Italian automaker Maserati has joined the realm of electric mobility with the introduction of its first-ever hybrid. In an online premiere that was attended by viewers from across the world, Maserati took the wraps off the Ghibli Hybrid that showcases a new front grille, updated headlamp and tail lamp clusters, and a 330 horsepower 2.0-liter 48-volt mild-hybrid turbocharged four-cylinder engine that also produces 450 Nm of torque.
Since the hybrid set-up also includes an electric supercharger (e-Booster), which is claimed to be the perfect trade-off between performance, efficiency, and driving pleasure, the Ghibli Hybrid can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.7-seconds and hit a top speed of 255km/h. All of this while providing the luxury that the brand is known for.
Despite being a hybrid the trademark Maserati exhaust note is still present in the Ghibli Hybrid and that is courtesy of specially designed resonators. With drivers and driving engagement ranking high up in the priority list, the batteries have also been placed in the rear of the car to help achieve a better weight distribution.
Signaling the way for other models to follow, the Maserati Ghibli Hybrid features a distinct blue color that has been chosen to identify all hybrid models in the line-up. This hue can be found on the iconic side air ducts, on the brake calipers, and in the oval that encloses the Trident on the rear pillar. The shade of blue also makes its way inside on the embroidered seams of the seats.
The Maserati Ghibli Hybrid is only the first step in a plan that will lead to the electrification of all brand new Maserati models. The carmaker’s first fully electric cars will be the all-new GranTurismo and GranCabrio, set to arrive in 2021.
