As we suspected, the photos of the brand-new 2014 Maserati Ghibli sedan that surfaced online Monday night were indeed real, as the Italian automaker came out with an official announcement containing some initial details and a batch of higher-resolution images that allow us to get a closer look at the luxury sports sedan.
Built on a shortened version of the platform that underpins the also-new Quattroporte, the more compact-sized Ghibli is expected to measure less than 5 meters in length or roughly the same as a BMW 5-Series sedan, with which it will compete. Other rivals will include the high-powered versions of the Audi A6 and A7 Sportback, BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and CLS, Jaguar XF and possibly even the 2014 Cadillac CTS.
The Italian carmaker said the new Ghibli will be available with two turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engines, with the most powerful version to likely have the same output it does on the Quattroporte (404hp / 410PS), an eight-speed automatic transmission and both rear-wheel drive and the new “Q4” all-wheel drive system.
Maserati also confirmed that the Ghibli will become the first production car in the brand’s history to be powered by a diesel engine, which in this case will be a 3.0-litter V6 turbo-diesel, though, no other details were released.
“The Ghibli will have a sportier character compared to the larger Quattroporte,” said Maserati in a statement. “It is Maserati’s first saloon in this segment and reflects the company’s belief that a growing number of premium executive car buyers are looking to make an individual statement through a car that is distinctive, elegant and luxurious.”
The new Maserati sports sedan will make its first public appearance at the Shanghai Auto Show this month and go on sale later this year, possibly as early as late summer in certain markets.
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