Maserati has confirmed the specification of its long-awaited Ghibli hybrid, a mild-hybrid version of the saloon that mixes four-cylinder power with 48v electric architecture. The belt-starter-assisted 2.0-litre Ghibli produces peaks of 330hp and 332lb ft of torque, numbers that place the Hybrid only just behind the V6 model which heads the range. No less significantly, the MHEV is 20 per cent more frugal and emits 25 per cent fewer grams of CO2 than that six-pot 3.0-litre. Numbers that matter in a world governed by tax brackets.
But they're to be expected. This is the first electrified car to come from Maserati, produced in-house at its Innovation Lab in Modena using a retuned version of FCA's turbocharged inline four, the Global Medium Engine, which also powers lower grade versions of the Alfa Romeo Giulia. Not surprisingly, it's elevated to new performance heights with the addition of Maser's 48v tech, a system that places batteries under the car's boot and makes use of kinetic energy recovery hardware in order to keep power maintained. Maserati claims a V6-like power delivery.
That's backed by the MHEV system's quoted numbers; peak torque arrives at 1,500rpm and hangs on until 4,000rpm, while maximum power follows at 5,750rpm, so the Ghibli Hybrid is good for a 5.7 second 0-62mph time and 158mph top speed. Power is sent to the rear-wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic and mechanical limited slip differential. Maserati claims a better weight distribution for the Hybrid than any other Ghibli, too, thanks to those rear-mounted batteries. It's 80kg lighter than the diesel, albeit at 1,950kg.
Maserati has emphasised its efforts in ensuring that the new tech aboard the Ghibli Hybrid retains the brand's character; that includes the way the exhaust has been tuned with specific resonators. The Hybrid's look has been slightly altered, too, with flashes of blue both outside and in to signal its electrified powerplant. There's updated infotainment and connectivity tech as well.
The brand will be hoping that the Hybrid becomes its best-selling Ghibli yet, with the saloon having sold in 100,000 units since launching back in 2013 with only two key engine variants, one petrol and one diesel. That being said, it's likely that the future Levante Hybrid will be the more significant part-electrified model when it launches for SUV demand related reasons.
Above that, the pure EV GranTurismo and GranCabrio models that are due in 2021 will be the torch bearers for Maserati's core model line-up, while the upcoming MC20 sports - powered by a new Nettuno V6 petrol engine - will be the brand's next performance offering. Suffice to say it's all beginning to take shape at Maserati. Finally.
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