There are certainly many well-paid professions related to the car. Like that of the sound designer, for example. People who create acoustics with fine ears and an abundance of measuring instruments, which then sonicate the interior. It's not about music, it's about illusion. With the help of a special exhaust system, sounds are created that simulate a sound for the occupants that shouldn't actually exist. You can experience the sound puzzle in the driver's seat of the new one Maserati Ghibli, whose rather gentle 3-liter diesel looks like a robust eight-cylinder petrol engine when pressed on the sports button. On the first test drives, the new edition of the Ghibli passed the “tunnel wall test” with flying colors. Because nowhere else can you listen to the virtual concert as sustainably as when accelerating in the rock pipes above Monaco.
This is how a sporty diesel can sound. Maserati and Diesel? What seemed unthinkable for decades became a reality with the Ghibli. A sports car icon sends its fans to the diesel pillar, now also with the large Quattroporte and with the new SUV called Levante. A good 75 percent of Ghibli buyers thankfully accepted the offer and ordered diligently. In total, around two thirds of all models sold by us with Neptune's trident had the lettering Ghibli on the rear. The Schönling will lose this supremacy, however, if the countless orders for the Levante SUV are converted into real cars next year.
Nevertheless, the engineers continue to take care of the smallest Maserati with a length of 4,91 meters. Because it had a serious deficit compared to its German rivals such as the Mercedes E-Class or the BMW 5 Series, and had to pass the question about all the modern assistance systems. Chief engineer Roberto Corradi also admits: "We had to make massive retrofits in this area". With a whole package of modern systems, the Italian is now crawling up to the seemingly overpowering southern Germans. Distance radar with stop-and-go function, emergency braking and lane departure warning, blind spot warning, parking aid and 360-degree camera. All subtleties that are already available elsewhere in the compact class. Good thing, it just takes time in Italy. The 8,4-inch touchscreen monitor, which has become the command center, is also new. In addition to navigation, it can also be used to make various settings at the touch of a finger. You can also marry him off with your smartphone and, if you wish, chat with Apple's ghost voice "Siri". If you don't like greasy fingerprints on the glass of the monitor, you can now use the dial between the seats.
The design of the dashboard and the center console has been subtly refreshed. New equipment packages can now be ordered, one of which even has an external impact. The carbon package with applications on door handles, exterior mirrors or rear spoiler ensures a sportier look. All in all, the changes to the current model are not really noticeable. Because the core values of the cult brand, which are valued by more and more fans, remained untouched.
This can be seen literally at every narrow corner in the curve chase above the principality. The automatic from ZF dances - especially in sports fashion - through its eight stages. The diesel with its abundant pulling power hangs almost greedily on the gas, always ready to sprint and aggressive. One of the sportiest business limousines when their owners want to let off steam between appointments. Of course there are gasoline engines in the Ghibli range, even a version with all-wheel drive. But the diesel already fulfills the wishes of those who think differently, who want to differentiate themselves from the mainstream by choosing an Italian car.
A very expensive choice if you order all the fine extras that the price list offers. Examples: The package with the assistance systems costs between 2.250 and 3.150 euros. For the navigation system including parking aid and seat heating, 2.500 euros are also due. The mentioned carbon beautification around the car is also not a bargain at 2.700 euros. Maserati fans won't care. In addition to the chic design, they are happy about the everyday benefits. The trunk is befitting with 500 liters. The adjustment of suspension and dampers in normal mode offers commendable comfort for long distances. Who cares that despite the considerable wheelbase of a smooth three meters, there is little room for the knees of the backbenchers when the front occupants allow their leather-covered sports seats to slide too far back electrically. But a Ghibli doesn't have the claim of a family limousine. It targets freelancers such as dentists, lawyers or business consultants. And they still have a big SUV in the double garage for trips with the family. (Peter Maahn / SP-X)