Maserati Takes First Step Into The Electric World , Introduces Ghibli Hybrid
Hopping onto the Electrification train , Italian car manufacturer , Maserati has Introduced the All New Ghibli Hybrid .The vehicle will be produced at the Avvocato Giovanni Agnelli Plant (AGAP) at Grugliasco (Turin) from next September. Other than the entry into the Electric world with the mild hybrid powertrain the New Ghibli also gets subtle cosmetic updates since its inception back in 2013. What’s Fascinating is that even though it follows all the new emission norms , it has managed to grab on to the unique exhaust note that has always been a distinguishing character of Maserati .
Design
The changes on the design front are subtle and don’t stray too far away from the well known and loves face of the Ghibli , which did divide the Maserati fanbase when it came out in 2013 . The Centro Stile Maserati has chosen the blue colour to identify all cars with hybrid technology . The blue colour characterises 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 colour reappears inside the car, in particular on the embroidered seams of the seats.
The new Ghibli Hybrid also introduces new stylistic contents like , the new front grille with bars redesigned to represent a tuning fork a musical device that emits a sound of extreme purity which also evokes the Trident symbol itself. The most noticeable update is at the rear of the car, where the light clusters have been completely restyled, with a boomerang-like profile inspired by the 3200 GT and the Alfieri concept car.
Engine
While getting on board with the new normal in the emission and world norms Maserati has managed to maintain harmony between the DNA and the stringent rules and chosen a hybrid solution focused primarily on improving performance, while also reducing fuel consumption and cutting emissions.
The innovative powertrain combines an internal combustion engine (4 cylinders with turbo and displacement of 2.0 l) with a 48 volt alternator and an additional electric supercharger (e-Booster), supported by a battery which gives a 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 very impressive: top speed of 255 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds .
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 rear of the car, with benefits in terms of improved weight distribution while also keeping the overall weight a staggering 80 kilos lesser than the Diesel variant .
Ghibli Hybrid occupants will still revel in the unmistakable sound that characterises all Maserati models, thanks to the optimised exhaust, which includes specially designed resonators.
Connectivity
Ghibli Hybrid also marks the debut of the new Maserati Connect program, which enables a constant connection with the car , the information exchange continues when on the move, to improve the services offered to the driver. As well as updating the software packages, the system performs checks on the car and monitors the Safety Security services in emergencies.
The Maserati Intelligent Assistant multimedia system is latest-generation, based on digital inputs from Android Automotive, software that delivers an innovative User Experience fully customisable to the driver’s personal preferences. The multimedia system’s HD screen, with new graphics, more user-friendly and without surrounds, is increased in size from 8”4 to 10”1. A new instrument panel with digital devices and new graphics is also introduced.
The new Ghibli Hybrid represents the first step in a plan 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, scheduled for 2021.
