Italian luxury marque Maserati has started its move to electrification with the reveal of the new Ghibli Hybrid.
The first electrified Maserati will combine a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine with a 48V starter/generator to produce 246kW. Like the rest of the Ghibli range, power will go to the rear wheels through an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.
Maserati claims the Hybrid can run from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 255km/h.
The Hybrid powertrain set-up allows extra boost when the engine reaches peak rpm in sport mode, coasting at highway speeds and smoother operation of the start/stop system.
Compared to the petrol version, the hybrid tech is said to cut CO2 emissions by 25 per cent and fuel consumption by 20 per cent. The combined consumption figure is 8.5-9.6L/100km.
According to Maserati, despite the new powertrain, the brand’s signature sound won’t be compromised. Engineers haven’t resorted to amplifiers, instead, they’ve tweaked the fluid dynamics of the exhausts and adopting resonators to deliver the roar.
Externally, the Ghibli Hybrid is distinguished by a new front grille and several details in dark blue such as the air ducts on the front fender and the Brembo brake callipers.
On the inside, the headline act is the new Maserati Intelligent Assistant multimedia system that features a larger 10.1-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air software updates.
There’s also a new Maserati Connect app that will allow owners to control various functions and monitor the car’s data.
To add more safety tech, Maserati has switched from hydraulic to electric power steering which opens up Level 2 autonomous driver assist systems, meaning the functionality of the autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and the lane keeping assist will all be improved.
Local availability has yet to be confirmed, however, expect the Ghibli Hydrid to reach Australia towards the end of this year.
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