This week the all-new Maserati Ghibli leaked out via an eastern European website before it took a bow in Shanghai. From what we can see around here, it appears that the vehicle's reception has been, well, mixed.
Some love it, some hate it, some chastise its shape being far too similar to the Infiniti M — now renamed Q70.
But there's one little part of the equation that's missing. Sound.
While some argue that buyers of mid-size luxury sedans aren't picking out a vehicle by how good it sounds, we'd wager that people are getting tired of their A6, 5-Series and E-Class. Why else would the Porsche Panamera and Audi A7 be doing so well?
That said, our friends at CarScoops have a soundbite of the all-new Ghibli's six-cylinder going for broke. Take a listen below...
Maserati's press release follows:
The all-new Maserati Ghibli to debut in Shanghai
Maserati has released the first official images of its upcoming four-door sports executive sedan in advance of its debut at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month.
The all-new Ghibli is set to break new ground for Maserati.
The Ghibli will have a sportier character compared to the larger Quattroporte, launched at the beginning of this year. The Ghibli will be available with two turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engines, an eight-speed automatic transmission and both rear-wheel drive and the new "Q4" all-wheel drive system.
The Ghibli will also become the first Maserati production car in history to be powered by a diesel engine, with a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel.
It is Maserati's first sedan in this segment and reflects the company's belief that a growing number of premium executive car buyers are looking to make an individual statement through a car that is distinctive, elegant and luxurious.
The Ghibli will play a significant role in Maserati's growth plan to sell 50,000 cars per year.