2014 Maserati Ghibli

A few months after Maserati unveiled the all-newfifth generation Quattroporte, the Italian manufacturer has revived one of its most famous nameplates for the brand-new 2014 Ghibli. The original Ghibli was produced from 1967 until 1973. It was followed up by the Ghibli II, which was built between 1992 and 1997. However whereas both these cars were only available as either a two door coupe or convertible, the 2014 Ghibli is a four-door executive saloon.

The new Maserati Ghibli will make its world debut later this month at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show. The car is positioned to offer a sportier character than its larger, more luxurious and more expensive bigger brother. The Ghibli will be offered with a choice of three different engines, two based around the same turbocharged 3.0 litre V6, the most powerful of the two is said to boast around 410 horsepower. The third engine on offer is the company’s first diesel engine – which comes in the form of a 3.0 litre V6 turbo.

The transmission is handled by and eight-speed automatic unit, and there’s a choice between either rear-wheel drive or the new “Q4″ all-wheel drive system.

With the new Ghibli Maserati is clearly taking aim at the more established players in the executive sedan marketplace, namely BMW, Mercedes and Audi. The car is expected to be priced competitively in order to assist Maserati in their goal of selling 50,000 cars per year.