Having recently had at my disposal a Ghibli with sports suspension and two different wheel choices, and a Ghibli S with skyhook and 21" wheels. I can report that skyhook rides superbly on 21" wheels, but beyond that the float and "wait and see what the computer thinks" type feel you get with skyhook does not do the car many favours. Also, the big wheels are mistake because they bring up horrendous changes in direction die to camber changes. It may be that this car was not set up correctly, because geometry is so critical in these cars. The sports suspension in the diesel with the 20" wheels also showed these camber change traits. Somewhat disconcerting. The real revelation was the sport suspension with the 19" wheels. Not as sexy looking, but the handling was superb. The ride good and more than acceptable. So don't choose wheels on looks, go on what drives best!
Ghibli suspension choice
- Thread starter Barryc
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outrun
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Yup, the 21s lead to awful camber changes and disconcerting following of white lines. But they look sweet which is why I have them! I suspect the p zeros don't do it any favours and will be quite happy when mine are needing replaced. I tried skyhook and chose normal analogue suspension. I didn't feel much advantage and am happy with my choice.
It turns out its also easy to change the sound with simple exhaust mod. More on this when I've time to make a wee video of the new sound....
Oh, and you can map a standard petrol Ghibli to S output so there's no point paying the extra.
It turns out its also easy to change the sound with simple exhaust mod. More on this when I've time to make a wee video of the new sound....
Oh, and you can map a standard petrol Ghibli to S output so there's no point paying the extra.
outrun
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For those interested, I've sourced a set of the standard 18" wheels and tyres from a new car in the USA. They are unused and were remarkably cheap at around £600 plus shipping which is £180. The reason why I did this is to change out the standard tyres for winters which are essential in Scotland. The cost of 21" winter tyres, plus the fact that they're not likely to be great given the low profile, drove me to accept the smaller wheel is the sensible option through winter. I will stick the unused tyres on Ebay and hope to recover £200 or so for these to help offset the cost. I would hope to get at least 2, maybe 3 winter seasons out of them which of course, also saves on wear on expensive 21s.
Very sensible Athol. I put SottoZeros on my 20" GranTurismo wheels each winter. The wear is amazing - they will be going on for their fifth (and last) season this November.
FWIW in the U.S. some owners run the GranTurismo on same size front/back 18" winters even though Maserati never offered this wheel option.
FWIW in the U.S. some owners run the GranTurismo on same size front/back 18" winters even though Maserati never offered this wheel option.
outrun
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They're easy to find actually as the factory delivers all US cars on the 18s and options are added at the dealership. Of course, most take a different wheel as they're small and plain as standard (cunning ploy Maserati?). One search on Ebay and you'll find 10 sets, several at main dealers. I use my own shipper which is half the price quoted by those sellers I asked.
G
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Looking forward to this as I was very impressed with the Ghibli and may be in the market sooner that I think ....
StuartW
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Yes, do it - I've really come round to them and had a good look at a couple in a MD showroom this morning. A very nice interior & some lovely lines, and starting at just under £50k, what's not to like?
safrane
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Would the 4200 Winter tyres fit? - the set for sale on here.