Maserati Australia lobbying for Ghibli GTS
Wicked-up sedan envisioned as rival to Mercedes-AMG E63 and BMW M5Maserati’s Australia distributor is putting a case forward for a new performance variant of the Ghibli sedan that could take the fight to the best from Germany.
While the Italian marque has expanded its performance offerings recently across the Quattroporte and soon the Levante ranges – the latter through the introduction of GTS and Trofeo models - Maserati Australia chief operating officer Glen Sealey believes there is scope for another large performance sedan.
Nominating the Ghibli as an ideal candidate for GTS treatment, Sealey told carsales.com.au that he has fought hard to build up a business case with the car-maker’s Italian headquarters.
“If we could have the Quattroporte GTS on a shorter wheelbase that would be great,” Sealey said.
“I’m still lobbying and have done since 2014 for a Ghibli GTS. I would love that twin-turbo V8 in that car. I think that chassis has got so much more to offer.
“The car would take it, it would just be terrific.”
As it stands, the punchiest available variant of the Ghibli is a twin-turbo V6 petrol variant known as the Ghibli S. Offering 321kW and 580Nm, the S brings a 0-100km/h time of 4.9 seconds; not bad for a luxury saloon but ultimately not the Ghibli’s full potential.
In GTS form, a 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8 endows the Quattroporte with 390kW and 650Nm – bringing a 4.7 second 0-100km/h despite its circa 2.0-tonne kerb weight.
“I can’t get the business case up for a GTS variant,” Sealey said. The UK is not interested in it, and without the UK it’s very hard to build that business case.”
One potential silver lining for Maserati Australia could be their sister office in Japan. Sealey revealed the Australian market’s acquisition of the upcoming Levante GTS and Levante Trofeo is owed to Japan also committing to both models.
“I speak with the Japanese guys a bit, they’re our biggest chance to try and get something like that over the line,” he said.
Would a performance-oriented Ghibli GTS pique your interest? Let us know in the comments section below.
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