Maserati Ghibli, Quattroporte score Trofeo treatment

MASERATI has announced it is expanding its manic hi-po Trofeo nameplate to its Ghibli and Quattroporte executive sedans, taking each model to new heights of performance.

Set to arrive in local showrooms in early 2021, the new models borrow the savage 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 from the Levante Trofeo SUV, which under the bonnet of the sedan pair produces 433kW at 6750rpm and 730Nm from 2250-5250rpm.

Down slightly on the 441kW Levante, the Trofeo sedans drive the rear wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, which allows for a zero to 100km/h sprint time of 4.3 seconds in the Ghibli, up to 4.5s in the larger Quattroporte. 

Top speed for both is pegged at a heady 326km/h – making them the fastest road-going production Maserati cars ever – while braking power allows both to go from 100km/h to standstill in 34 metres.

A new Corsa drive mode has been added to join the Normal, ICE and Sport modes, which increases throttle response, speeds up gear shifts, stiffens suspension, loosens ESP intervention and enhances the engine note by opening the exhaust valves.

Corsa also enables a Launch Control function, which allows for more manic acceleration off the line.

Dynamic ability is enhanced with the fitment of a mechanical limited-slip differential on the rear axle, as well as the Integrated Vehicle Control ESP system co-developed by Bosch which the brand claims improves racetrack lap times and other dynamic manoeuvres.

Double-wishbone front and five-bar multi-link rear suspension is included as standard, as is Maserati’s Skyhook continuously adaptive damping system.

Fans will be able to pick out the Trofeo grades through their enhanced exterior styling, with carbon-fibre trim applied to a range of aerodynamic enhancements, and more aggressive kit including new air duct trims on the fenders and a new rear extractor.

The Ghibli also features two additional air vents on the bonnet to enhance cooling and add a touch visual extra visual flare.

Both have been shown in the dark grey Grigio Maratea colour, with red details on the bottom edges of the side vents, in the badge above the air ducts and on the lightning bolt on the pillar badge.

21-inch Orione alloy wheels are fitted as standard, with cars at launch shod in Pirelli P-Zero tyres, which will then be changed for Continental Sport Contact rubber. 

The introduction of the Trofeos also ushers in some model-year changes across the range, such as new rear light clusters, full LED headlights, front grille and extra carbon-fibre inserts.

Inside, a new multimedia system has been fitted on all Ghibli and Quattroportes, replacing the 8.4-inch unit with a larger 10.1-inch screen and upgraded multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

A 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster is included, while Trofeos come with 10-speaker, 650W premium sound system that can be upgraded to a 15-speaker, 1280W Bowers & Wilkins system.

A full suite of advanced driver assist systems will be included at launch.

Maserati Australia is yet to announce pricing and exact local specification for the two new Trofeos – for reference, the current most expensive Ghibli is the $184,990 S GranLusso/GranSport, while the Quattroporte range tops out at $299,990 for the V8 GTS.

The Levante Trofeo currently commands a $65,000 premium over the GTS grade, with the bruising SUV asking a considerable $330,000.

Through the first half of the year, Maserati sold 231 combined vehicles, down 16.3 per cent over the same period last year.