Maserati Levante and Ghibli FTributo specials debut

Maserati has debuted new FTributo versions of the Levante SUV and Ghibli sedan in honour of the racing exploits of Maria Teresa De Filippis – the first woman to qualify for a Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The headline act of the new Maserati Levante and Ghibli FTributo Special Editions are their bespoke colour schemes: ‘Arancio Devil’ orange with blue badging and trim, and ‘Grigio Lamiera’ grey with orange badging and trim.

Each colour combination is inspired by history, with the orange and blue combination paying homage to De Filippis’ nickname of ‘the she-devil’.

Maserati says the grey and orange colourway, meanwhile, is inspired by the asphalt and coloured kerbs of “the track, Maserati’s real home”.

“In October 1955, De Filippis took part in the 39th Targa Florio, driving a Maserati A6GCS,” Maserati said.

“She would take ninth place overall. This was the turning point that would lead her, one challenge after another, to break down conventions and become the first woman to compete in Formula 1 in 1958, again in a Maserati.”

The respective exterior trim colours are reflected within the cabin of both special-edition models by blue and orange stitching that contrasts against black or orange leather upholstery.

Maserati hasn’t confirmed exactly which core variant the special-editions are based on or which powertrains lurk under the bonnet, but it has confirmed the packages are rounded out by 21-inhc alloy wheels and FTributo-embossed head restraints.

For reference, the last FTributos were based on the entry-level and mid-range variants of the time.

Maserati Australia has confirmed just a single FTributo vehicle will make it Down Under by around late February.