A Maserati with a Ferrari engine, that can hardly disappoint, can it?
Even Maserati, the brand that according to research can cause testosterone peaks in women with its V8 engines (this is really true, just Google it), is going for the all-electric car. Shame? No. The brand opts for two extremes: fully electric or a full-blooded petrol engine, such as this Maserati Ghibli Trofeo with a V8 from Ferrari. A plug-in hybrid powertrain would add unnecessary weight.
When it comes to weight, a wise choice, as you can read further on. For those who want to pay attention to the polar bears, there is a four-cylinder with a rather mild mild-hybrid powertrain. However, the Trofeo line is probably the last with a V8 from Ferrari for the time being, because Maserati developed its own V6 engine that they would like to use. A good reason to enjoy it extra.
The Maserati Ghibli Trofeo is not what you expect it to be
When hearing the specs you expect a supercar with two extra doors, but that is a bit disappointing. The Ghibli is a rolling roulade – and we’re not talking about the kind you buy at the butcher shop. An extra kilo is of course not bad, but by pulling tight clothing over it, you do not make it better. Maserati mounted a so-called sporty (and therefore stiff) chassis, but in the bends the 1,960 kilo is very noticeable. The result is a car that doesn’t feel dynamic, but at the same time isn’t very comfortable either.
In addition, the seating and steering position is not particularly sporty, you feel more like a driver than a driver. The front seats have a narcissistic character; they give the impression of offering a lot of support, but in reality this is disappointing and they are even quite hard. In addition, our Maserati Ghibli Trofeo is equipped with a skylight that takes the necessary headroom. It is not enough for tall people.
How bad is all that?
Maserati simply doesn’t build docile yes-men that want to keep everyone happy. In fact, we’d be disappointed if the Ghibli Trofeo came close to perfection; After all, we already have enough German cars. Well, his charm is just not enough to get away with his uncomfortable undercarriage, but he does his best.
The Trofeo is a tailor-made suit
Because the feeling that the Maserati Ghibli Trofeo gives you is special; similar to the feeling when you put yourself in a three-piece suit for a special occasion. It’s just nice to drive the Maserati, and the abundance of looks from passers-by confirm this. The design has been around for eight years, but the Ghibli remains one of the most beautiful sedans of the moment.
Then we haven’t even touched on the phenomenal V8. The 3.8-litre turbo engine really needs no introduction. Ferrari has already received several awards for it and even in a sedan of almost 2,000 kilos, the eight-cylinder feels perfectly at home. The Ghibli Trofeo isn’t just fast, it also feels that way due to the massive punch of torque released when you hit the accelerator.
How does the Maserati Ghibli Trofeo sound then?
In normal mode, the V8 is barely audible, but in Sport mode, a pleasant rumble fills the interior. A nice number of decibels for a GT, but for something called Trofeo, it could have been a little louder. Well, that’s not Maserati’s fault, but rather the mandatory particulate filter and other emissions issues. Nothing a good exhaust dealer can’t fix for you.
Incidentally, there is a solution for almost all problems of this Ghibli Trofeo: the Quattroporte. For 30,000 euros more you step into the bigger brother of this sedan with the same engine. You hardly compromise on speed, you get a little more weight, but a finer chassis and the same Ferrari V8. If it’s all about looks, go for the more sensible Ghibli Hybrid.
