Maserati’s Trofeo trim always means business, but giving the Ghibli a nearly 600 horsepower V8 is another kind of craze.
Maserati
We’ve never been there especially enamored with the entry-level Ghibli sedan from Maserati. It always counts a little too much for its combination of decent styling mixed with too many FCA parts-bin-parts and offers a driving experience that left a lot to be desired compared to offers from German companies.
That last bit may change with the introduction of an expanded Trofeo lineup, which unveiled it Monday and includes both the Ghibli and the Quattroporte, as well as the Levante Trofeo, which we have already experienced. All three models get some updates to their aesthetics and electronics, but it’s the Ghibli that benefits the most, thanks to the inclusion of the superb Ferrari-built 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 that has seen duty in the aforesaid Levante Trofeo and the Quattroporte GTS.
Now of course a 580 horsepower, 538 pound V8 will not repair all our problems with the Ghibli, but very damn, they will be more easily ignored under the snarl of that beautiful engine. Also likely to smooth out some of Ghibli’s rough edges is the inclusion of a redesigned Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC) system and starter control. The new heart of the sedans helps propel them to a top speed of 203 miles per hour. The Levante is also not a slouch, with a maximum of 187 mph.
Maserati also took this opportunity to make some adjustments to the info-infotainment, not that the UConnect-based system was terrible beforehand. Still, now the Ghibli and Quattroporte both get a larger 10.1-inch display with high resolution, while Levante retains its 8.4-inch screen, but gets improved resolution and graphics.
The interior of the Trofeo models benefits from new high-resolution screens and a lot of butter-soft Italian leather.
Maserati
The people of Turin have also made some changes to the advanced systems for driving assistance for cars. Surprisingly, Maserati’s press release does not specify what these are above the addition of Active Driving Assist, which should allow some limited functionality of self-driving on highways and city roads.
Beyond the inclusion of the V8, the most important changes that Maserati made for its three Trofeo models come in the style department. The taillights get the most significant change, with all three models adopting a new boomerang-like LED design that adds a bit of aggression and structure to the rear. All three models also receive red accented badging indicating their status with higher performance. Unique 21-inch wheels are standard on the Ghibli and Quattroporte, while 22-inch wheels are available on the Levante.
Maserati expects sales to start on the 2021 Trofeo models in Q4 of this year, but it does not tell us what kind of price point they will favor over standard versions of the cars. Based on the nearly $ 47,000 jump from the Levante GTS from 2020 to the Trofeo in 2020, we bet it will be a big one.
Maserati shows off new Trofeo models, including a turbo V8 Ghibli
See all photos
See again:
2019 Levante Trofeo is Maserati’s fastest SUV yet
1:23
