Because of Covid-19, the new Maserati Ghibli Hybrid turned out to be the first ever electrified model of the Trident brand. It represents the first step towards a new era for the Italian brand, but one that should have had the MC20, its new mid-range rear mid-engine supercar, as the protagonist.
The only reason it wasn't the MC20 was because its revelation scheduled for May had to be postponed to September. If you remember, all of Italy — and beyond — was in a state of emergency for reasons we all know.
Admittedly, this first step seems rather modest; despite the Hybrid nomenclature, it is effectively a mild-hybrid 48 V, but with it the Ghibli gains renewed interest, as a new gasoline engine also debuts.
Four cylinders for the first time
For the first time since it went on sale in 2013, the Ghibli gets an in-line four-cylinder engine — until now it had only been equipped with V6 engines.
It is a 2.0 l unit with a turbocharger — a new version of the existing Alfa Romeo engine — which, thanks to the 48 V mild-hybrid system, also adds an e-Booster (electric compressor) that allows it to increase further. the power and torque.
The result are 330 hp at 5750 rpm and 450 Nm at 4000 rpm — 20 hp and 50 Nm less than the V6 currently on sale — transmitted to the rear wheels (with self-locking differential) via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Figures that allow the Ghibli Hybrid to reach 100 km/h in 5.7s and 255 km/h of top speed — respectively 0.2s more and 12 km/h less than the 3.0 V6 twin-turbo. Not bad…
The biggest advantage of this new power unit ends up being the advanced consumption and CO2 emissions, much lower than in the V6, although they are not yet definitive, as the approval process has not yet been finalized. Thus, the Maserati Ghibli Hybrid advertises 8.5-9.6 l/100 km and 192-216 g/km — respectively 2.5 l and 63 g less than the V6.
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The mild-hybrid 48 V system is of the BISG (belt driven motor-generator) type, and the battery is mounted on the rear. Among the various features of the mild-hybrid system, we find that of recovering and transforming kinetic energy into electrical energy (stored in the battery) when decelerating or braking.
there is more news
As well as introducing a new four-cylinder engine as well as a mild-hybrid system, the new Maserati Ghibli Hybrid features a redesigned front grille with redesigned interior bars, as well as redesigned taillights, with a luminous signature evoking a boomerang — remember the 3200 GT?
Specifically for the Ghibli Hybrid we find several decorative notes in blue — on the three side air vents, brake calipers and on the radius of the oval surrounding the Trident, placed on the rear pillar — which will identify all Maserati hybrid models.
There are also news in the technological field. Whether for the new Maserati Connect (connectivity and associated services) or for the new infotainment system Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA), which runs on an Android Automotive base, and also brings a new 10.1″ high definition screen. Finally, the instrument panel is also new, with digital dials and new graphics.
The Maserati Ghibli Hybrid may be the first, but somewhat delayed, chapter in the brand's electrification, but it will be followed by others in quick succession. First by the hybrid MC20 later this year, and in 2021 we will see the arrival of the first and unprecedented pair of trams with the Maserati symbol, the successors of the GranTurismo and GranCabrio.