M ASE r ATI Gh IB l I

MASERATI is an exotic brand, and as such, a purchase of one is not driven by the mind, but by the heart. It is never a ‘sensible’ choice to buy an exotic Italian brand, simply because they’re luxury goods, and therefore very expensive.

It is therefore of the utmost importance that a Maserati appeals to the senses and the emotions above all else, because it is by winning over these that they will win over customers.

I’ve driven several Maserati models over the years, and each and every one of them has been stunning it its own way, but each has also been let down by imperfections that a car of its calibre shouldn’t have. For example, a few years ago I drove a Quattroporte, and while I was impressed by its looks, its power and its ride comfort, I was equally unimpressed by a slightly dated looking interior and a very dated infotainment system.

More recently, we drove a drop-dead-gorgeous metallic blue GranTurismo Sport, which was beautiful in every single way except for, once again, the dated infotainment system. our particular model was the standard Ghibli, boasting a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 with 330hp and an impressive 500Nm of torque. It’ll propel the Ghibli from standstill to 100km/h in jut 5.6 seconds, and on to a top speed of 263km/h.

Maseratis of today, however, have addressed all of these issues, and the Ghibli is no exception. once again, the infotainment system was the least impressive thing about the Ghibli, but not because it is dated, or poor quality. It is, in fact, extremely good, with intuitive controls, a modern looking interface, and really nice graphics on the satnav.

No, the reason why the infotainment system on the Ghibli is the least impressive thing about it is because the rest of the car is so damn good!

It is beautiful both without and within. From the outside, it manages to accomplish the same delicate balancing act that the Quattroporte does, boasting that classic Maserati styling whilst still looking like a car of this day and age. With smooth, sweeping lines and an aggressive stance, the car exudes an aura of power and speed, and is a pleasure to behold.

Inside, the beauty continues – it is one of the best-looking interiors I’ve ever seen, with smooth, curving lines and plush leather surfaces wherever you look, and not a harsh angle in sight. It screams luxury, and makes the driver satisfied that it is worth every penny of the many thousands they’ve spent on it!

To drive, it is as sublime as the rest of the Maserati fleet, combining a smooth, refined ride with impressive handling and power on tap to create a car that is truly a joy to drive.

Figures for the Ghibli S are even more impressive – the same engine is tuned to 410hp/550Nm, and it will hit 100km/h in 5 seconds, and top out at 285km/h.

The Ghibli is, without a doubt, the most complete Maserati I’ve had the pleasure to drive so far, although I haven’t driven any others of the most recent Maserati range. I think that just means I’ve got a lot to look forward to!

M ASE r ATI TA k ES

T o T h E S EAS

Exotic Italian automaker Maserati strengthens its ties with the glamorous world of yachting through partnerships with sailing legend Giovanni Soldini, and the superexclusive new Monaco Yacht Club.

The principle reason we picked the Maserati Ghibli as our featured luxury vehicle this month is its new partnership with one of europe’s most exclusive new facilities, and an ongoing partnership with sailing legend Giovanni Soldini.

The relationship between Maserati and Giovanni Soldini began in 2012, when the Italian yachtsman, who was already a solo round-the-world winner, skippered the 70 foot Maserati to set the time reference for the “monohull” category in the Cadice-San Salvador run, covering the distance in 10 days, 23 hours, 9 minutes and 2 seconds.

Subsequently Soldini and his international crew, again on board Maserati, set the new record for the “Golden Route” from New York to San Francisco, rounding Cape Horn, a distance of some 13,225 nautical miles, in just 47 days, 0 hours, 42 minutes and 29 seconds, slashing the previous record.

And this year, on the 14th January 2014 Soldini and Maserati were first across the finishing line in the 14th edition of the Cape2Rio race.

Yacht Club de Monaco

At the inauguration of the new Yacht Club de Monaco (YCM), designed by Lord Norman Foster and already hailed as the new symbol of the Principality of Monaco, the partnership with Maserati, which this year celebrates its centenary, and one of the most prestigious yacht clubs in the world, was officially announced.

Maserati will be official partner of YCM from 2014 to 2016 as well as the sole automotive sponsor of events organised by YCM. The YCM has 1300 members from 60 nations and many of the world’s most prestigious private yachts fly the Monaco Yacht Club’s burgee, testimony to its unique position on the international yachting scene.

“The Monaco Yacht Club and Maserati share the same values of exclusivity, elegance and sport and they represent the excellence that has made both icons of excellence at an international level,” said Harald Wester, Ceo of Maserati.