Ghibli reviewed in this weeks Autocar.
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npaskin
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Online readable version here: http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/shanghai-auto-show-2013/maserati-ghibli-guns-bmw-m5
Says (about the planned diesel version) "the engine and exhaust note will undergo extensive sound tuning to mask the characteristic diesel clatter, with a synthesised sound likely to be played into the cabin".
Says (about the planned diesel version) "the engine and exhaust note will undergo extensive sound tuning to mask the characteristic diesel clatter, with a synthesised sound likely to be played into the cabin".
Parisien
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No doubt people weren't always in agreement with previous model/range changes over the decade, but one thing is for sure, standing still and failing to evolve to modern market needs means oblivion in the medium term. Maserati has failed 1/2 times over the decades only to be "rescued" by someone with more pride and money than commonsense........but a 3X increase in sales in 2 years?!
P
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You know, I am quite happy with Maserati only selling small numbers of cars pa. The GranTurismo is great and I'd rather not get waves from people driving diesel Ghiblis'.
One thing is sure and that is that Maserati will be selling a load more than 6000 cars pa in a few years time. Whether its 50-60000 is another matter but 20-25000 seems quite sensible with a full year of Ghibli and Levante.
One thing is sure and that is that Maserati will be selling a load more than 6000 cars pa in a few years time. Whether its 50-60000 is another matter but 20-25000 seems quite sensible with a full year of Ghibli and Levante.
That' very true. US too. It's hard to see rising volumes in Europe being material.
Phil H
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It's an XF in drag, and whilst that may appeal to accountants it won't do much for the image of such an 'exclusive' marque. IMHO it won't appeal to Maseristis who expect more. Even if some top end models are retained in keeping with the Maserati image the brand will still be diluted, and even more so with diesels in the range.
It's taken as read that nostalgia doesn't pay wages, but although the harsh reality of the balance sheet must be observed there is no guarantee that increased volumes will bring success or even reduce risk; if that was true Honda wouldn't now be racking back their production and laying people off.
Maserati has had it's problems over the years and many of us will remember abortive takeovers and collaborations, but the 3200 marked a turning point which revived its fortunes and got it where it is today. Perhaps the real question is what does Maserati want to be, an exclusive but profitable brand à la Ferrari with sporting pedigree, or a volume market cash cow? It seems to be the latter, and once it goes that way there’s no turning back.
Maserati’s pricing is going to be very interesting, as will subsequent residuals of Ghiblis.
PH
It's taken as read that nostalgia doesn't pay wages, but although the harsh reality of the balance sheet must be observed there is no guarantee that increased volumes will bring success or even reduce risk; if that was true Honda wouldn't now be racking back their production and laying people off.
Maserati has had it's problems over the years and many of us will remember abortive takeovers and collaborations, but the 3200 marked a turning point which revived its fortunes and got it where it is today. Perhaps the real question is what does Maserati want to be, an exclusive but profitable brand à la Ferrari with sporting pedigree, or a volume market cash cow? It seems to be the latter, and once it goes that way there’s no turning back.
Maserati’s pricing is going to be very interesting, as will subsequent residuals of Ghiblis.
PH
Emtee
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It seems pretty obvious from the line-up that they're taking their cue from the likes of Mercedes, BMW, Audi and Jag', all of whom have already earn't their stripes and will be tough competition. If they're after the executive sedan market, their build quality will need to be rock solid, their technology ahead of the curve and their cabin toys to match. Not sure they're anywhere close on any of those to be honest.
It's a shame the lineup doesn't have a whiff of Porsche or AM about it. At least these companies still try to engage the driver during the journey, rather than just supplying them with a means of transportation from A to B.
Since the launch of the GTS Stradale there's nothing Maserati have made that I would buy, which given I love a bit of Trident is un-nerving. Hopefully I'll get myself a Strad' at some point, but after that I'll be looking elsewhere.... what a shame.....
It's a shame the lineup doesn't have a whiff of Porsche or AM about it. At least these companies still try to engage the driver during the journey, rather than just supplying them with a means of transportation from A to B.
Since the launch of the GTS Stradale there's nothing Maserati have made that I would buy, which given I love a bit of Trident is un-nerving. Hopefully I'll get myself a Strad' at some point, but after that I'll be looking elsewhere.... what a shame.....
Emtee
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Absolutely Dave, can't knock 'em and they certainly have big plans. Sadly the niche for Maserati seems to sit between Alfa and Ferrari, so no cheap fun to own and no expensive fun to aspire to, just mildly expensive exec tourers. Recorded exhaust notes pretty much sum it up really.