Maserati has turned up the wick on its sedans, revealing V8-powered Trofeo versions of both the Ghibli (red) and Quattroporte (green).
Set to touch down in Australia early next year, the new Trofeo twins give Maserati a pair of fresh flagships in its quest to steal sales from the perennial German performance favourites.
Under the bonnet of both is the same twin-turbo 3.8-litre petrol V8 engine used in the Levante Trofeo SUV, making 433kW of power and 730Nm of torque.
Although a less powerful version of the same engine has previously been used in the Quattroporte GTS, it’s the first time a V8 has been stuffed in the nose of the BMW 5 Series-rivalling Ghibli sedan.
An eight-speed ZF automatic transmission is standard, as is a mechanical locking limited-slip rear differential.
The result in both cars is a top speed of 326km/h; making them the fastest sedans in Maserati history, and 24km/h faster than the Levante Trofeo SUV with which both share an engine. Take that, SUVs.
Unlike the high-riding Levante and their large sedan rivals, the Quattroporte and Ghibli are rear-wheel drive, which means their 100km/h sprint times (4.5 and 4.3 seconds respectively) aren’t earth shattering compared to what’s on offer from the all-wheel drive Audi RS6 and BMW M5.
Under the skin is a fully-adaptive Skyhook suspension setup, working with a number of drive modes tweaking the throttle and steering response to create a set of distinct personalities.
You’ll be able to tell the Quattroporte and Ghibli Trofeo from their more mundane brethren by their 21-inch alloy wheels and more aggressive aero add-ons, along with the new boomerang-style lighting details at the rear. There’s lashings of black trim in place of the chrome featured elsewhere in the range, too.
Inside, the updated Ghibli and Quattroporte pack the same Android Automotive-based infotainment system debuted in the Ghibli Hybrid. It has a 10.1-inch touchscreen display, and is backed by a suite of connected services.
Not only will the system support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it will support wireless over-the-air updates. The new infotainment system will gradually spread across the Maserati line-up as the brand updates its models for the 2021 model year.
Also taken from the hybrid is an expanded suite of driver assistance features, including a more capable ‘highway pilot’ adaptive cruise control system.
The new Ghibli Trofeo joins the recently-revealed Hybrid, the first electrified vehicle in Maserati’s history.
It’s expected to lead a more comprehensive electrified rollout, with both mild-hybrid and pure electric options eventually to become available.
Exact launch timing and pricing haven’t yet been confirmed, but a late 2020 arrival is likely.
