The Ghibli looks as elegant and sporty, fresh and extraordinary as the day it made its World Premiere in the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. Its design remains a real statement in the premium sedan segment, combining a coupé-like philosophy with interior comfort second to none.
The designers in Turin interpreted the styling of the GranLusso and GranSport trims separately for each one. "We wanted to distinguish between luxury and sportiness more clearly, and to give a double soul to the exterior of the car", says Giovanni Ribotta, Maserati Head of Exterior Design.
The focal point is a front bumper that embraces a large grille with a 'shark nose' profile, chrome bars and a chrome insert on the upper side. The concave grille is clearly inspired by the iconic Alfieri Concept, adding a three-dimensional effect to the frontal view of the car.
The front bumper's lower fascia has been styled to underline the character of each of the two trim levels. The air duct is wide open and more linear on the baseline Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli GranLusso, emphasising their elegant and luxurious character.
The Ghibli GranSport presents a sportier, more exaggerated design. Its central splitter is embraced by two diagonally arranged wings that virtually support the grille, separating the splitter from the air ducts on both sides. The specific design of the Maserati Ghibli GranSport bumper visually accentuates the width of the car, conveying a sense of augmented stability.The rear bumper is elegantly designed to give a sharper look to the Ghibli. The baseline model and the GranLusso share the same structure that better supports the central diffuser, providing an extra sense of stability.
The GranSport's sportier rear bumper opens wider towards its sides, visually emphasizing the width of the car. The lower part is less linear, highlighting in the cut-outs that accommodate the double exhaust tips.
Ghibli's design isn't just about looks but has contributed to a substantial improvement of the car's aerodynamic efficiency. The drag coefficient of the recently restyled Ghibli is as low as 0.29 - a 7% improvement on the 0.31 value of the original design.
Adaptive Full LED Matrix headlights
The Maserati Ghibli GranLusso and Ghibli GranSport trims feature standard Adaptive Full LED Matrix headlights developed in collaboration with Magneti Marelli Automotive Lighting.
Compared to Bi-Xenon headlamps, LED technology offers 20% better visibility, 32% cooler light and headlights with double life expectancy. The Adaptive Full LED Matrix headlights illuminate the road as far as 195 metres ahead - 55 metres further than equivalent Bi-Xenon lights.
The Full LED Matrix system includes a front camera that supports the Matrix-adaptive High Beam. This function can create light 'tunnels' by deactivating individual LEDs in the relevant zone, 'cutting out' the area around the vehicles and allowing Ghibli drivers to keep high beam on, without dazzling oncoming drivers.
The adoption of LED technology has subtly revamped the exterior look of the Ghibli, thanks to the restyled Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and a three-blade design inspired by the wing air ducts, a Maserati signature.
GranLusso, GranSport, new colours and wheels
The Maserati Ghibli GranLusso stands out for its enhanced exterior finish. This most elegant expression of the Ghibli uses exclusive materials and special features in the finest tradition of Italian craftsmanship. Externally, alongside the Adaptive Full LED Matrix headlights, the trim is distinguished for the chrome inserts on the front bumper, the GranLusso badge at the base of the front wing, the body-colour side skirts, the black brake calipers and the 19-inch Poseidone alloy wheels.
Externally, the GranSport features Adaptive Full LED Matrix headlights and is also recognisable for the Black Piano inserts on the front bumper, the GranSport badge on the front wing, body-colour side skirts, red brake calipers and, last but not least, the 20-inch machine-polished Urano alloy wheels.
There is a choice of eleven body colours in the MY19 Ghibli range. Two of them are brand new tri-coat colours, the race-inspired Rosso Potente, which has been created to celebrate the heritage of Italian sports cars, and the Blu Nobile with sparkling glass flakes glimmering under the sunlight. There is also a choice of ten alloy wheels in six different designs in sizes ranging from 18 to 21-inch. A wheel design is brand new for MY19, the 20-inch Teseo, which is available in light and dark finish.
The 350hp Ghibli and the Ghibli Diesel are standard equipped with 235/50 R18 front and rear tyres. The Maserati Ghibli S and S Q4 versions feature wider 275/45 R18 rear tyres and 235/50 R18 front tyres.
As for the recently introduced Nerissimo pack, is available in the MY19 Ghibli bringing together black and dark body elements with an extended range of eight specific exterior colours - five of which are brand new - and 20 or 21-inch alloy wheels with dark finish.
Interior design
The comfortable cabin of the Ghibli blends a state-of-the art infotainment system with tangibly superior materials - like the new Pieno Fiore natural leather in option - and can be further upgraded in the GranLusso and GranSport trims.
The Ghibli entered the premium sedan segment in 2013 boasting a tangibly superior cabin craftsmanship. It also set itself apart with a unique, cockpit-inspired dashboard design that perfectly matched its driver-focused character, without compromising on refinement and sophistication.
The interior is built around an intuitive, uncluttered and user-friendly driver interface. The instrument panel features large analogue gauges for the tachometer and speedometer, alongside a 7" TFT display.
The dashboard is designed around the 8.4" Maserati Touch Control Plus (MTC+) display, which features updated graphics and improved Climate Control functions for MY19.
The center console neatly accommodates a redesigned gearshift lever and a revised button cluster for the driving modes as well as the characteristic double rotary knob, a high-quality forged aluminium component that provides intuitive control of the audio volume and other functions.
The console also features two cup holders - in American size now if requested - a 12V power socket and a climate controlled mobile phone compartment that contains an SD card reader, USB socket and aux-in port, through which the user can play music, watch films or view images.
The Maserati Ghibli provides class-leading front legroom and, despite its coupé-like silhouette, comfortable head and legroom for all occupants. The driver's seat offers 6-way electric adjustment, while the GranLusso and GranSport trims both have standard 12-way power front seats. The rear seats can accommodate three people, providing optimised lateral support and guaranteed comfort even on longer journeys.
The interior packaging also incorporates 60/40 folding rear seats with ISOFIX fittings to securely anchor child seats and 500 litres of luggage capacity alongside the practical, large door pockets and an electrically lockable passenger glove box.
Wider choice of leather materials
Since the introduction of the GranLusso and GranSport trims, the interior of the Ghibli has been adapted to emphasise either luxury or sportiness, two essential elements in the DNA of every Maserati.
GranSport trim: this sport-oriented interior immediately transmits a sense of passion through an array of exclusive elements, like the 12-way power sport leather front seats with integrated anti-whiplash headrests, the sport steering wheel fitted with aluminium gearshift paddles, and the Inox sport pedals. The dashboard's wood trim is finished in high-gloss Black Piano.
GranLusso trim: the luxury-oriented cabin exclusively features the Ermenegildo Zegna Silk interiors, with mulberry silk inserts, Radica open-pore wood trim on the dashboard and wood-finished leather steering wheel.
The trim includes a Harman Kardon Premium Sound system, power-adjustable foot pedals and steering wheel, an electric rear sunblind, the Soft Close Doors system and an electrically lockable passenger glove box.
The Ermenegildo Zegna Silk interior combines fine-grain leather with 100% natural fibre mulberry silk inserts on seats, door panels, roof lining, sunshades and ceiling light fixture. The silk, always anthracite in colour, can be combined with three different shades of luxurious fine leather: black, tan, or red.
The interior's sophisticated, luxury finish is also apparent in the headrests, which feature an embroidered Trident emblem and contrast stitching. This unique and exclusive silk is made by the Zegna wool mill in Trivero, Italy, using a patented process.
In line with a long Maserati tradition, the customer has a wide range of materials to choose from and the new Pieno Fiore natural leather is on the top-end of the list. The full-grain leather is available in black, red and tan colour, either with comfort or sports seats, each with its own stitching pattern.
Premium Leather (grain B) is used on the upper and lower dashboard and on the armrest. The door panels also stand out for their unique, double-stitching pattern. Pieno Fiore is like no other leather used in the automotive industry for its natural, soft feel and is purposely processed to develop a unique character throughout the years.
Maserati also offers two brand new High-Gloss interior veneers for the MY19 Ghibli, the Carbon Fibre Twill, which adds exclusivity to the cabin by conveying the idea of a deep 3D look, and the luxurious wooden Rovere Veneer, which features fine stripes with a brushed effect under the glossy top coat.
MTC+ infotainment system with updated graphics
The high resolution 8.4" screen with multi-touch function is embraced by the central air ducts with cut-off chrome inserts. The head unit bezel bears a Ghibli logo.
The MTC+ is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions and gives the user full control of almost all on-board equipment, including the radio and optional navigation system. It also has a standard Bluetooth connection for external sources like mobile phones and Apple devices.
MTC+ has been updated for MY19 featuring improved display graphics and Climate Control ergonomics. The button that deactivates the Start&Stop function can now be dragged and dropped on the main screen bar for immediate access from every menu.
Sound Systems
A standard 8-speaker, 280W audio system by Harman Kardon is available on the baseline Maserati Ghibli and on the Ghibli GranSport.
Harman Kardon Premium Sound System: The Ghibli GranLusso S and S Q4 have adopted the Harman Kardon Premium Sound System with 10 speakers and a 900W amplifier.
The extra watts compared to the standard system, the black-finish grille pattern on the door's woofer accentuated by the Harman Kardon logo, and the new 12-channel amplifier, together with a high-performance subwoofer, represent the best trade-off between sound clarity and performance.
Bowers & Wilkins Premium Surround Sound System: for those who demand the finest hi-fi equipment, Maserati offers the Bowers & Wilkins Premium Surround Sound System, with 15 speakers, a 1280W amplifier and perfectly-configured QuantumLogic™ Surround.
The Bowers & Wilkins Premium Surround Sound System features a central 100 mm Kevlar cone for midrange sound and three 25 mm tweeters at the centre and sides of the dashboard.
The front doors house a 165 mm woofer and 100 mm Kevlar cone midrange speaker, while the rear doors each carry a 165 mm Kevlar woofer and 25 mm tweeter. The rear shelf has two 100 mm Kevlar midranges and a 315x200 mm subwoofer.
The system includes the Clari-Fi music restoration function as standard, which scans all types of compressed audio files for lost music details, intelligently corrects waveform deficiencies and restores high-fidelity by removing unwanted distortions.
The Ghibli can contain optional WLAN technology that effectively turns the car into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Owners can place a SIM card into the WLAN router to receive Internet signals, which can be resent around the car as a wireless Internet signal.
Climate control with Air Quality Sensor
The Ghibli is equipped with Air Quality Sensor, a feature that substantially improves the comfort of both the driver and passenger.
The system combines an intelligent sensor and a signal analysis system that calculates the external pollution levels and prevents polluted air and toxic gases from entering the cabin.
The air flow distribution control, which is fully separated for the driver's and front passenger's zones, has been revised and is now more customizable. There is also a digital "Sync" button for left and right side settings and a numeric display for the selected level on the fan power bar.
Keyless Entry
The aluminium key reflects the Maserati Ghibli style and incorporates Keyless Go technology that enables you to open the doors or boot via the handles, without touching the key fob. Once inside the car, all it takes is a press of the ignition button to bring the engine to rousing life.
Soft Close Doors
Standard on the GranLusso and optionally available on every other trim, this system quietly draws each of the four doors to a close when left slightly open, using an electric actuator and a sensor that detects when the door is ajar. This increases the car's safety and comfort, particularly for children in the back seat. It is also activated whenever the door is manually closed, ensuring it is properly shut.
Electrically lockable passenger glovebox
A Valet Mode is available on the touch screen menu that electrically locks the glovebox on the passenger's side. In Valet Mode, the glovebox is only accessible by inserting a four-digit PIN.
Power boot lid with hands-free mode
This feature, optional on the GranLusso models, makes the travel experience in your Ghibli even easier. Thanks to electric actuators and a motorised latch, it's possible to open or close the lightweight boot lid automatically. This is done either via the key fob, pressing a button on the interior door panel or by simply moving your foot under the rear bumper.
Accessing the boot this way is particularly welcome when your hands are full. To ensure security, it only works when the system detects the presence of your key.
Class-leading 3.0-litre V6 engines
A Maserati 3.0-litre Twin Turbo V6 petrol engine, featuring the latest Gasoline Direct Injection technology, and a powerful V6 Turbodiesel with the same capacity form the beating heart of the Ghibli sports sedan.
The 2,979 cc V6 petrol engine - available in two power specifications with 350hp and 430hp - is designed by Maserati Powertrain in collaboration with Ferrari and is manufactured by Ferrari in Maranello.
This latest-generation engine is powerful, exciting to drive and eco-friendly, thanks to Gasoline Direct Injection technology, two low-inertia parallel turbochargers, four continuous camshaft phasers as well as Auto Start-Stop system. For MY19, the Maserati petrol engines are Euro6c-compliant.
A characteristic feature of this Maserati engine family is the 200 bar direct fuel injection system. This very high pressure helps atomise the fuel, thus improving the fuel-air mixture and optimising combustion at higher engine speeds.
The Twin Turbo V6 has two intercoolers - one for each turbocharger - mounted low on either side of the main radiator to catch a constant supply of fresh, cool air. Maserati Powertrain has implemented on-demand ancillaries, with a variable-displacement oil pump that works under electrical control for improved consumption and performance.
The Ghibli features three driving modes, Normal, Sport and I.C.E. for Increased Control & Efficiency. I.C.E. mode is aimed at reducing consumption, emissions and noise. It delivers softer pedal response for smooth driving, deactivates the turbocharger's over-boost function and keeps the exhaust's Sport flaps closed up to 5,000 rpm. It also adjusts the gear changes to make them softer and slower, and reduces torque at each gear's take-up point.
In the best Maserati tradition, the sound and performance of the Ghibli's exhaust system are controlled by pneumatic valves in the pipes emerging from each bank to maintain the rich aural tradition of the brand. In Normal mode, the bypass valves are closed up to 3,000 rpm to give a comfortable and discreet engine sound, which emerges through four sport exhaust tips.
With Sport mode activated - which also sharpens the car's handling parameters - the valves open, providing the shortest, highest-energy route for the exhaust gases. The result is optimised engine performance and that unmistakably resonant, spine-tingling sound.
Maserati Ghibli S and S Q4 - 430hp Twin Turbo V6
The range-topping Ghibli S and S Q4 versions deliver 430hp and 580 Nm peak torque. The maximum engine speed is 6,500 rpm, yet it delivers its peak torque between 2,250 rpm and 4,000 rpm. The class-leading power output gives the Maserati sports sedan a top speed of 286 km/h and remarkable acceleration: Ghibli S makes it to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and the Ghibli S Q4, with the intelligent Q4 All-Wheel Drive system, in just 4.7 seconds.
The remarkably high power output does not affect the fuel consumption of the top Maserati Ghibli versions. The combined consumption of the MY19 Ghibli S Q4 is 11.9 litres/100 km, while combined CO2 emissions are 275 g/km.
Maserati Ghibli - 350hp Twin Turbo V6
The turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine available on the Ghibli delivers 350hp at 5,000 rpm and 500 Nm torque from 1,750-4,500 rpm in over-boost mode. Combined fuel consumption is 11.0 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions 255 g/km. The 350hp Maserati Ghibli is capable of accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 267 km/h.
Maserati Ghibli Diesel - 275hp V6
The 3.0-litre V6 Turbodiesel with Common-Rail direct injection was exclusively developed by Maserati in collaboration with VM Motori. The Euro6c homologated unit includes AdBlue technology and Auto Start-Stop to reduce overall fuel and CO2 emissions. An Active Sound System gives the V6 engine an exciting exhaust growl.
This engine produces a remarkable power output of 275hp and 600 Nm peak torque between 2,000 and 2,600 rpm with over-boost turbocharging. The Ghibli Diesel accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h. This engine includes AdBlue technology and a Common-Rail direct injection with system pressure of up to 2,000 bar.
Multiple injections reduce fuel consumption and noise levels while also improving responsiveness and agility. In addition, the variable geometry turbocharger with variable-nozzle turbine allows the engine to deliver both high output and high torque from low revolutions. The Auto Start-Stop system generates overall fuel and CO2 emission efficiencies of up to 6%.
As a result, the combined fuel consumption is now 7.0 litres/100 km and CO2 emissions 184 g/km, making the Ghibli Diesel an ideal sports sedan for long-distance travel in style and comfort.
Active Sound System
Thanks to Maserati Active Sound, the Ghibli Diesel sounds just as good as the famed Maserati petrol engines. Two sound actuators, fitted near the exhaust tailpipes, accentuate the engine's most distinctive tones and modulate them according to the current driving style. The actuator transforms the exhaust tones into an unmistakable sound, full-bodied yet restrained in Normal mode, while much more aggressive in Sport mode.
Redesigned gearshift lever for the eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox
All versions of the Maserati Ghibli are equipped with the same eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, used also on the Quattroporte and Levante models.
MY19 Ghibli is fitted with a redesigned gearshift lever, which features an intuitive, dual lane shift pattern that provides shorter travel and improved operation. The driver has the option to use the gearbox in either automatic (RND) or manual mode simply by shifting the lever from right to left, while a new 'P' button on top sets the transmission in parking mode.
With the new gearshift lever, the driving modes cluster on the central console is even more user-friendly. The M button has been eliminated and a Start&Stop "off" button has moved in its place.
The transmission caters for all demands, from comfort to fast gear shifting, and from minimised fuel consumption to low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH). The car also recognizes a variety of conditions, such as uphill or downhill driving, hard braking or driving through a corner, and selects the optimal gear and the most suitable gearshift style accordingly.
In Manual Normal mode the system automatically shifts up as the red line approaches, while in Manual Sport, gearshifts are quicker and sharper and the engine can be pushed to the limit without the system intervening.
Ghibli S Q4: All-Wheel-Drive the Maserati way
The Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system has been conceived to convey a typical Maserati rear-wheel driving experience. In normal driving conditions it provides 100% of the engine torque to the rear wheels; this also optimises fuel consumption and emissions.
The system architecture is based on an electronically-controlled multi-plate wet clutch, installed into a transfer case linked by a drive shaft to the front axle and it acts by transferring traction to the front wheels on demand. In low-grip conditions or in the case of grip loss at the rear axle, the system reacts instantaneously, transferring the necessary torque to the front wheels.
If traction is lost due to excessively fast cornering, sudden acceleration or very low grip on the rear axle, the system is capable of altering the torque split from 100% rear-wheel drive to 50:50 between the front and rear wheels.
When conditions require it, Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, with its variable torque control, is activated constantly and continuously. While the change in torque split is imperceptible, for the keenest drivers a monitoring system is integrated in the 7" colour information cluster display which shows the front-to-rear distribution in real time.
While driving, a sophisticated algorithm specifically developed by Maserati is capable of monitoring an extensive range of dynamic vehicle parameters in real time. These include wheel speed, steering and yaw angle, power output, speed, braking action and EPS, as well as wheel grip versus driving style.
By processing all this data, the Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system can maximise a dedicated grip profile for each individual wheel, creating the optimal vehicle dynamic management to suit any given road condition, at any time. This strategy has the sole objective of optimising the balance between driving pleasure and safety.
The Ghibli uses a standard mechanical Limited-Slip Differential in all of its versions to deliver the best inherent traction in every driving situation. The bevel-drive asymmetric unit offers 35% lock-up under power and 45% under release. The rear differential is driven via a two-piece, 80 mm-thick light-weight steel prop shaft with two constant velocity joints and a head rubber coupling, which runs through a cross member-mounted rubber bearing for lower NVH levels without compromising rigidity.
Chassis
The Ghibli chassis has been precisely designed to meet the demands of dynamic performance and long distance comfort from Maserati drivers.
Based around a rigid and extremely secure steel cell, the chassis uses an array of different steel and aluminium alloys, each given a precise task to maximise strength, minimise weight and retain the sports sedan's ideal weight distribution, ranging from 50:50 for the Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli S to 51:49 front/rear for the Ghibli Diesel and S Q4 versions.
The front of the chassis features an aluminium casting with a reinforced cross-strut which helps deliver outstanding rigidity in every direction, while the rear is made from rolled steel. Accordingly, all four doors and the bonnet are made of aluminium. Ultra-light weight magnesium is used in the dashboard's cross strut.
Front Double-Wishbone / Rear Multi-Link Suspension
Double-wishbone suspension layouts are a race-bred tradition at Maserati. The Ghibli continues with this heritage but also incorporates some new technologies, featuring high-mounted all-aluminium double wishbones at the front to guarantee light and precise handling characteristics.
The system's geometry has delivered a quadrilateral architecture, which has enabled Maserati's handling team to deliver a precise, communicative and comfortable steering feel.
The rear suspension employs a five-bar multi-link system with four aluminium suspension arms, and has achieved the conflicting targets of executive ride comfort and sports performance. The Ghibli's suspension package is based around a fixed-rate damping system to control the movement of its steel springs and anti-roll bars.
The Maserati Ghibli is also available with the option of the Skyhook suspension system, where all four dampers can be electronically controlled independently of each other.
The default mode for Skyhook prioritises comfort, becoming more athletic if the driver presses the suspension button. This extra damping stiffness, which was developed in both extreme test scenarios and on the racetrack, pushes the Ghibli's handling characteristics to even higher levels.
Essentially, the Skyhook system drastically reduces both longitudinal and lateral load transfers and minimises body roll to bring out the sportiest side of the car's character. The computer system in control of the Skyhook dampers monitors a vast array of parameters, including speed, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, individual wheel movements, body movement and damper dynamics. Adjusting to suit the suspension mode selected by the driver, the system delivers the perfect damping mode for each wheel almost instantly. Skyhook suspension is included as standard in all the GranSport versions.
Brembo Dual Cast Brakes
Dual Cast technology, pioneered by Maserati, combines the strength of cast iron with the lightness of aluminium to reduce unsprung mass and, therefore, increase handling prowess. These brakes have a large swept area, highly efficient cooling and are designed for consistent performance in sports driving situations.
The 350hp Ghibli and the Ghibli Diesel cars feature four-piston brakes with fixed alloy Brembo calipers and 345x28 mm ventilated discs at the front. Floating calipers with 330x22 mm ventilated discs are fitted at the rear.
All four Ghibli GranSport versions are fitted with Dual Cast 360x32 mm ventilated and cross-drilled brake discs with six-piston fixed alloy Brembo calipers s the front axle, while the rear axle is fitted with four-piston fixed alloy 345x28 mm Brembo calipers. In the EU Market, all Maserati Ghibli S and Ghibli S Q4 versions are also equipped with Dual Cast Brembo Braking System.
From 100 km/h, the Ghibli S and S Q4 can reach a standstill in 35 metres. Since high-performance stopping power is only one measure of overall braking performance, the collaboration with Brembo also concentrated on optimising the acoustic comfort of the Ghibli's braking systems.
Besides being powerful, the Maserati brake calipers have also always added a significant touch of style. Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli Diesel have standard matt-grey calipers while the Ghibli S & S Q4 versions feature matt black calipers. The Ghibli GranLusso calipers stand out for their striking black paint, while the rousing passion of the GranSport versions is captured by their red-paint finish. The calipers are also available in blue, painted silver and polished silver.
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Since the EPS was introduced in the Ghibli range, has improved the car's handling and comfort while better supporting the selectable driving modes and enabling the optionally available active Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
With an electronically-controlled electric actuator on the rack and pinion steering, EPS is light, simple, low-maintenance, easier to fine-tune and doesn't affect engine power. While retaining the razor-sharp handling typical of every Maserati, it offers improved feedback of road irregularities and peace of mind in parking and low-speed manoeuvres.
Integrated Vehicle Control and Active ADAS
The Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC) function is incorporated in the Maserati Stability Program control for enhanced active safety and driving dynamics, while the optional active Advanced Driver Assistance Systems provide Level 2 autonomous driving technology.
By preventing - instead of simply correcting - a loss of car control, Integrated Vehicle Control, which has been developed in collaboration with Bosch, provides enhanced active safety and driving dynamics, better performance and a more enjoyable experience for the driver.
IVC uses a smart, feed-forward controller that predicts driving situations in advance and adapts the engine speed and brakes accordingly. IVC intervenes more smoothly and with less noise than a traditional ESP, ensures better car balance and traction at the limits of the car's dynamics and employs intelligent torque vectoring to optimise lateral dynamics in a natural way even when MSP is off. In dynamic test manoeuvres, like slalom and lane change, IVC has demonstrated higher drive-through speed and improved racetrack lap times.
Maserati Stability Program (MSP)
Developed in the most extreme test conditions, the MSP uses a wide array of sensors for early detection and intervention. If skidding is detected, the system reduces the engine's torque output and may activate the brakes with finely varied inputs to restore the car's stability within milliseconds. The MSP integrates sub-systems such as ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Engine brake torque control (MSR), which prevents wheels from locking when downshifting on low-grip surfaces, Brake Assist System (BAS) and the Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC).
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
Level 2 ADAS, such as Highway Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist mark a major step towards semi-autonomous driving. In the optional package is also included the efficient Traffic Sign Recognition.
Although ADAS are valuable assets for ensuring a safer driving experience, Maserati also remains faithful to its core philosophy as a manufacturer of race-bred grand touring cars with superior dynamics capable of offering an unparalleled driving experience. The introduction of the Active ADAS package in the Maserati Ghibli range makes the car even safer in a variety of traffic conditions, but the driver should remain 100% in control at all times.
Highway Assist: a "hands-on" function intended for use on highways or limited access freeways at speeds up to 145 km/h with the Adaptive Cruise Control activated. It reduces driver fatigue and consequently enhances active safety by allowing the car to keep itself centred in its lane and to adapt its pre-selected speed in full autonomy.
The system employs a radar unit and a forward-looking camera and works with the EPS to control the direction of the car. The multi-function camera detects horizontal road markings and calculates the distance and speed of the preceding vehicle. Highway Assist includes a radio that provides road information, and a 'hands on wheel' detection system. The driver can override the system at any time.
Lane Keeping Assist: it keeps the car centred in its lane with direct input to the Electric Power Steering while the instrument panel display shows the specific status. When the Visual & Haptic box is selected in the touchscreen display, LKA actively steps in with corrective steering torque.
LKA uses a forward-looking camera that detects lane markers to determine the car's position, as well as a radar for data processing. The system works at speeds between 60 km/h and 180 km/h and when the indicators are on, it is deactivated.
Active Blind Spot Assist: a system that attempts to prevent a collision during lane change by using two radar-based sensors to monitor blind spot areas. As well as providing a LED and acoustic warning, ABSA can communicate with the EPS to intervene with steering torque and prevent a possible collision.
Traffic Sign Recognition: essentially, TSR prevents unintended speeding, providing the driver with real time information on the instrument panel about the current speed limit. Traffic Sign Recognition identifies speed limits for specific conditions, such as rain, fog or hour-specific limits, and uses map data from the navigation system to inform the driver in case actual signs are non-existent, invisible or not recognisable by the camera system.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function: when activated (between 30 and 210 km/h), ACC constantly monitors the space between the Ghibli and the vehicle ahead, maintaining a safe pre-set distance. If traffic slows or another vehicle moves in front, it slows the car down by making it coast or by engaging the brakes. Thanks to the Stop & Go function, the car will adjust to the target vehicle's speed until it comes to a complete stop and will set off automatically if the stop is shorter than two seconds.
Forward Collision Warning Plus: FCW Plus monitors vehicles ahead by means of a camera and warns the driver through visual and acoustic alerts when they are in danger of a possible rear-end collision.
Advanced Brake Assist system: If the driver brakes and the system determines that have not applied sufficient brake force, ABA will compensate for this and provide the appropriate amount of additional braking.
Autonomous Emergency Braking: AEB is an active system designed to avoid collision or minimise damage. A potential collision is identified by the ACC radar and a forward-looking camera. The driver is provided with visual and acoustic alerts as an early warning to start braking. If they do not take action, the system will brake autonomously to help slow the vehicle down and minimise the impact.
Rear-view camera with dynamic lines
Located above the number plate, the camera turns on automatically when the reverse gear is selected and shows the area behind the car on the high resolution 8.4" display. The camera utilises the rear parking sensors to alert the driver both visually and acoustically about potential obstructions. The dynamic grid lines represent the maximum width of the car and its projected path based on the steering angle signal.
Optional Surround View Camera
The Surround View Camera system uses four cameras in total - two lateral cameras housed underneath the side mirrors, as well as a forward- and rear-looking camera - to provide a clear 360° bird's eye view of the car on the high-resolution display. It is activated automatically in reverse gear or manually via the soft button on the 8.4" display and provides five selectable views. It also shows open doors and parking guide lines.
Rear Cross Path
This function issues alerts to help drivers reverse out of parking spaces when their view of oncoming vehicles is blocked. Using sensors located on either side of the rear bumper, it detects any vehicles or objects moving towards the side of the vehicle at speeds between approximately 1 km/h and 16 km/h.
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
TPMS is available as standard on all Ghibli versions. It continuously monitors tyre pressure with a sensor mounted inside the rim as part of the valve. In the event of a puncture or a change in tyre pressure, the system notifies the driver with visual and acoustic warnings.
Active Speed Limiter
This function, available on all Ghibli versions, allows the driver to set a maximum speed limit using a button on the steering wheel. If the driver decides to override the limit, they just have to 'kick down' and thus exceed the set speed.
Passive Safety
The Maserati Ghibli has achieved a 5-star score in the Euro NCAP crash tests without compromising its weight or fuel consumption. Maserati has balanced these conflicting demands by using hot-formed steels in critical areas of the passenger compartment for added safety, while using aluminium in other areas to save weight.
In particular, the front of the passenger compartment features hot-moulded steel components, with a magnesium dashboard strut to save weight, while the rear is stiffened with high-strength steel. The crash bars at the front and rear of the car are made of extruded aluminium, while the doors and bonnet are in aluminium.
Maserati's engineers added a third crash-load path to the front structure of the car to help dissipate load and distribute the forces on the car to guarantee the stability of the body structure in frontal impacts.
The Maserati Ghibli is equipped with seven airbags and anti-whiplash front headrests. At the front, two-stage airbags are concealed inside the steering wheel and dashboard to protect the head in frontal impact crashes, while a knee airbag protects the driver's legs and reduces femur load in an impact.
The driver's and front passenger's chest and hips are further protected by the side airbags beneath the seat leather. The sides of their heads are protected by two head curtain airbags mounted in the roof of the car, next to the B-pillar. The curtain airbag protects the heads of the front and rear occupants against lateral impact.
