Maserati is set to bid farewell to its V-8 engine models with the introduction of the Ghibli 334 Ultima and Levante V8 Ultima at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed. These limited edition models, each with a production run of only 103 units, mark the end of an era for Maserati’s V-8 engine lineup.
The history of Maserati V-8 engines can be traced back to 1959 with the launch of the Maserati 5000GT, which was specially built for Iran’s last Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. In 2018, Italian coachbuilder Touring Superleggera paid tribute to the Shah’s car by unveiling a modern interpretation.
The Ghibli 334 Ultima and Levante V8 Ultima carry on the legacy of the V-8 engines with their powerful performance. Currently, Maserati’s V-8 engine is a turbocharged 3.8-liter unit originally developed by Ferrari, producing 572 horsepower. This engine can be found in the Trofeo versions of the Ghibli, Levante, and Quattroporte.
The Ghibli 334 Ultima receives several aerodynamic modifications to enhance its performance compared to the already potent Ghibli Trofeo. The name of the model represents its new top speed, measured at 207 mph, surpassing the Trofeo’s top speed of 202 mph. Along with aerodynamic improvements, the Ghibli 334 Ultima benefits from weight-saving measures and new tires, resulting in a faster acceleration. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds, compared to the Trofeo’s 4.3 seconds.
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In terms of design, the Ghibli 334 Ultima stands out with its exclusive blue paint and terracotta leather combination, paying homage to the Shah’s 5000GT. It also comes standard with a carbon pack, 21-inch wheels, and a “334” graphic on each of the front fenders, further emphasizing its limited edition status.
The Levante V8 Ultima, on the other hand, features a “V8 Ultima” graphic on its front fenders, along with a carbon pack and 22-inch wheels. Buyers of the SUV have the option to choose between the Ghibli 334 Ultima’s blue paint or black as an alternative.
As for availability and pricing in the U.S. market, Maserati has yet to announce details.
Maserati’s decision to retire its V-8 engine models does not mean the end of internal combustion engines for the brand. Maserati plans to continue offering models powered by its turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine until 2030, when it will fully transition into an electric brand. By 2025, Maserati aims to have every model in its lineup either be fully electric or offer an electric option.
The brand has already begun its electric transition with the introduction of the electric Folgore versions of the newly redesigned GranTurismo sports car and the new Grecale compact crossover, both of which debuted this year.
In conclusion, the Ghibli 334 Ultima and Levante V8 Ultima represent the final chapter in Maserati’s V-8 engine era. These limited edition models pay homage to the brand’s history and showcase the advancements in performance and design. As Maserati moves towards electrification, these models mark a significant milestone in the brand’s evolution and set the stage for a new era of Maserati vehicles.
