Driving the Maserati Ghibli Trofeo, the company’s fastest sedan ever

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Not all Maseratis are red, but this 2022 Ghibli Trofeo is.

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Driving the 2021 Maserati Ghibli Trofeo it was possible to forget all that Italian performance heritage and think you were behind the wheel of a quieter luxury sedan. Why? Because the car is surprisingly docile when engaged in everyday driving.

Yes, there is a powerful boost when the throttle is pressed. According to Maserati, the Ghibli and Quattroporte Trofeos are “Maserati’s fastest on-road sedans of all time.” Top speed is an astounding 203 miles per hour, and the Ghibli’s 60 mph dash takes just four seconds.

Performance places this edition of the Ghibli among the top European performance sedans, and is priced accordingly at US $ 117,140. The extras were glossy black brake calipers (US $ 400), a cold weather pack (US $ 700), and an interior carbon pack (US $ 1,100).

The Maserati Ghibli Trofeo is a civilized sports sedan (with a lot of power in reserve).

Maserati photo

You’ll likely need access to a race track to prove these stats to be true, but they make sense given the technology on board. The rear-wheel-drive Ghibli Trofeo is powered by a direct-injected 3.79-liter twin-turbo V8 from Ferrari, a teammate. The engine produces 572 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque and is mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission with aluminum paddle shifters. These are huge and interfere with the turn signal, one of the car’s few ergonomic issues.

For 2021, Maserati made some minor tweaks, including new “boomerang†rear light clusters, front grilles and carbon fiber inserts. The Ghibli also integrated a pair of heat extraction vents in the hood.

The suspension – double wishbone up front, multi-link rear, with Skyhook shocks all around – allows for a firm but very controlled ride. To get the most out of the power available, Maserati offers launch control in Corsa (racing) mode. Over-enthusiastic take-offs will cause some tire slip, but the driver should really try to generate excitement.

The original Ghibli was a large roadster first introduced in 1966 and produced by the company from 1967 to 1973.

Maserati photo

Ferrari engines generally produce some of the best soundtracks in the industry, but the Ghibli Trofeo is remarkably quiet. Some enthusiasts may wish it otherwise, but neighbors will appreciate the restraint. Performance mimics an electric sedan in this regard, just effortless power. It feels like the car isn’t that fast, but if you want to keep your driver’s license, keep an eye out for that zoom speedometer.

In addition to the civilization polish, there is a fairly livable cabin, which has plenty of carbon fiber trim. The sport seats are heated and ventilated and offer 12-way adjustment. The radiators are small ovens, and even the steering wheel is warmed up. After an hour of driving on the highway, the seats were still comfortable. The driver faces real gauges which is great, they are very readable.

Another quirk is the misplaced on-off button, which sits on the left and tucked behind the steering wheel. But the visibility to the outside is good everywhere. The doors close with a solid sound and the build quality seems very decent.

The interior is civilized and pleasant to the occupants, even on long journeys.

Maserati photo

Active safety is enhanced on this Ghibli, and it has one of the best reversing cameras tested. There are sensors looking for obstacles in all four corners, and another weakness is that they are rather hyperactive, producing a symphony of beeps even during the most routine recoil maneuver.

Infotainment hasn’t generally topped Italian automakers’ scorecards, but the Ghibli’s 10.1-inch display is very well integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connecting much faster than the Ghibli’s. other vehicles.

Trunk and rear seat space is acceptable. In short, it would be easy to live with this car on a daily basis. Although, if that is the main criteria then it could be satisfied with something much cheaper and also more likely to be reliable, a Toyota Camry perhaps.

Maserati buyers are looking for that little extra, that connection with Juan Manuel Fangio screaming around the corner at the Nürburgring or the Targa Florio. And this car has that heritage, which dates back to Bologna in 1914, and it’s cemented by that Ferrari engine under the hood. The power is there when you need it.

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