1996 Maserati Ghibli 2.8 Litre

Description

Sharing its name with the classic GT car of the Sixties, Maserati’s second-generation Ghibli proved to be one of the more extreme developments of the Biturbo theme.  Initially launched with a 300 bhp 2-litre version of the V6 engine at the 1994 Geneva Motor Show, the Biturbo’s boxy shape was beefed up by master stylist Gandini for the Tipo AM336 Ghibli range with heavily flared wheelarches and cleverly updated with nicely integrated bumpers, side skirts and raised bootlid shared with the aggressive Shamal.  The all-aluminium V6 engine, with four-valves per cylinder technology and twin IHI turbochargers - combined with traditional handling and excellent braking - made the Ghibli an exciting Latin supercar that met with applause from the motoring press when launched.  In 1995 Maserati followed up by offering the Ghibli with a larger 2.8-litre version of the quad-cam engine, giving roughly the same power output but significantly more torque and as a result performance jumped to Ferrari-equalling levels - 0-100km/h in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of around 250km/h along with in-gear acceleration capable of besting the Ferrari 348.  Two transmissions were available, a six-speed Getrag manual box or the optional four-speed automatic found in most of the cars sold here, while the fully independent suspension boasted electronically-controlled dampers for excellent ride quality.  Inside, the Ghibli was typically sumptuous, with acres of leather, plenty of room for four adults and - of course - the signature Maserati clock that would look equally at home on the mantelpiece.  Production ended in 1998 with the introduction of the 3200 GT and official figures suggest just 2,303 Ghiblis were made, a tiny number of cars compared with later Maseratis, of which less than half were 2.8 cars and even fewer of these specified in right-hand drive.  Comparable with BMW's M3 when new, the Ghibli represents exceptional value for money today, offering discrete, elegant styling combined with performance capable of surprising a lot of younger high-performance cars.