Maserati releases its first electrified car, the 2020 Ghibli Hybrid

In a landmark move, Maserati has taken its first step into the electrified vehicle era with the unvieling of the 2020 Maserati Ghibli Hybrid.  

Surrounded by bolts of lighting, the digital reveal signifies a new era for the Italian carmaker, with the  new version of the Ghibli that replaces the V6 diesel for a combination of a turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 48V mild-hybrid system for a combined 325bhp and 332lb ft.

This all-new hybrid version of the super sports car reveals the future ambition of the marque and expands its line-up to meet the growing demand for electric cars. 

Later this year Maserati will also reveal a facelifted gasoline-powered Ghibli, but before even that, it will be unveiling its much-awaited MC20 sports car – available with a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain.

Distinguishing itself from the regular Ghibli, the hybrid model’s styling has been tweaked to allow for blue accents within the bodywork. Designed by the Centro Stile Maserati, the new front grille has bars redesigned to represent a tuning fork, the side air ducts and the brake callipers in blue, and the thunderbolt in the oval that encloses the Trident on the rear pillar all point to the car’s hybrid powertrain.

The blue theme is carried over to the cabin too, with the seams of the seats embroidered in the colour.

In keeping with the brand’s performance oriented DNA, Maserati has chosen a mild hybrid setup that it says focuses on improving performance, while also reducing fuel consumption and emissions. The hybrid technology exploits kinetic energy the car accumulates when in motion, recovering it and transforming it into electricity during deceleration and braking, and storing it in a battery.

Out back, the light clusters have been completely restyled, with a boomerang-like profile inspired by the 3200 GT and the Alfieri concept car.

following the launch of the Ghibli Hybrid, Maserati will now begin working on the next all-electric models, the GranTurismo and the GranCabrio, scheduled to launch in 2021.