Fifth Gear

[hodroyd]

I guess Maserati have to go for a volume model to keep production plants going and to use them as a marketing tool for getting the name around. If the car is a dud, then the marketing turns on you and does damage to the whole, or it can do..?? The reviews I have seen seem to like the car overall and confirm that the diesel is not that inspiring, but manageable. If the fleet markets get a hold of it and they like it, then the model will do well, if not it is going to struggle. If Maserati have upgrades in the pipeline, they will have to monitor this one carefully and not bring them out too late, otherwise the resulting damage may not be reversible. I believe the petrol versions may save the day and the diesel be seen for what it is...OK..!!

 

[Elliott653]

Considering the number of 'old' QPs they sold perhaps it isn't a space that needed filling. As i see it, the Ghibli is aimed at the 5 series buyer and the 'new' QP is aimed at the far eastern buyer.

The chaps manning the Maserati stand at the recent Classic Car Show confirmed this to me. They said that the QP was not aimed at Europe. But rather "The Far East, Russia & Brazil."

 

[safrane]

The chaps manning the Maserati stand at the recent Classic Car Show confirmed this to me. They said that the QP was not aimed at Europe. But rather "The Far East, Russia & Brazil."

Lots of small willy's there then

 

[CliveP1]

I like the style of the Ghibli it would look different in the car park, are they going to do a V8 version if that went up against the BMW M5 pushing the £75.000 Audi RS5 £57.000 and the Merc E63 £85,000 if they came up with an alternative with plenty of power it might get people thinking of lets be different.

 

[BennyD]

Apparently the decision to put the V8 into the Ghibli hasn't been taken yet. I guess they are watching to see how things go with the present. I reckon if the diesel can take sales off the BM fleet buyer then a V8 could take sales from the BM performance buyer. It wouldn't be as accomplished as an M5 but it would be a refreshing alternative for those that want a bit of go but don't want to use it all the time.

 

[BJL]

Taking the 7000 cars sold in the last financial year at a net average income to the company of say 70k = 490m euros so to post a loss of 700m euros they actually spent €1,190,000,000.00.
F..k me...
And the end result is..... I'm struggling with this

 

[BennyD]

As previously mentioned I would assume that loss covers a large part of the development and tooling costs for the Ghibli. Hopefully, next year, they will announce a profit or a dramatically reduced loss.

 

[BJL]

Let's hope so

 

[lofty]

I seen my first Ghibli on the road yesterday, I was quite impressed with it tbh, think I'll pop into my dealer for a closer look.
I take most reviews with a pinch of salt, if cars can't go around a track sideways and go around the ring in 5 seconds then they get slated.Maybe it's not as dynamic as a 5 series but I bet 9 out of ten drivers would find it perfectly acceptable for day to day driving.

 

[BennyD]

I couldn't agree more Lofty.

 

[Andyk]

I seen my first Ghibli on the road yesterday, I was quite impressed with it tbh, think I'll pop into my dealer for a closer look.
I take most reviews with a pinch of salt, if cars can't go around a track sideways and go around the ring in 5 seconds then they get slated.Maybe it's not as dynamic as a 5 series but I bet 9 out of ten drivers would find it perfectly acceptable for day to day driving.

Totally agree ...... People do get put off by reviews but for me its about how that car makes you feel when behind the wheel........and if its a daily drive then how often do drive it like you stole it.........I think the Ghibli looks fantastic and for the money looks wise there isn't a new 4 door that looks as good...

 

[dem maser]

Its simple, if i was buying a 4 door id look at the Ghibli, id buy the Ghibli

Thats me, im knowledgable about cars and love the brand, others?

Bmw or mercs for them......

 

[Parisien]

I quite like the look, I think buyers might just be expecting a bit more from a premium product, but the exclusivity may be enough to win lots of converts......bit of a conundrum that is!!!!


P

 

[drewf]

I thought the Ghibli I drove in France was a better drive than my 5-series...

 

[Parisien]

...there you then....must get behind the wheel guys.......!

P

 

[BennyD]

Have I not been saying that all along?! Drive it, then make an informed comment instead of relying on the words of Needell and Clarkson. Remember, they slated the 4200 and we all know how wrong they were about that.

 

[Parisien]

Indeed Ian.....make sense.....what to those two nitwits know about anything really.......................


P

 

[Andyk]

I was browsing the review in Auto Italia today on the new agents..They liked it and it look great in the pictures....

 

[BennyD]

It does look good. I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder but I don't understand all the 'bland, boring, mundane' comments regarding the Ghibli styling. Personally, I think it looks good, it has 'road presence' and it drives very nicely. I think, hope, world sales will reach the 50k units pa required to keep the company going forward and I hope everyone on here does too.

 

[Andyk]

Here, here Ben..couldn't agree more...