The light of electrification glows Maserati‘s future: with the new Ghibli Hybrid, the Trident Brand has come to the world of electrification.
The new Ghibli Hybrid represents among the most ambitious projects for Maserati, which after the declaration of the new engine for the MC20 super sports car now sets the seal on one more step forward towards the brand’s new Era.
The choice to reveal the hybrid technology on the Ghibli saloon is not a coincidence: this model, with more than 100,000 units produced since its launch in 2013, perfectly incorporates the Modena-based manufacturer’s DNA.
In fact, the challenge facing automaker was to enter the world of electrification without modifying the brand’s core philosophy and values. The outcome? The creation of the best possible hybrid. What’s more, Ghibli Hybrid will keep the unmistakable sound that has always distinguished every Maserati.
The introduction of the new Ghibli Hybrid thus broadens the Maserati range, which is now even more competitive and responsive to the demands of the consumers.
Design
Ghibli Hybrid is immediately recognizable, slightly because of the new design of both exterior and interior. The common denominator of the restyling, developed by the Centro Stile Maserati, is the blue color, selected to identify all cars with hybrid technology and the new world they show up to.
On the exterior, the blue color characterizes the three iconic side air ducts, the brake calipers and the thunderbolt in the oval that encloses the Trident on the rear pillar. The same blue color re-emerges inside the car, in particular on the embroidered seams of the seats. The new Ghibli Hybrid also introduces new stylistic contents, which begins from the new front grille, with bars redesigned to represent a tuning fork, a musical device that releases a sound of extreme purity, and which also evokes the Trident symbol itself. There are major modifications at the rear of the car, where the light clusters have been entirely restyled, with a boomerang-like profile inspired by the 3200 GT and the Alfieri concept car.
Mild Hybrid
In perfect harmony with its DNA, Maserati has selected a hybrid solution focused primarily on enhancing performance, while also decreasing fuel consumption and slashing emissions.
The hybrid technology takes advantage of the kinetic energy the car accumulates when in motion, recovering it and transforming it into electricity during deceleration and braking, and storing it in a battery.
The innovative powertrain, the result of in-depth engineering development work by the technicians and engineers of the Maserati Innovation Lab located in Modena, combines an internal combustion engine (4 cylinders, turbo, displacement of 2.0 l) with a 48-volt alternator and an extra electric supercharger (e-Booster), supported by a battery. This solution is unique in its segment, and is the first in a new generation of powertrains, with the perfect trade-off between performance, efficiency, and driving pleasure.
The battery is mounted in the back of the car, with advantages in terms of improved weight distribution.
This version weighs about 80 kg less compared to the Diesel.
Because of the maximum power output of 330 hp and torque of 450 Nm delivered from just 1,500 rpm, the new Ghibli Hybrid’s performance data are really impressive: top speed of 255 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds.
Ghibli Hybrid occupants will still revel in the unmistakable sound that characterizes all Maserati models, because of the optimized exhaust, which includes specially designed resonators.
Connectivity
Connect program, which allows a constant connection with the vehicle: the information exchange continues when on the move, to enhance the services provided to the driver. Also updating the software packages, the system performs checks on the vehicle and monitors the Safety Security services in emergencies.
The Maserati Intelligent Assistant multimedia system is the latest in technological terms, based on digital inputs from Android Automotive, software that provides an innovative User Experience fully customizable to the driver’s personal preferences. The multimedia system’s HD screen, with new graphics, more user-friendly and without surrounds, is boosted in size from 8”4 to 10”1. A new instrument panel with digital devices and new graphics are introduced as well.
Electrification the Maserati way
The new Ghibli Hybrid represents the first step in a strategy that will lead to the electrification of all new Maserati models. The Brand’s first all-electric cars will be the new GranTurismo and GranCabrio, set for 2021.
