The Ghibli, from Maserati, has been awaiting an update for much too long. The brand has not had any real excitement in its ranks, arguably since the Maserati Levante model was introduced in 2016. The Ghibli, in the meantime, has grown long in the tooth. So, when Maserati announces that an update is coming, naturally, there is some energy and interest that grows. Now, there is a press release announcing the news that about the Ghibli update. 

The Maserati Ghibli

The Maserati Ghibli debuted to the public in 2013. It is the mid-size brother in the lineup to the Quattroporte model. It had a power mill sourced from Ferrari, a twin-turbo, 3.0-liter, V6, and a turbocharged, diesel, V6. So, needless to say, it garnered a lot of attention when launched. However, it has received few changes since then. 

The 2021 Maserati Ghibli Hybrid

The launch of the refreshed face on the Maserati Ghibli also sheds light on a new hybrid powerplant. This is the first hybrid for Maserati. This engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The interesting thing is that it has an electric supercharger. The combination of turbo and superchargers motivate the vehicle to produce 330 horsepower, with zero-to-sixty times at 5.7 seconds. That is pretty good for a car weighing in at just under 4300 pounds. According to Francesco Tonan, Head of Product Planning at Maserati, the new powerplant is faster than diesel and more sustainable than a regular gasoline engine.

The exterior refresh includes a new front grille. Also, the light pods in the aft are both revised. There are some blue accents sprinkled around the exterior, and indoors too. 

Hybrid means blue

There is a fascination in the automotive industry with equating green efforts and technology with the color blue. So, the new Hybrid Ghibli has plenty of blue accents. The side fender vents will have a blue streak, as will the rear pillar badges. There are also blue brake calipers. The same blue-ness translates inside to the stitching on the seats.

Inside, a driver will be greeted by full digital instrumentation that replaces the old analog gauges. There is also Android Automotive running in the larger infotainment system (10.1 inches). Amazon Alexa is also incorporated in the Maserati Connect system. That rounds out the interior. 

The Ghibli Hybrid is only a foreshadow of other changes

Maserati is currently in a big push to bring electrification to its other models. Other models in the lineup will appear with either hybrid or full-electric power in the next five years. They consider the launch of this car the beginning of a new ear for the company. But, the new GranTurismo and GranCabrio are not far behind, scheduled for 2021. 

European deliveries of the new 2021 Ghibli Hybrid will begin before the end of the year. There is no mention of expected delivery dates for the United States yet. The base 2020 model starts at around $69-70,000. A hybrid, if or when it comes to the United States would surely have a premium. 

It is good to see that the neglected Ghibli is getting some attention. The new hybrid powerplant certainly shows that Maserati is keeping in step with the times. Also, the word of the electrification program for the rest of the lineup shows promise for the brand’s future. In short, this debut is a step in the right direction. Kudos to Maserati.

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