Maserati Ghibli Hybrid, the proof by four

2021-01-22T12:04:28.795Z

TEST - Downsizing and electrification go hand in hand to allow this grand tourer to hold its rank while reducing its carbon footprint.

A 4 cylinder 2 liter gasoline under the hood of the cream of Italian road: it looks like the marriage of carp and rabbit.

Used to running mechanics with its noble engines - never less than 6 cylinders, except for competition in the 1950s - Maserati, like the entire automotive industry, must lower its lifestyle to meet the imposed CO2 reduction targets. by the European Commission.

The recipe, almost identical for everyone, combines downsizing and electrification.

Chosen to take Maserati's first steps into this new era, the Ghibli has slipped under its hood the 4-cylinder 2-liter turbo petrol of the Alfa Romeo Giulia.

LORENZO MARCINNO

Honor is safe.

Coupled with a micro-hybridization (starter alternator + electric compressor + 48 V battery), it displays a power of 330 hp (350 hp for the V6).

The level of performance before (0 to 100 km / h in 5.7 s) is maintained while ensuring a reduction in consumption of 20%, or a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions.

GT performance

Maserati

In use, the beautiful Italian never drives electric, but the compressor supports the 4 cylinders during acceleration phases.

The energy supplied by the battery is restored at lightning speed, when decelerating and braking.

The system is completely transparent and makes you forget that the vehicle is doped with electricity.

Except under strong acceleration where the sound is less neat than at startup.

On arrival, that's the essential: the Ghibli escapes the supermalus, space the passages at the gas station and displays GT performance, while retaining what makes the salt of this great road, an exclusive combined atmosphere old-fashioned instrumentation and state-of-the-art multimedia system.

Still, the livability in the rear seats is mediocre and the damping subject to impact on poor coating.

Maserati