Test Drive: The Maserati Ghibli
Maserati Ghibli
A Rival to German Sport Sedans
Test Drive: Maserati Ghibli
Announced for domestic introduction at the end of 2013, Maserati's new mid-size sedan, the "Ghibli." What kind of character does this sport sedan, a size smaller than Maserati's existing four-door model, the "Quattroporte," possess? Tatsuya Otani shares his impressions of both the "Ghibli S Q4," which combines a high-performance engine with all-wheel drive, and the basic "Ghibli," which he drove some time later.
Text by OTANI TatsuyaPhotographs by ARAKAWA Masayuki
A Potent Engine with Italian Flair
While positioned as a junior sibling to the "Quattroporte," its body, measuring 5 meters in length and 2 meters in width, commands a significant presence. The design, by Lorenzo Ramaciotti, is characteristically dramatic, with powerful bulges around the rear fenders evoking the muscles of an athlete. I found myself somewhat overwhelmed, not being accustomed to Maseratis.
The front grille, adorned with the iconic "trident" emblem, and the three air outlets on the front fenders adhere to Maserati tradition. Meanwhile, the sharp, edgier design aligns with Maserati's latest design language.
The "Ghibli S Q4," which I test drove first, is equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo direct-injection engine jointly developed by Maserati and Ferrari based on the Quattroporte's 3.8-liter V8. It produces a maximum output of 410ps at 5,500rpm and a peak torque of 550Nm between 1,750 and 5,000rpm.
Its somewhat rougher sound and sharp revving suggest a distinctly Italian high-performance engine, one that strongly asserts its presence. The gearbox, a ZF 8-speed automatic, impressed with its speedy shifts, belying its torque converter design.
The firm suspension contributes to agile handling, but frankly, a more refined ride would be preferable. The mechanical engine noise audible in the cabin, while perhaps nostalgic for some, felt a bit too pronounced for a modern luxury sport sedan.
The interior design is stylishly Italian, but it's disappointing to see signs of cost-cutting in terms of quality. While it may be a good value for a Maserati, I suspect the expectations of owners purchasing a luxury car in the 10 million yen range are somewhat higher.
Maserati Ghibli
A Rival to German Sport Sedans
Test Drive: Maserati Ghibli
A Capable Standard Grade
About six months after my initial test drive, I had a brief opportunity to drive the standard "Ghibli." I was taken aback by how significantly its suspension differed from the Ghibli S Q4.
While still on the firmer side, this setup exhibited smoother movements with less friction, making it far from uncomfortable. The body roll during cornering felt natural, making me eager to push it hard on winding roads.
Although the engine is detuned to 330ps and 500Nm, the power is perfectly adequate. Honestly, it felt significantly more refined than the Ghibli S Q4, making it a car I'd readily recommend for test drives to those stylish individuals ready to move on from their German sedans.
However, this might be less a difference between the Ghibli and Ghibli S Q4, and more a reflection of when they were manufactured. If the Ghibli S Q4 I tested was a pre-production model, this possibility becomes even stronger. Therefore, if the Ghibli S Q4 had evolved significantly in the subsequent six months, it would be unfair not to re-evaluate it.
In any case, it is a model with great potential for future growth as a competitor to German sport sedans.
Maserati Ghibli
Body Dimensions | Length 4,790 x Width 1,945 x Height 1,485 mm
Wheelbase | 3,000 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,635 / 1,655mm
Weight | 1,950 kg
Engine | 2,979cc V6 Twin-Turbo
Compression Ratio | 9.7:1
Max Output | 243 kW (330 ps) / 4,750rpm
Max Torque | 500 Nm / 1,600 rpm
Overboost | 500 Nm / 1,600-4,500rpm
Transmission | 8-speed Automatic
Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive
Tires Front/Rear | 235/50 R18 / 275/45 R18
Trunk Capacity | 500 Liters
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 Liters
0-100km/h Acceleration | 5.6 seconds
Top Speed | 263 km/h
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 7.6 km/ℓ
Price | 8.95 million yen
Maserati Ghibli S Q4
Body Dimensions | Length 4,790 x Width 1,945 x Height 1,485 mm
Wheelbase | 3,000 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,635 / 1,655mm
Weight | 2,030 kg
Engine | 2,979cc V6 Twin-Turbo
Compression Ratio | 9.7:1
Max Output | 302 kW (410 ps) / 5,500 rpm
Max Torque | 550 Nm / 1,650 rpm
Overboost | 550 Nm / 1,750-5,000 rpm
Transmission | 8-speed Automatic
Drivetrain | 4WD
0-100km/h Acceleration | 4.8 seconds
Top Speed | 284 km/h
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 6.8 km/ℓ
Tires Front/Rear | 235/50 R18 / 275/45 R18
Trunk Capacity | 500 Liters
Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 Liters
Price | 10.95 million yen
Maserati Call Center
0120-965-120 (9:00-18:30, open daily except New Year holidays)