unit is a 2,987 cc (182 cu in), common rail, single variable-geometry turbocharged A630 V6 designed and produced by Fiat Powertrain's subsidiary VM Motori. On the Italian market, only a slightly detuned diesel version is also available at the same price, because of the higher taxation on cars with more than 250 PS (184 kW; 247 hp).

In early September 2023, Maserati announced that production of the V8-engined Ghibli models (as well as the Quattroporte) will conclude at the end of 2023. The Ferrari-built V6 may be replaced with Maserati's own Nettuno V6 engine.[15]

The high performance S version of the Ghibli is also available with all-wheel drive. Attached to the end of the 8-speed transmission is a transfer case, containing an electronically controlled multi-plate wet clutch, which sends power through a drive shaft to an open differential bolted to the oil pan. During normal operation the car is rear-wheel drive only; when needed the system can divert up of 50% of engine power to the front wheels.[3] The system adds 59 kg (130 lb) to the weight of the car, with no change in gas mileage or weight distribution. All-wheel-drive Maserati vehicles make up 70 percent of the company's sedan sales in the United States. The powertrain is the same as that in the Quattroporte VI (Q4).[16]