What’s next for Maserati after the Ghibli?

June 21st, 2013 by Road Test TV

Maserti Ghibli 01

For a while now, Maserati has done well for itself with two models in its lineup – the Maserati Quattroporte and the Maserati Gran Turismo. However, like every other company Maserati has dreams of increasing sales and brand exposure and to do that, Maserati will be venturing into segments it has never before considered.

Currently, the Italian brand has a very prestige reputation that it has built with pride since 1914. The brand currently pumps out around 6,000 units annually with a work force of just over 700 people in its Modena, Italy headquarter. CEO Harald J. Wester and his boss Sergio Marchionne now have dreams to take Maserati to the next level with goals of selling 50,000 units by 2015. With just two years away, Maserati will now be introducing models that automotive enthusiasts would never have thought would carry the iconic Trident badge.

First up, the Maserati Ghibli. The Maserati Ghibli recently made its debut at the 2012 Shanghai Motor Show. When the Ghibli goes on sale early next year, it will compete in all-new segment, rivaling the likes of the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the Audi A6.

“The Ghibli will have a sportier character compared to the larger Quattroporte, launched at the beginning of 2013,” Maserati said in a statement. “The Ghibli will be available with two turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engines, an eight-speed automatic transmission and both rear-wheel drive and the new ‘Q’” all-wheel drive system.”

Pricing wise, the Ghibli will be the ‘cheapest’ model ever with pricing coming around $50 to $60,000. What will follow the Ghibli?

Maserati Kubang

At the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, Maserati surprised the press with the Kubang SUV Concept. Rumored for quite some time, Maserati confirmed its interest in the SUV market with the debut of an SUV study. While Maserati hasn’t officially confirmed that it will be putting the Kubang into production – it is almost inevitable. Recent reports suggest that Maserati has registered the name Levante, which will replace the Kubang name on the concept. Technical details are still scarce but reports suggest a diesel option will definitely join the lineup along with a ZF 8-speed transmission.

Alfa Romeo 4C

Following the Kubang, new rumors suggest that Audi will offer its own version of the Alfa Romeo 4C two-seater sports car. The model will be based on the Alfa 4C and will compete with the likes of the Porsche 911 and Jaguar F-Type. The Alfa Romeo 4C is powered by a 1750 Turbo gasoline 4-cylinder engine making 240-hp with a maximum torque 258 lb-ft. Mated to a twin dry clutch transmission, the 4C coupe runs from 0 to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds. We’re guessing Maserati’s version will be a bit quicker.

All of the above mention models should see the roads some time by 2015 – the time when Maserati plans on increasing sales from 6,000 units to a whopping 50,000 units annually.

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