The all-new Maserati Ghibli put its competition in the shadows to win the coveted title ‘Car of the Year' awarded by Wheels Magazine. In addition to ‘Car of the Year', the Maserati Ghibli S also bagged the ‘Best Sports Saloon' award during the gala event. The Maserati Ghibli was chosen as ‘Car of the Year' by Wheel's expert panel of automotive journalists from 12 category winners of the 2014 Wheels CotY awards. Launched to the Middle East at the Dubai International Motor Show, both the Maserati Ghibli and Ghibli S features a new-generation twin turbo-charged 3.0-liters V6 engine and an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. The Maserati Ghibli marks the Italian brand's entry into the E-segment, combining breath-taking design with exceptional handling qualities and outstanding performance. On receiving the award, Umberto Cini, Managing Director, Maserati General Overseas Market (GOM) said: “The Maserati Ghibli provides a cornerstone alongside our flagship, the Quattroporte, in Maserati's plan to build 50,000 cars a year by 2015. It is therefore with great honor that we accepted the ‘Car of the Year' title awarded to us by such a respected publication as Wheels magazine. The award is a testament to the belief we have in the Ghibli offering aspirational drivers everywhere the absolute opposite of ordinary.” Wheels magazine is a weekly motoring magazine packed with the latest local and global motoring news, reviews and views. It boasts the highest circulation and readership of any automotive magazine in the country. On awarding the Maserati Ghibli, Wheels Car of the Year, Amit Benjamin, editor of Wheels magazine and head of the judging panel commented, “Remarkably engineered, powered by a gloriously resonant V6 and blessed with sports car-like dynamics, the beautiful Maserati Ghibli brings a touch of exoticism that has hitherto been alien to this segment. The fact that all these attributes have been squeezed into a package that's priced in the same range as its relatively less glamorous rivals makes the Ghibli a true game changer. What Maserati has achieved here will have wider implications for the industry, as shaken rivals in this segment will now have no choice but to up their game a few notches.” With its power output of 410 hp the Ghibli S races to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 285 km/h. The Ghibli delivers 330 hp, a top speed of 263 km/h and acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. While the Ghibli features all classic Maserati design traits, its exterior emphasizes its determined personality. The outline of the body reflects a coupé-like philosophy for the four-door sedan, while there are noticeable feline hints around the Ghibli's grille and headlights. It also sets itself apart with a unique, cockpit-inspired dashboard design that perfectly matches its sporty and youthful character without compromising on the highest level of refinement and sophistication. Key elements such as the 8.4” Maserati Touch Control and the fine Poltrona Frau leather finish underline the cabin's timeless sporting character. Optional features include the 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins high end audio system, WLAN based WiFi and a wide range of customization options that cater for the most demanding individuals. Location, based on the highest quality standards of the World Class Manufacturing (WCM) concept, was inaugurated in Grugliasco, near Turin (Italy), in 2013. Maserati has been owned by the Italian car giant Fiat S.p.A. since 1993. Its emblem, the trident, was inspired by the fountain on the Piazza del Nettuno in the center of Bologna (Italy). It is a symbol that ties together the brothers, their hometown, and the artistry and craftsmanship for which Bologna and Emilia-Romagna are known. — SG
