Maserati Doom 2014 Review
Beware of the German automakers, the Italians are after you. Maserati has unveiled an all-new model called the Ghibli, and it has everything you would expect from one of Italy's legendary sports marques - great styling, flashy performance and a joie de vivre that true car enthusiasts will greet with great enthusiasm.
However, something is missing - large numbers on the price tag. At around $150,000, the Maserati Ghibli can take pride of place on your road – BMW, Mercedes and Audi sports sedans can cost more.
Based on the all-new Maserati Quattroporte that arrived in Australia in early 2014, the Ghibli is slightly smaller and lighter, but is still a four-door sedan.
The Ghibli, like Maserati Khamsin and Merak before it, is named after the powerful wind that blows across the Middle East and North Africa.
Styling
You wouldn't call the Maserati QP's shape poised, but the Ghibli is far more extroverted than its big brother. It has a large blackout grille to highlight the Maserati trident; high window line with glass accentuated by chrome trim; additional trident badges behind the rear side windows. The sides have neat, stamped lines that flow into muscular ridges above the rear wheels.
Out back, the new Ghibli isn't quite as conspicuous as the rest of the car, but it does have a sporty theme and the underside works neatly enough. Inside, there are certain nods to the Maserati Quattroporte, especially in the B-pillar area, but the overall theme is more powerful and sporty.
The central analog clock has been a hallmark of all Maserati cars for decades - it's interesting to note that famous Germans and others have since copied Maserati's idea.
Customization is a big selling point for the new Ghibli, and Maserati claims it can build millions of cars without making two of the same. It starts with 19 body colours, different wheel sizes and designs, then comes interiors trimmed in leather in numerous shades and styles, with a variety of stitching. Finishes can be made of aluminum or wood, again with different designs.
While some of the initial setup can be done online, allow yourself plenty of time when you meet with the Maserati dealer of your choice - you'll need that time to discuss the full tailoring job.
Engines / Transmissions
Maserati Ghibli offers a choice of two 6-litre V3.0 twin-turbocharged petrol engines. The model, simply referred to as the Ghibli, has a 243 kW powerplant (that's 330 horsepower in Italian). A more advanced version of the V6TT is used in the Ghibli S and develops up to 301 kW (410 hp).
The Maserati Ghibli S accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and has a top speed of 285 km/h in the Northern Territory, of course.
If that's your thing, we suggest a 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, interestingly, it's the cheapest model in the lineup. Its big advantage is its 600 Nm torque. Peak power is 202 kW, which is pretty good for an oil burner. Fuel consumption is lower than turbocharged petrol engines.
Maserati asked ZF to tune its eight-speed automatic transmission specifically to meet the sporting desires of Italian sports sedan drivers. Naturally, there are many modes that change the characteristics of the engine, transmission and steering. Our favorite was the button that was simply labeled "Sports".
Infotainment
The cabin has a WLAN hotspot, up to 15 Bowers and Wilkins speakers, depending on which Ghibli you choose. It is controlled via an 8.4 inch touch screen.
Driving
The Maserati Ghibli is designed primarily to be driven. Preferably hard. Acceleration is almost completely devoid of turbo lag thanks to the use of two small turbines rather than one large one.
As soon as the engine fills with song and the ZF car shifts into the correct gear, there is a seemingly endless burst of torque. This provides ultra-safe overtaking and the ability to handle hills like they're not there.
Then the sound, a great sound that made us press the Sport button and roll down the windows to listen to the semi-racing sound of the exhaust. Equally delightful is the way the engine roars and keeps going under hard acceleration and braking.
The engine and transmission are positioned far back for a 50/50 weight distribution. Naturally, they send power to the rear wheels. The result is a large machine that appears almost small in its willingness to respond to the driver's commands.
The traction is huge, so much so that we can suggest taking it on a track day to feel just how good the Maser is at its limit? Feedback from the steering and bodywork is excellent, and this Italian masterpiece really communicates with the driver.
Most drivers will be able to find a position that suits them for tough rides. The rear seats can accommodate adults as they have ample legroom. Above-average drivers may have to give up legroom with an equally tall person behind them, and we're not sure we'd like to make long trips with four on board.
The new Maserati Ghibli offers Italian passion for driving at a German price. If you've ever enjoyed driving a Ghibli, you should add it to your shortlist, but do it quickly because global sales are well above expectations and the waiting list is starting to grow.
This line is likely to get even longer because Maserati is celebrating its 100th anniversary at the end of 2014 and is planning events that are likely to generate even more interest around the world.
