LENSPEED

By James Wong

It was a pleasant surprise to see Maserati revealing the Ghibli for the first time ever in the UK in the Press Centre of the Goodwood FOS.

In every waking moment the car was inundated with interested journalists clamouring for seat time. It is not hard to see why – on looks alone, with the rear cleverly parked close to the building so you will not see much of it, the Ghibli is a very sharp looking car, more so than the latest Quattroporte. The QP was in effect a car that had big shoes to fill after the previous QP, which was the definition of a bella machina. No surprise then that it did not quite meet expectations. What disappointed further with the QP was the driving dynamics and theatre, which seemed to be a step down from the previous model, becoming moreGerman uber limo than flamboyant Italiana.

The Ghibli looks set to change that though. Its interior design is more resolved, exterior looks tight and engines are strong and effervescent. We can’t wait to drive this car, which can be said to be the true future incarnation of the previous QP. We’ve owned the previous QP and the Ghibli matters a lot to us in our hearts. We hope this keeps the Maserati brand alive and well. Here are some pictures of the Ghibli for your enjoyment.

Not the prettiest angle of the car…

Interior is a huge step up in quality, good work. Better than the equivalent 5er or E-Class, I think.

Unpolished wood is a nice touch.

A rather generic looking gear knob, could have done better here (and whiffs a little of Jaguar F-Type about it).

Trademark Maserati clock on the dashboard retains its elegance.

Finally, decent looking rims!

Magnificent feel from the paddle action.

Shapely doorhandles.

If this switchgear looks familiar to you, it is off an E-Class.

As are these…

Unlit Sport and Suspension buttons look a little cheap.

Electronic parking brake = no more dramatic sideways histrionics?

Lovely, lovely.

Rear lines retained from the old QP.

New lines now added for the rear door handles that looks like an arrow.