The rest of the vehicle is true to Maserati’s performance-oriented roots. Powering the car is a 3-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that delivers 330bhp and 500Nm – the latter developed at a diesel-like 1750rpm. As one might expect, the powerplant (which is built by Ferrari) and the exhaust system are like two brilliant musicians who sound great when they perform a duet.
Fire up the Ghibli’s motor and you’re greeted by a growl that emanates from?the quad exhaust pipes. This soundtrack?is audible even when you select the Increased Control and Efficiency (I.C.E.) mode for the powertrain. In this setting, the power delivery is dulled and the gearchanges are slowed down in order to reduce fuel consumption.
Turbocharged 3-litre V6 sounds sweet and delivers a spirited century-sprint time of 5.6 seconds.
This car is, of course, best enjoyed with the Sport setting activated. In this mode, the throttle is at its most responsive and the steering feels weightier. Better still, the exhaust flaps are opened to deliver maximum aural delight. In the normal setting, the flaps open only at 3000rpm.
There is some lag as you accelerate from a standstill, but once the two turbos spool up and the boost comes on, the car really takes off. Accompanied by a throaty symphony, its performance is linear and easily controlled.
Ghibli’s 500-litre boot can readily accommodate a golf bag, but its narrow shape limits overall flexibility.
The 8-speed automatic gearbox has a manual override function and a pair of oversized paddle-shifters (if you’re so inclined). Their size makes them easy?to reach, although their fixed position reduces flexibility.
Given its size, one would expect this car to have sacrificed agility. But this saloon’s handling belies its dimensions – it feels smaller than it really is. Corners can be carved with ease, and the accurate helm stays nicely weighted throughout such manoeuvres.
The Ghibli may not be big on roominess, but it more than makes up for this with its impressive performance. Unlike most of its rivals that can only market themselves as “sporty”, this athletic exec can really claim to be a bona fide sports saloon.
Maserati Ghibli 3.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type V6, 24-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 2979cc
Bore x stroke 86.5mm x 85mm
Compression Ratio 9.7:1
Max power 330bhp at 5000rpm
Max torque 500Nm at 1750-4500rpm
Power to weight 182.3bhp per tonne
Gearbox 8-speed automatic with manual select
Driven wheels Rear
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 5.6 seconds
Top speed 263km/h
Consumption 10.4km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 223g/km
SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbones, coil springs, adaptive dampers
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, adaptive dampers
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Pirelli P Zero
Size 235/50 R18
SAFETY
Airbags 7
Traction aids ABS, MSP
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4971mm
Width 1945mm
Height 1461mm
Wheelbase 2998mm
Kerb weight 1810kg
Turning circle 11.7m
BUYING IT
Price excl. COE $408,869
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Sublime handling, fantastic soundtrack, driver-oriented cockpit
– Small backseat, slight turbo lag, some Chrysler bits
Related story: Updated Maserati Ghibli review
Related story: Maserati Levante S review
Related story: Maserati Quattroporte GranLusso review
