Maserati Ghibli launched in Malaysia
Maserati sets its sights on the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class with the all-new Ghibli, a new four-door sports sedan slotting below the Quattroporte, marking the first occasion in Maserati’s 100-year history that the company is selling two four-door models side-by-side.
Built alongside the Quattroporte at Maserati’s new state-of-the-art production facility in Grugliasco near Turin, the Ghibli is a revival of a nameplate that was used twice previously in Maserati’s history, first in 1967 to 1973 and then in 1992 to 1997.
This third generation Ghibli represents the first occasion which the name is associated with a four-door model, and its introduction is a cornerstone in Maserati’s plant to hit an annual production volume of 50,000 cars by 2015. It operates on a shortened version of the Quattroporte’s platform, sharing parts of its chassis, suspension, engines, and drivetrain.
The Ghibli launches in Malaysia with a pair of 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 powertrains mated with ZF’s 8-speed automatic transmission as standard. Differentiated by outputs, the regular Ghibli generates 330hp that enables it to complete the century sprint in 5.6 seconds and hit a top speed of 263kph. The more potent Ghibli S, on the other hand, punches out 410hp and does the 0-100kph dash in five seconds flat. Top speed is rated at 285kph.
Inside, the Ghibli sports various features and design touches that seek to highlight its position as a premium sports sedan. Its upholstery is trimmed in Poltrona Frau leather finish and in-car infotainment is operated through an 8.4″ central touchscreen. Optional features include the 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins high end audio system, WLAN based WiFi and a wide range of customization options.
The new Ghibli and Ghibli S are available starting from RM 538,800 and RM 628,800 respectively, including a 3 years/60,000km service package. The price includes local duties and taxes.
Pictures: Official Maserati release.
