Maserati Ghibli Trofeo V8
The Maserati Ghibli, reborn in 2013 as a mid-size luxury sedan, represented Maserati's ambitious push into the high-volume premium market traditionally dominated by the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Audi A6. The Trofeo variant, introduced in 2020, was the ultimate expression of this modern Ghibli, packing a Ferrari-built twin-turbocharged V8 into an Italian luxury sedan.
The Trofeo name, Italian for Trophy, indicated the most extreme version of the Ghibli. Under the hood sat a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, sourced from Ferrari's Maranello facility, producing 580 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. This was the same engine family that powered the Ferrari California and Portofino, albeit tuned specifically for Maserati's application. The result was explosive acceleration, with 0-60 mph arriving in just 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 203 mph, making the Ghibli Trofeo one of the fastest sedans in the world.
Power was directed to the rear wheels through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, giving the Trofeo a decidedly rear-drive character that distinguished it from the all-wheel-drive German competition. Maserati's Skyhook adaptive suspension system allowed drivers to toggle between comfort and sport modes, though the Trofeo's stiffer calibration always favored the sporting end of the spectrum.
The exterior design, penned by Lorenzo Ramaciotti, featured classic Maserati cues including the trident grille, flowing bodywork, and muscular proportions that gave the Ghibli a presence its German rivals struggled to match. The Trofeo added specific styling elements including a carbon fiber front splitter, red detailing, and aggressive lower body treatment.
Inside, the Ghibli offered a blend of Italian craftsmanship and modern technology. Premium leather, open-pore wood or carbon fiber trim, and a 10.1-inch central touchscreen characterized the cabin. The Trofeo added sport seats with contrast stitching and additional performance readouts.
The modern Ghibli was discontinued in 2023 as Maserati restructured its lineup. While it was never the commercial juggernaut Maserati had hoped for, the Ghibli Trofeo remains a compelling proposition for enthusiasts who value character, a sonorous engine note, and Italian style over the clinical perfection of its German competitors.
The Trofeo's Ferrari-built V8 is the clear highlight but maintenance costs are significantly higher than V6 models. Verify complete dealer service history. Check for electronic and infotainment glitches. Skyhook suspension components are expensive to replace. The ZF 8-speed gearbox is generally reliable. Interior trim quality can vary; inspect leather and switchgear. Depreciation has been significant, making used examples good value.
The Ghibli III was produced from 2013 to 2023 at Maserati's Grugliasco plant in Turin. The Trofeo variant was introduced in 2020. Engine options included 3.0L V6 twin-turbo (350hp and 430hp variants) and the 3.8L V8 twin-turbo (580hp) for the Trofeo. AWD (Q4) was available on V6 models. The V8 Trofeo was RWD only. A mid-life facelift in 2018 updated the infotainment system.