The 2018 Maserati Ghibli has just been spotted testing and by the looks of it the third generation of the famed Italian car company’s popular sedan will be receiving a very subtle facelift for the new model year. The outgoing model debuted back in 2013 as a 2014 model, and this much-needed mid-cycle refreshment comes just in time so that the updated version of the Ghibli can keep its footing among its merry band of rivals in the highly-competitive mid-size sport sedan segment, most of whom have already gotten their redesigns and refreshments.
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Exterior and Interior
From what we can tell just by looking at the newly-surface spy shots, the camouflage arrangement is very telling. By positioning the disguise only around the bumpers, Maserati is suggesting some big changes to the bumper design. Moreover, the grille should also see some tweaks and improvements. We’re thinking something like the Quattroporte’s new rigid grille design that was revealed in its recent mid-cycle refreshment. This isn’t the only feature we expect the new 2018 Maserati Ghibli to adopt from the Quattroporte. Look out for new GranLusso and GranSport trims that should oust the Luxury and Sport trims Ghibli currently offers.
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image source: motorauthority.com
On the inside, however, there shouldn’t be any significant changes, particularly in the tech and infotainment department that was just updated for the 2017 model year. This tech overhaul brought the new center dash design that now accommodates Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ omnipresent 8.4-inch touchscreen display as well as the brand-new rotary dial controller on the center console.
image credit: motorauthority
Engine and Powertrain
In terms of powertrain, we’re not expecting any considerable changes and improvements for the new model year. The 2018 Maserati Ghibli will still be offered in a base trim and a sporty Ghibli S trim, both of which will be using the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
With this setup, the regular Ghibli manages to deliver and output of 345 horsepower, with a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed set at 163 mph. The more powerful Ghibli S manages to outdo the base model with 404 horsepower and the ability to accelerate to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The top speed for the Ghibli S is set at 177 mph. You can also order the Ghibli S with an all-wheel drive system that improves the performance only slightly. In that case, the 0-60 mph time moves to 4.7 seconds, while the top speed drops to 176 mph.
image credit: thecarconnection
2018 Maserati Ghibli Release Date and Price
The 2018 Maserati Ghibli is expected to debut by the end of the year, with an official release date to follow soon after. The pricing is expected to stay more of the same with a starting price of about $72.000.
