Pack: Maserati MY21: Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante Arrive in North America
12/09/2020
Maserati
Maserati renews the entire range with the Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante MY21. Elegant, non-invasive restyling refreshes the look of the two sedans (Ghibli and Quattroporte) and the Maserati of SUVs, the Levante, while there is a substantial upgrade to the multimedia system in terms of both appearance and technology. The aim of the MY21 is to give the entire Maserati range a unified identity, by creating a common language for Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante.
The distinctive features of the MY21 versions are the new front grille and the new rear light clusters, which have a boomerang shape inspired by that introduced in the late 1990s by Giugiaro's 3200 GT. With these updates, the MY21 versions of the two sedans and the Levante will be recognizable at a glance.
Exterior
With MY21, the entire Maserati range is refreshed so that all the Brand's models speak the same stylistic language. Every model will have specific changes, united by the same philosophy.
Maserati Ghibli
Ghibli MY21 has an updated new front grille that will make it even more elegant and unmistakable. This new front grille is characterized by a distinctive feature: the Maserati tuning fork. In fact, the updated front grille is based on this shape, and comes in chrome in the GranLusso trim and in even more aggressive, sportier Piano Black in the GranSport trim.
Like the other cars in the Trident Brand's range, Ghibli also transforms its rear look, with the development of a new light cluster with a style known as boomerang design, inspired by many historic Maserati models and typical of the Brand's genetic identity. It is a distinctive feature of all MY21 cars and appears on all Ghibli MY21 trims. To emphasize the boomerang shape, the clusters have been produced with a state-of-the-art 3K injection moulding technology, thanks to which the unit has been given a three-color lens: black around the edge, red in the middle and clear in the bottom section. The light cluster is produced in 2 versions: black for the attractive "Black pack" trims and lighter for the more refined GranLusso trims, achieved by just varying the color of the internal upper surround.
There is no change in the differentiation between GranLusso and GranSport with regard to all other details. Ghibli GranLusso stands out for its enhanced exterior finish. As in previous trims, it is created using exclusive materials and with special features in the finest tradition of Italian craftsmanship. Externally, alongside the Adaptive Full LED headlights, the trim is distinguished for the chrome inserts on the front bumper, the GranLusso badge at the base of the front wing, the body-color side skirts, the black brake calipers and the 19-inch Poseidone alloy wheels. Externally, on the other hand, the GranSport features Adaptive Full LED headlights and is also recognizable for the Piano Black inserts on the front bumper, the GranSport badge on the front wing, body-color side skirts, red brake calipers and, last but not least, the 20-inch Urano polished alloy wheels.
Maserati Quattroporte
The Maserati flagship, the Quattroporte, is also updated with a modified front grille, with the same design ingredient as on the Ghibli: the tuning fork. On the Quattroporte, again, the front grille comes in chrome for the GranLusso trim and Piano Black for GranSport.
At the rear, Quattroporte also adopts the new boomerang design light cluster in all trims, with the same characteristics as described for Ghibli. The distinguishing features of the GranLusso and GranSport trims are unchanged from the previous models. One of the identifying details of the GranLusso trim is its front lower fascia design, featuring an elegant floating-bridge element and a very understated splitter, and rounded off with a chrome bumper finish and body-color bumper profiles.
The profile incorporates side skirts, while on the rear the look is even cleaner, characterized by a retro-reflector beautifully integrated in the car's line and the body-colored spoiler. The Quattroporte GranSport features center and side air intakes with dedicated design, which improves the cooling function while showcasing an aggressive front area. The bumper's lower fascia is linked to the grille with aerodynamic-inspired splits. The back is characterized by a striking composition of the central panel and the two cut outs at the outside edges that focus attention on the exhausts. A Piano Black spoiler completes the rear view.
Maserati Levante
The design concept of the Levante combines coupe lines with interior space for five people and exceptional aerodynamic efficiency. "The Maserati of SUVs" is instantly recognizable from a distance, thanks to its imposing grille, which was inspired by the sensational Alfieri concept, but also pays homage to historic Maserati cars like the Tipo 60 Birdcage. With MY21, Levante also updates its front to feature the innovative front grille with tuning fork design. This front grille comes in chrome for the GranLusso trim and Piano Black for the GranSport.
Like the sedans, Levante MY21 will also be equipped with the new boomerang design rear light clusters, as described for Ghibli and Quattroporte. A new style that refreshes the Levante's look very effectively.
The existing differences between the various trims remain unchanged for MY21. On the GranSport trim the side air intakes in the lower fascia have a more aggressive design, defined by two aerodynamic wings that give a sense of further stability, visually "pushing" the weight of the car's nose towards the massive front wheels. The side bezel blades and the splitter are styled to improve the airflow distribution. The wider, more muscular rear end has a sharper horizontal element and a body-color lower extractor embracing the four exhaust tips.
Alongside the sportier bumpers, the GranSport exterior is also discernible for the front and rear Piano Black inserts, the GranSport badges on the front fenders, the gloss red brake calipers and the 20-inch Nereo wheels.
The GranLusso trim is identified on the exterior by a series of elegant chrome inserts in the front fascia, silver front/rear skid plates, body color rear spoiler, gloss black-painted brake calipers, 19-inch Zefiro alloy wheels and GranLusso badges on the fenders.
Interior
The main changes to the interior of the MY21 are concentrated in the central display and instrument cluster, with major updates introduced. The central screen, enlarged from 8"4 with a ratio of 4:3 to 10"1 with a ratio of 16:10, is now frameless for a more contemporary look, with almost all the surrounding bezel removed. This new high-resolution display with multi-touch function carries a new graphic interface that mixes black with a golden color to enhance its elegance. The glass in the top of the display is now curved for a more elegant, less sharp-edged effect. This feature may be familiar from other sectors, but is used here for the first time in automotive design.
The same screen has been installed on both Ghibli and Quattroporte, while Levante retains the 8"4 display but with improved resolution and graphics and above all with a visual effect that makes it look like a single curved screen with the air vents cut into it, enabling vertical reading of the whole display. The name Maserati is screen-printed on the back of the screen in the bottom of the display, for a three-dimensional effect.
On all three cars, there has also been a subtle but very sophisticated change to the instrument cluster, which now includes a large rev counter and speedometer (still analog but with updated graphics) on either side of a 7" TFT display. Much of the plastic from the previous versions has been eliminated, and replaced with real anti-dazzle flat glass covers over the instruments. All these changes give the instrument cluster a more high-tech look and generate a richer impression. Effects are achieved by alternating glossy and matte blacks. The perimeter ring which contains the numbers is reflective glossy black, while the central ring containing the indicator lights is matte black.
The resolution and graphics of the display between the rev counter and speedometer have also been updated; they now match those of the large central screen, with the introduction of gilded surrounds for a more distinctive, luxurious look.
ADAS: introduction of Active Driving Assist
Although ADAS are valuable assets for ensuring a safer driving experience, Maserati also remains faithful to its core philosophy as a manufacturer of race-bred grand touring cars with superior dynamics capable of offering an unparalleled driving experience. In MY21, Active Driving Assist is added to the ADAS already available on Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante.
Active Driving Assist: this is an evolution of Highway Assist, introduced with MY18. A "hands-on" function (the driver is required to stay in control of the car at all times), it is intended for use on any kind of well-maintained road. While previous versions were only usable on highways, today it is available on any well-maintained road at speeds up to 90 mph (145 km/h) with the Adaptive Cruise Control system activated. It reduces driver fatigue and consequently enhances active safety by allowing the car to keep itself centered in its lane and to adapt its pre-selected speed in full autonomy.
The system employs a radar unit and a forward-looking camera and works with the EPS to control the direction of the car. The multi-function camera detects horizontal road markings and calculates the distance and speed of the preceding vehicle. Highway Assist includes a radio that provides road information, and a 'hands on wheel' detection system. The driver can override the system at any time.
New generation Multimedia System
All MY21 models are complete with an array of technology upgrades, including also the new generation MIA (Maserati Intelligent Assistant) multimedia system. The heart of MIA is the powerful Android Automotive operating system, which offers a completely new, innovative, higher-performing User Experience, with full personalization to the driver's use preferences. The HD screen of the MIA system is enlarged from 8"4 with a ratio of 4:3 to 10"1 with a ratio of 16:10 and is now frameless for a more contemporary look, with almost all the surrounding bezel removed on the sedan models. This new high-resolution display with multi-touch function carries a new graphic interface that mixes black with a golden color to enhance its elegance. The glass in the top of the display is now curved for a more elegant, less sharp-edged effect. This feature may be familiar from other sectors, but is here used for the first time in automotive design.
Always connected with Maserati Connect*
With effect from MY21 all Maserati cars are connected thanks to the new Maserati Connect program.
Having the Maserati connected at all times enables an eye to be kept on the car's health, and Maserati Connect will alert the driver when a service is due, improving the customer care experience.
Maserati Connect also enhances safety and security, with assistance in emergencies and in case of car theft.
With a Smartphone or Smartwatch, drivers can always stay in contact with their Maserati thanks to the Maserati Connect app; this is also possible from home via their virtual personal assistant (Amazon Alexa & Google Assist).
Through the MIA (Maserati Intelligent Assistant) multimedia system, the Maserati Connect connected services deliver a new experience for the driver and passengers. Thanks to the integrated, connected navigation system, the driver always has the latest traffic information in real time, as well as constantly updated maps. MIA also enables activation of Amazon Alexa services or a Wifi Hotspot inside the Maserati.
*Availability may vary from country to country.