Currently reading: Maserati reveals hardcore Trofeo Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons

New range-topping variants arrive with Ferrari-derived 572bhp V8 engines, 203mph top speeds

Maserati has fitted a 572bhp twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre petrol V8 engine in its Ghibli and Maserati Quattroporte to create new range-topping super-saloons.

The Trofeo-badged pair are the fastest standard Maserati production cars yet, capable of a 203mph top speed. The Mercedes-AMG C63-rivalling Ghibli Trofeo, the first Ghibli to feature a V8, can crack 0-62mph in just 4.3sec. The Quattroporte Trofeo, which lines up against the likes of the BMW M5, takes 0.2sec more.

Maserati recently launched a mild-hybrid petrol Ghibli as it gears up for a big electrification push, yet the Italian marque wants to not only protect high-performance petrol variants but also to see them thrive.

The Trofeo saloons join the Levante Trofeo SUV, which was launched here last year. It uses the same Ferrari-derived engine and has now had minor updates to match the saloons.

Whereas the Levante Trofeo has four-wheel drive, the saloons are rear-wheel-drive, with power sent through a ZF-supplied eight-speed automatic gearbox.

40 Maserati trofeo

Peak power of 572bhp arrives at 6750rpm, while peak torque of 538lb ft is created at 2250-5250rpm.

Maserati has added a new Corsa driving mode to the super-saloons, which improves throttle and engine responses, quickens gearshifts, fully opens the exhaust valves, stiffens and lowers the suspension and limits the intervention of the electronic chassis control systems. It also includes a Launch Control function.

Both saloons get muscular styling upgrades to distinguish them from their lesser siblings and improve aerodynamic efficiency and cooling. Larger (21in) alloys are also fitted.

There are sporty new trims and leather sports seats inside to match, along with Maserati’s latest MIA infotainment, which is controlled via an enlarged (10.1in over 8.4in) touchscreen.

The Ghibli and Quattroporte Trofeo are available to buy now, with the former at £103,890 and the latter at £126,890.

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Mark Tisshaw

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Title: Editor

Mark is a journalist with more than a decade of top-level experience in the automotive industry. He first joined Autocar in 2009, having previously worked in local newspapers. He has held several roles at Autocar, including news editor, deputy editor, digital editor and his current position of editor, one he has held since 2017.

From this position he oversees all of Autocar’s content across the print magazine, autocar.co.uk website, social media, video, and podcast channels, as well as our recent launch, Autocar Business. Mark regularly interviews the very top global executives in the automotive industry, telling their stories and holding them to account, meeting them at shows and events around the world.

Mark is a Car of the Year juror, a prestigious annual award that Autocar is one of the main sponsors of. He has made media appearances on the likes of the BBC, and contributed to titles including What Car?Move Electric and Pistonheads, and has written a column for The Sun.

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Laos 10 August 2020

M5?

Which is a slick German monster more than a second quicker to 60 etc. Surely these are Aston competitors? Open to adjustment as always
Andrew1 10 August 2020

VW Golf owners

VW Golf owners are quick to realise the grapes are sour.
Phewitt21 10 August 2020

Maserati

I won't lie I am disappointed, so they have made a tired range faster.  The QP has been dead and uncompetitive for at least 2 years,  the Ghibli is a good car handicapped by pie in the sky pricing, the Levantes I really like especially with the Silk Leather interiors but too much when compared to rivals.

i thought today was about revealing the MC20 Supercar but that I guess is to come.  Today was irrelevant to me, long term I suspect to Maserati as well, none of these cars will sell in volumes to materially impact the bottom line so why do them?

 

Folsom 10 August 2020

Nah!

Phewitt21 wrote:

The QP has been dead and uncompetitive for at least 2 years,  the Ghibli is a good car handicapped by pie in the sky pricing, the Levantes I really like especially with the Silk Leather interiors but too much when compared to rivals.

i thought today was about revealing the MC20 Supercar but that I guess is to come.  Today was irrelevant to me, long term I suspect to Maserati as well, none of these cars will sell in volumes to materially impact the bottom line so why do them?

Irrelvant? Don't you know Maserati are here, trying hard, to save the motoring world from appliances? On one side you have Teslas driven by people who hate cars, and the Forces of Good consist of Maserati and Alfa Romeo drivers (and the occasional Aston driver!).

I drove a 2016 V8 Quattroporte last year for a while and the ride was overly firm at times but it had style and class and presence, sounded great, and engaged me in the driving process. Appliances sell better than antiques, but that the people who drive appliances don't "get" Maserati (or Alfa) makes Masers all the more appealing...

/folsom

jason_recliner 11 August 2020

Folsom wrote:

Folsom wrote:

Phewitt21 wrote:

The QP has been dead and uncompetitive for at least 2 years,  the Ghibli is a good car handicapped by pie in the sky pricing, the Levantes I really like especially with the Silk Leather interiors but too much when compared to rivals.

i thought today was about revealing the MC20 Supercar but that I guess is to come.  Today was irrelevant to me, long term I suspect to Maserati as well, none of these cars will sell in volumes to materially impact the bottom line so why do them?

Irrelvant? Don't you know Maserati are here, trying hard, to save the motoring world from appliances? On one side you have Teslas driven by people who hate cars, and the Forces of Good consist of Maserati and Alfa Romeo drivers (and the occasional Aston driver!).

I drove a 2016 V8 Quattroporte last year for a while and the ride was overly firm at times but it had style and class and presence, sounded great, and engaged me in the driving process. Appliances sell better than antiques, but that the people who drive appliances don't "get" Maserati (or Alfa) makes Masers all the more appealing...

/folsom

Well said.

Craig 1968 10 March 2021

I currently own a Maserati QP Grand Lusso 2020.  After a lifetime of owning Mercedes E Classes and BMW 5 series I can honestly say that none of its predessesors have given me as much driving pleasure, sense of occassion and cruicially noise enjoyment factor as much as my QP.

I test drove the Quattroporte Trofeo last weekend and it is an amazing machine, indeed it is the thinking man's M5, E63, a beautiful machine with huge presence and a unique exhaust note to die for.  A thinking man who doesn't mind depreciation and has disposable income, but nevertheless it is the choice that I would make. I cannot pull the trigger just yet as I cannot justify the huge price tag having only bought a Grand Lusso only 9 months ago.  However, as soon as one comes on the used market with 30% off list then I will galdly buy.

For those who think that  it is irrelivant , fine you're as entitled to your 0.02 as much as me, it is an aquired tatse but its rarity only intesifies my desire to have one.