Maserati Ghibli saloon caught testing in Livigno snow
Maserati’s new Ghibli saloon has been spied undergoing winter testing in Livigno, Italy, ahead of its expected debut below the Quattroporte.
Maserati’s upcoming Ghibli saloon has been photographed under heavy camouflage during winter testing in Livigno, northern Italy. The sighting confirms that development of the model, which will sit below the Quattroporte in the Maserati range, is advancing towards production. The Ghibli is set to become a crucial addition to the Maserati line-up, broadening the brand's appeal and targeting a wider customer base.
Maserati Ghibli Spotted Testing in Livigno
Positioning and Platform
The Ghibli will be positioned below the Quattroporte, Maserati’s flagship luxury saloon. It is expected to use a shortened version of the Quattroporte’s rear-wheel-drive platform. By sharing this architecture, Maserati aims to control development costs while delivering a consistent driving experience across its saloon models. Compared to the Quattroporte, the Ghibli is expected to be about 25cm shorter, making it a more direct competitor for executive saloons such as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Despite the reduction in size, the Ghibli is anticipated to retain much of the Quattroporte’s design language. The prototype spied in Livigno was heavily camouflaged, but its proportions, roofline and glasshouse suggested a clear family resemblance. The front and rear overhangs appeared shorter, and the car’s overall stance was more compact, reflecting its positioning in the Maserati range.
Engine and Technical Details
Power for the Ghibli is set to come from a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, with an output expected to be around 410hp. This engine will be paired with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, a unit already in use in the Quattroporte and other high-end models from the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) group. Rear-wheel drive is likely to be standard, though Maserati may offer all-wheel drive in certain markets to appeal to customers in regions with harsher climates.
The use of the V6 engine and eight-speed gearbox is in line with Maserati’s strategy to share technology across its model range. While further technical details have not been confirmed, the Ghibli is expected to offer a blend of performance and luxury that is characteristic of the brand. The model’s more compact dimensions are aimed at attracting buyers who might find the Quattroporte too large or expensive.
| Engine | 3.0-litre V6 petrol |
|---|---|
| Power output | Approx. 410hp |
| Transmission | Eight-speed ZF automatic |
| Drive layout | Rear-wheel drive (AWD possible in some markets) |
| Platform | Shortened Quattroporte platform |
| Length difference | Approx. 25cm shorter than Quattroporte |
Market Position and Rivals
Maserati intends the Ghibli to compete in the executive saloon segment, challenging established models such as the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. By introducing a smaller, sportier saloon, Maserati is seeking to increase its global sales volumes and appeal to a broader audience. The Ghibli’s arrival follows the launch of the new Quattroporte and is part of a wider strategy to expand the brand’s presence in key markets.
Public Debut and Future Plans
The Ghibli is expected to make its public debut later in 2013. Industry speculation suggests it could be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show or the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The introduction of the Ghibli marks an important step in Maserati’s growth plans, as the company aims to attract new customers and increase its share of the executive saloon market.
Maserati’s expansion is set to continue beyond the Ghibli. The Levante SUV, which has been confirmed for launch in 2016, will further broaden the brand’s portfolio. This approach reflects Maserati’s ambition to compete with established luxury manufacturers across multiple segments.
