Four-cylinder Maserati Ghibli Hybrid revealed

Maserati has unveiled details of its first electrified model, the Maserati Ghibli Hybrid, ahead of its Australian release late this year.

Unveiled to global press overnight, the Maserati Ghibli Hybrid combines a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder with 48-volt mild-hybrid tech – meaning it’s not a plug-in hybrid system, let alone an electrified V6 powertrain, as predicted by some.

Maserati’s first petrol-electric model will effectively replace the diesel Ghibli, which will be discontinued this month, and will be offered along existing V6 petrol versions of the large Italian luxury sedan.

“It’s an important goal to achieve because it is the first step for Maserati towards electrification,” said Valentina Boarini, product manager for Maserati sedans.

“It combines the benefit of a four-cylinder in terms of emissions and efficiency while keeping the strength of a V6 in terms of performance and fun to drive. It is best in class for specific power for a hybrid in the market.

“This engine will be crucial for some markets, for example Europe and China.”

The mild-hybrid system employed in the Ghibli will be similar to those already in use at Audi and Mercedes-Benz, combining an internal-combustion four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt belt-driven starter/generator system and electric compressor providing power and torque at lower RPM.

The base engine is derived from Alfa Romeo but according to Maserati has been completely redesigned with new engine management, new controls and new calibration specific to Maserati.

It will produce 245kW, including up to 11kW of electric power, however, Maserati is yet to clarify efficiency or performance numbers. The hybrid system recuperates braking energy, using an additional compressor to mitigate low-rev turbo lag.

“This is the best technical solution combining high performance, sound, power and fun to drive with efficiency,” said Corrado Nizzola, Maserati’s electrification, technology and architecture manager.

“We have the same performance as the Ghibli V6, the same acceleration, but we have a CO2 reduction between 20 and 24 per cent, depending on the application.

“You have all the benefits of the gasoline engine in terms of sound, performance and acceleration but you also have the economy and torque of a classic diesel engine or bigger V6 engine.”

Maserati is set to employ the same mild-hybrid powertrain in facelifted versions of the Levante SUV and Quattroporte limousine, both of which are also due later this year.

Contrary to speculation, the Italian car-maker has no immediate plans to produce plug-in hybrid powertrains to its range, and says those systems impose excessive weight and cost increases.

As with other Ghibli models, the hybrid will be available in GranLusso and GranSport trim levels, along with specific design elements including anodised blue highlights and specific seat stitching.

Visually, the hybrid will feature the same grille as the Ghibli V6, but will debut other changes across the Ghibli range including a new infotainment system with a bigger, higher-resolution touch-screen, faster processor, more memory storage and more mobile connectivity services.

It will be housed in a new centre stack alongside a new driver instrument cluster.

Externally, V6 versions of the 2021 Maserati Ghibli will bring a new grille and new ‘boomerang’ style tail-lights.

As with other MY21 Maserati models, the facelifted Ghibli range will also usher in new connected services features.

“At the moment we are investigating which timing is feasible to bring those connected services systems to Australia,” a local Maserati spokesman said.

Watch this space for more details.