FOR the first time ever, a V8 engine will sit under the hood of a Maserati Ghibli, following its addition to the Trofeo range, with an expanded performance family launched overnight, and also featuring an updated Levante SUV and new Quattroporte.
Representing the pinnacle of performance, sportiness and luxury, the new Trofeo range writes a new chapter in the Italian car maker’s history. Even the colours chosen for the launch event are significant.
To highlight Maserati’s Italian identity, the colours are those of the country’s flag: green for Quattroporte, white for Levante and red for Ghibli, which combine with the burnished chrome-work and glossy red trims for a particularly aggressive and elegant look.
The heart of Ghibli and Quattroporte Trofeo is a 3.8-litre V8 twin turbo engine, producing 433kW (580hp) and peak torque of 730Nm. The engine, also found in the Levante Trofeo, is built at the Ferrari plant at Maranello to Maserati’s specifications.
Although completely new for Ghibli, the V8 engine has already been used in the past on Quattroporte GTS, in the 395kW (530hp) version. Today though, the 433kW (580hp) V8 engine is available on the new Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante Trofeo.
The Ghibli and Quattroporte Trofeo can now proudly claim to be the fastest Maserati sedans ever, with a top speed of 326km/h. The Levante Trofeo’s maximum speed is 302km/h.
Like the Levante Trofeo, the new Ghibli and Quattroporte Trofeo also incorporate the Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC) system, with a specific setup that guarantees enhanced driving dynamics, greater active safety and even more thrilling performance.
The sedans have the Corsa button that sets the car for an even sportier driving style. Also included is launch control, to unleash all the engine’s power and deliver breath-taking performance and an authentic Maserati driving experience.
While the unique signature of every Maserati is the sound of its engine, now the Trofeo collection will be even more unmistakable in looks, thanks to special stylistic touches that characterise these high performance models.
These include the front grille with twin vertical bars in Black Piano finish, and the introduction of carbon fibre on the front air duct trims and rear extractor, for an even more aggressive effect.
The whole Trofeo collection is distinguished by the red details that characterise the bottom profiles of the side air vents and the lightning bolt on the Trident badge on the C-pillars.
There are major changes at the rear of the cars too, where the light clusters have been completely restyled, with a boomerang-like profile inspired by the 3200 GT and the Alfieri concept car.
In terms of the Ghibli Trofeo, the bonnet has also been restyled, featuring two aggressive air ducts for better cooling, just like on Levante Trofeo., while the Ghibli and Quattroporte Trofeo are fitted with 21-inch aluminium Orione wheels.
The Trofeo styling continues inside, with a new on-board panel that displays an exclusive interface at switch-on, while the headrests bear the Trofeo badge with the name in three- dimensional relief.
The exclusivity also extends to the interior upholstery, in full-grain Pieno Fiore natural leather. The ADAS system has evolved to include new functions too, including active driving assist, that works on urban roads and ordinary highways.
New technologies also appear in MIA (Maserati Intelligent Assistant), the multimedia screen gaining upgraded resolution and a larger size; 10.1-inch on both Ghibli Trofeo and Quattroporte Trofeo, and 8.4-inch on the Levante.
Details of the Australian launch of the new Trofeo family, final specifications and pricing, will be confirmed closer to their arrival in Australia.
