The current Maserati Ghibli has been in
production since 2013 and, while it was facelifted in 2017, it’s clearly
showing its age, and we’re not talking solely about its exterior appearance,
which stills holds up today. Fittingly, the Italian marque is working on a
second facelift for the sedan, as proven by this prototype of the refreshed
model recently snapped during winter testing. It is difficult to say how
comprehensive the changes will be, as this tester features the same body panels
as the current model.
Despite this, it is reasonable to assume
that Maserati will stick to the tried-and-tested formula of tweaking the
sedan’s front and rear fascias. The presence of camouflage across the hood of
this prototype indicates that it too will be changed.
As with the recently spotted 2021 Levante
prototype, more substantial modifications seem certain for the Ghibli’s
interior as black plastic is covering most surfaces. We understand key changes
being prepared include an enlarged infotainment system and a fully digital
gauge cluster. Maserati will also update the infotainment software used by the
Ghibli to make it feel fresh and modern.
Of particular interest with this prototype
is that it’s rocking a sticker on the windshield stating it is powered by a
2.0-liter engine with 330 PS. To achieve such a horsepower figure, the
four-cylinder obviously features a turbocharger but may also form part of a
plug-in hybrid system that’s long been rumored for the Ghibli.
If this is the case, it’s possible the
black tape just above the gas cap could be hiding the charging port. Maserati
had intended on unveiling the plug-in hybrid Ghibli at the Beijing Auto Show
but the event was recently postponed. It’s difficult to say when the facelifted
Ghibli range will premiere but it could arrive at the same time as the PHEV.
