The new Maserati Ghibli

The Maserati Ghibli is said to be tackling such models as the Jaguar XF and the BMW 5 series when it makes it's official debut later on this year. The BMW 5 series sized Maserati Saloon model is being prepared for a debut that could be as early as the Shanghai Motor show in April. There is a fair amount of plastic on the early prototype of the model, though the Ghibli definitely takes inspiration from the Quattroporte model, which is larger, with which it shares a platform. This includes a sweeping line feature that runs over the narrow wraparound taillights and the back wheelarches. 

Maserati are said to be hoping to boost their total sales up by atleast 50,000 within the next two years, this is a huge ask as the firm sold just 6,288 vehicles this previous year. The Ghibli model is taking the brand into a segment that is currently occupied by models like the BMW 5 series, the Porsche Panamera and the Jaguar XF.

To try and widen the appeal of the model, the Ghibli model will be offered to consumers with diesel powerl, along with brand new twin turbocharged V6 and V8 engines, which have been developed with Ferrari. It is more than likely that this will be a 3.0 litre diesel which has been borrowed from other models from the Fiat Group, like the Grand Cherokee from Jeep. 

Just like the Maserati Quattroporte, the Ghibli model will probably be offered with rear wheel drive along with four wheel drive, though four wheel drive is unlikely to be sold throughout the United Kingdom.