Maserati is set to premiere an electrified
version of the Ghibli sedan at the Beijing Auto Show on April 21, Auto News
reports. Details about the vehicle remain limited but Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
(FCA) is expected to have equipped it with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain. It’s
believed the Italian car manufacturer will initially offer its latest model in
China because the local government is heavily promoting electrification and a
Ghibli plug-in hybrid would be eligible for 10,000 yuan (US$ 1,440) in local
subsidies.
The launch of a Ghibli plug-in hybrid
could also help Maserati recover from a poor 2019 in China where its sales fell
by 27 per cent to 6,100. Additionally, Maserati could benefit from selling a
Ghibli plug-in hybrid in Europe in a bid to meet CO2 regulations.
The introduction of a Ghibli plug-in
hybrid forms part of the car manufacturer’s business plan to launch 10 new or
updated models between 2020 and 2023. One of the most intriguing new vehicles
launching as part of these plans is a mid-engined sports car that’s been
recently previewed by the company and is tipped to receive a newly-developed
turbocharged V8 engine. The car may also be sold in all-electric guise.
Elsewhere, Maserati will facelift both the
Quattroporte and Levante this year before unveiling an all-new SUV to slot
below the Levante in 2021. Maserati also has big plans for the GranTurismo and
GranCabrio and will launch updated versions of both in 2021 and 2022
respectively with all-electric powertrains.
