The Worst Car I've Ever Driven: Maserati Ghibli V6 S

"Road Magazine" (roadmag) 07/25/2014 at 19:24 • Filed to: maserati ghibli, rant, review

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The Maserati Ghibli is Maserati's answer to the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E Class, BMW 5-Series, Audi A6 and the Jaguar XF. Maserati's goal with the Ghibli is for it to be the firm's best seller in order to have made 50,000 sales by 2015. Considering Maserati's 100 year heritage, the Ghibli should be solar systems away when it comes to handling and performance. Maserati have based the Ghibli on a shortened version of the Maserati Quattroporte's platform, it promises to be sporty, comfortable and be incredibly refined. To put all these claims to the test, I got myself the keys to a lovely Maserati Ghibli V6 S to find out.

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Let's begin this one with why most people will buy a Maserati: Performance. The Ghibli comes with a choice of 3 engines. A 271bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel, and two 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6s with power outputs ranging from 325 horsepower to 404 horsepower. All engines are bolted directly to an eight-speed ZF transmission. We haven't driven the diesel or the 325 horsepower petrol as of yet, but the 404 horsepower Ghibli S was a huge disappointment.

Yes, it's an engine made by Ferrari, but on the road, it feels nothing like one. The engine makes all the noise in the world (a good noise), but no go despite it having 404 horsepower. The engine feels restrained, like something isn't letting rev out happily. The eight-speed ZF transmission doesn't make the power delivery any better, it's dimwitted, slow and can never make its mind up. It definitely makes a better noise than the Jaguar XF S which is powered by a supercharged petrol V6. The XF S has around 340 horsepower, but oddly feels faster than the Ghibli.

So, it's not that good in a straight line, is it any good around the bends? The short answer – no. The Ghibli V6 S doesn't feel as tight as a drum. You can feel movements in the chassis and the car itself rolls quite a bit when taking bends a little too fast. But that can all be forgiven, what can't though, is the steering. Ooh, the steering, that needs a paragraph of its own. What an utter disappointment and shock it was.

Jump into any Maserati, whether it would be a Grant Turismo MC Stradale, or a Quattroporte (previous-gen), the steering is an absolute peach. The communication between the road and you, the driver, is like mustard on a hotdog (yeah, don't ask, I have no idea what that means). The short answer is that, previous Maserati's were full of driving pleasure, whether it would be on a twisty country road or the race track, you knew exactly what the front two wheels were doing at any given time.

The steering in the Ghibli is an inter-galactic catastrophe. I'm sorry to be so harsh, but Maserati should know better. It's so vague, it gives you zero confidence when throwing it into a corner. Did Maserati's test drivers really approve the prototype's poor steering? To balance this harsh statement, I can say it's very light in town, which means you can manoeuvre and navigate in town very easily.

On the note of steering, what usually comes behind steering wheels on a performance car? Paddle shifters. Yeah, they're missing from the Ghibli V6 S, it's actually an optional extra. Wait, what? Paddle shifters on a 404 horsepower super saloon are missing? Yep, for those who don't spec their Ghibli to have paddle shifters (which costs £245), you get the luxury of two fake buttons behind the steering wheel which do absolutely nothing. Throughout your ownership, it'll eat your head off as to why you didn't specify the Ghibli with the paddles, which should come as standard.

So it's not particularly fun to drive, it's not fast or engaging, then is it comfortable? Does it sooth your senses and feel like a cushion of air whilst cruising along the highway/motorway? I'm a bit 50/50 on this one. The Ghibli's suspension seems to bottom out with hard and rough surfaces. It also doesn't fare with potholes too well in the UK, but it does feel very relaxing on the motorway. At high speed, it is very composed with tyre roar and road noise being minimal.

Aesthetically, the Maserati Ghibli does redeem itself. The front-end up to the side's half-way line is pretty much sexy, but as soon as you get to the rear-end of the car, it's a love or hate thing. I've seen comments ranging from, it looks like an Audi A6 to it looks like a Hyundai or Kia from the rear. In the flesh, it looks no better, it looks very boring, only those quad pipes seem to spruce it up a little.

Inside, the Maserati Ghibli is, okay'ish. The seats are nice and supportive, they're also very comfortable. However, with every upside, comes a downside, if you don't specify the Ghibli with extended leather (£810), you get this fake plasticy vinyl'ish kind of material which you'd usually find in a Peugeot MPV. That's unacceptable in a car that costs over £60,000. The infotainment system is okay, but the screen doesn't fair well when the sun is shining.

Practicality – well, again, the rear is extremely tight and the boot is pretty small. So that's practicality out of the picture. Did I mention that the buttons next to the gear shifter on my test car were faded away? Like the sort of stuff you see on old heavily used cars, only that the Ghibli I was in had only done 3,000 miles. Reliability could be an issue.

And then we get onto the topic of value and price. The Ghibli V6 costs £52,290, the Ghibli Diesel costs £48,835 and the range-topping Ghibli V6 S costs from £63,435. The Ghibli Diesel costs £300 more than the equivalent BMW 535d, yet the BMW comes with a lot more know-how and general all-round quality. The Ghibli S shouldn't cost £63,435, it's got barely anymore power than a C63 AMG.

I should be cutting this car some slack, afterall, it is Maserati's first attempt with a proper mass-produced saloon car. Personally, I don't think this is what Maserati stands for. They should know better.

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Manuél Ferrari > Road Magazine 07/25/2014 at 19:30

2

Wow this car does seem truly terrible. And I don't think you should feel bad about not cutting them slack. This car is expensive so they deserve to be ripped a new one if it doesn't perform to expectations for the price levels.

PushToStart > Road Magazine 07/25/2014 at 19:34

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Wow, I'm honestly surprised that it's driving qualities are that poor. I haven't had a chance to drive one (yet), but I have seen them and sat in a few, and I thought basically the same thing about the exterior; good, but not as good as it could be. The interior was, as you say, is inexcusable in some areas. Shamelessly placed cheap hard plastics and cheap-feeling materials. I wouldn't consider myself to be a snob about that kind of thing, but when you're paying luxury car money, you damn well should be getting the interior to match. I figured that maybe it could make up for it in performance, but apparently not. Shame.

jkm7680 > Road Magazine 07/25/2014 at 19:36

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Have you driven an automatic Mitsubishi Mirage? I'm sure the Maserati wasn't that bad.

Nibbles > Road Magazine 07/25/2014 at 19:37

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Worst car you've ever driven? Damn, come drive my Focus. That'll change your mind.

gabbo241 > Road Magazine 07/25/2014 at 19:38

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Like the fact that you're not pulling punches on a car that doesn't live up to expectations or price point. But, is this really the worst car you've ever driven? You must live a charmed life.

Road Magazine > gabbo241 07/25/2014 at 19:39

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Don't think of it as, the shittiest car I've driven. I mean, it's the worst car for its PURPOSE.

Road Magazine > gabbo241 07/25/2014 at 19:41

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It really is. I mean yes, I can get into a PT Cruiser and cry my eyes out to how bad it is, but the truth is, a PT Cruiser is just a normal car, it's not made with claims as high as the sky, the Ghibli, is, and those claims are just, as near as makes no difference, lies.

shpuker > Road Magazine 07/25/2014 at 19:41

58

I think I may have the answer to your confusion with the chassis. The Ghibli sits on the Chrysler 300/ Charger chassis, not a shortened Quattroporte.

gabbo241 > Road Magazine 07/25/2014 at 19:43

1

Yeah, but, those are different things. This may well be the worst way you can spend $60 grand in 2014. But the worst car you've ever driven is probably a 1996 Ford Taurus (if you're me), or like a British Leyland-era Jag V12. (if you're a Brit).

Road Magazine > gabbo241 07/25/2014 at 19:45

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At least you get some feedback from the steering in one of those, hah.

Rico > shpuker 07/25/2014 at 21:39

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shpuker > Rico 07/25/2014 at 22:07

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Ehh I wouldn't go that far. It may not be as precise as past Maserati chassis, but when set up propertly (go drive a Charger RT Road and Track pack, it's actually very predictable for a large sedan) it has potential.

Milky > shpuker 07/25/2014 at 22:59

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Baybey do your research before you just say shit.

"Technically speaking, the Ghibli is built on the new E-segment platform from Fiat that will be shared with an upcoming Alfa Romeo and the future Chrysler 300 and Dodge Charger . It will also serve as the bones for the next-gen Maserati GranTurismo ."

They didn't just put a maser body on the LX platform.

DanZman > Road Magazine 07/25/2014 at 23:26

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THE WORST ARTICLE I HAVE EVER READ:The Worst Car I've Ever Driven: Maserati Ghibli V6 S

I'm sorry, I haven't read the whole article yet but.... I got to the first sentence of the second paragraph and immediately knew that you were delusional. I'm so sick of these sensationalist headlines that are ONLY ABOUT GETTING CLICKS! This whole idea has become so common and accepted over the last few years that it is literally making me sick. All of the popular blog sites are doing it(not just about cars or just the gawker network) and hiding behind the "blog" name. They are claiming that it is "just a blog" and its about "opinions". The truth is that many people are turning to these blogs instead of traditional journalism. Article titles like this are helping to discredit to the whole blogging community.

I genuinely appreciate that people are starting to be more honest with reviews, but this not the way to do it. It makes you look like an immature child that is lashing out. Even if you were the Sultan of Bruni, this would not be the worst car you have ever driven.

So... I got way off topic, but the reason that I think that you are delusional is because most people will be buying this car for the badge and maybe the sound. Its sole purpose is to impress your middle class neighbors.

shpuker > Milky 07/26/2014 at 04:15

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So you just regurgitated what I just said?... Albeit with some wikapedia sourced space fillers... Tell me what was the point of that?

Bricks > DanZman 07/26/2014 at 07:08

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the guy works for actual magazine, which depending on who you ask, is "traditional journalism". and this thing was hyped to high heaven, and it doesn't even closely live up to luxury car standards (seriously, plastic seat material) , the author can rip on it all he wants.

BeholdTheCamaro > Road Magazine 07/26/2014 at 11:00

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I drove a Nissan Sunny that was missing most of its rear fascia in Jordan. This car can't be that bad.

Road Magazine > BeholdTheCamaro 07/26/2014 at 11:42

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We're not talking about the worst car in the history of automobiles. For the price, for this era, this car is unacceptable. Sure it's better than a Nissan Sunny, but it's not better than a 335i.

Milky > shpuker 07/26/2014 at 11:53

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Your original statement made it sound like they just plopped a maserati body on the current platform. Then when you replied with "go drive a Charger RT Road and Track …." you really made it sound like that.

PardonMyFlemish16 > Road Magazine 07/26/2014 at 12:30

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C&D said about the same. A real shame. This FCA endeavor looks like it's doomed.

shpuker > Milky 07/26/2014 at 16:48

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If you understood what it meant for two vehicles to share the same chassis there would be no confusion here.

The base frame, suspension setup (Albeit with different components and geometry), and floorpan are all, if not directly shared, very similar.

See the VW Toureg and Porsche Cayenne for one glaring example of this.

Go Go Cactus Lady > gabbo241 07/26/2014 at 19:33

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Pretty sure a 1996 Taurus is about 1000x better than a 1988 Pontiac 6000 with a three speed automatic that seems to be missing first and third gears and GM's terrible 3.1l lump of a V6. It looked bad inside, outside, it was bad to drive and uneconomical, and it was terribly unreliable.

But this Maserati makes that Pontiac look like an Aston Martin.

Corey CC97, MAZDA DPI IS STILL BAE JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV JOESTACTIV VISIT FLORIDA RACING LIVES FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS > Road Magazine 07/26/2014 at 20:56

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Well, this is disappointing. I was really hoping it would be good. Oh well. Modern day Biturbo I guess.

gabbo241 > Go Go Cactus Lady 07/26/2014 at 22:07

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yeah bruh. unless you're the sheik of oilplace, who does orgies like we do netflix browsing, there's no way a Ghibli is the worst car you've ever driven.

Neckarsulm > Road Magazine 07/26/2014 at 22:17

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I think you'll find the buttons on the back of the steering wheel have a function. I have a GranTourismo which does have paddles and the buttons. The buttons help navigate through menus.

KSEGGFTW > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 09:02

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Congratulations Maserati, you made another BiTurbo!

graham > Bricks 07/27/2014 at 09:09

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Calling Roadmag an "actual magazine" is a bit disingenuous. It's mostly comprised of regurgitated Jalopnik-style filler, "sponsored reviews" (aka paid reviews/ads) and click-bait puffery such as the current example.

jalop1991 > Milky 07/27/2014 at 09:10

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so, in other words, it's not on a Quattroporte chassis—just like he said.

I love the new world, where random people can say random wrong things on random blogs without any repercussion or expectation of accuracy.

IvanaTinkle > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 09:15

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"The Ghibli S shouldn't cost £63,435, it's got barely anymore power than a C63 AMG."

At 404 hp, doesn't it have less power than a C63 AMG?

C-Rod > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 09:16

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Your first mistake: thinking this was ever going to be performance oriented. This is simply a status symbol on wheels for the bourgeois.

Aggropop > DanZman 07/27/2014 at 09:25

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No kidding. This article reads like a high school book report on something Jezza wrote.

letereat > shpuker 07/27/2014 at 09:26

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The platform with eventually be shared with the next generation 300/charger/challenger, it is not the current platform.

GearHeadfromBrazil > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 09:27

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But it... it is so pretty!

And I want one so, so bad!

phDiesel > shpuker 07/27/2014 at 09:28

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What he's saying is that you said it sits on the same platform the 300 and Charger do.

It doesn't. The E Segment doesn't CURRENTLY house a Chrysler or Dodge sedan. So saying it handles badly because of its stable mates is malarkey.

A-Because like he states the CURRENT Charger is an EXTREMELY predictable and competent car when specd correctly

B-IT DOESNT EVEN EXIST. You can't judge a car that hasn't even been through full development yet. Hell, Dodge just released a refreshed LX Based Charger so it's got another 3 or 4 years before it hits that platform

Stop being a pedantic douchebag. You know what he meant.

southernyooper > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 09:32

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Its a shame because the gran turismo MC was solo sexy. I wanted one.

IvanaTinkle > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 09:42

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Maserati has lost its way since at least the late 70's. Kind of like the Lincoln of the exotic car world. The only stylistically successful vehicle they've put out during the aforementioned period till date is the Quattroporte V in my opinion. Even then, it was only known for its looks and Ferrari V8. Your head wouldn't tell you to buy a Quattroporte over an S-Class or Panamera.

It looks like their new vehicles are even worse than before, due to sharing parts with Chrysler's vehicles. The new QP and Ghibli seem to be the 21st century BiTurbos like someone has already mentioned. It's strange how Ferrari manages to create amazing cars almost consistently yet Fiat gets it so wrong when it comes to Maserati.

straightsix > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 09:51

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Why is everyone attacking everyone? Nobody here can afford a Maserati.

Skillbilly > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 09:53

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So basically it's the modern equivalent to this?

Mister Win Blames People, Not Guns > shpuker 07/27/2014 at 09:54

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Idiot.

Chally72 > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 09:55

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Holy bejeezus. Between mixing 'fare' with 'fair', making up words like afterall, and the complete lack of colons or semicolons, this was painful to read!

Vimto > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 09:56

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Maserati's appeal isnt in its expected performance. It's the badge.

Skillbilly > Nibbles 07/27/2014 at 09:57

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How old is your Focus?

utherjorge > phDiesel 07/27/2014 at 10:02

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No, he was right. The new car may be great, but while we do not know, his point is surely that for the money being thrown around...something more hi-fallutin' should be the core car. Yes? Maybe?

macanamera > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 10:09

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The Ghibli S shouldn't cost £63,435, it's got barely anymore power than a C63 AMG.

-It has far less power than a C63.

phDiesel > utherjorge 07/27/2014 at 10:11

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I definitely agree. The point I was making was in reference to how his point was executed.

Like an ass. If someone clearly pokes a hole in your logic you need to concede and make a counter point just like you did.

area man > jkm7680 07/27/2014 at 10:13

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That is the worst car I have ever driven.

Grunball > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 10:13

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not sure why, but the overall look of the car in these pictures remind me of a Buick. Probably a good thing for Buick.

472CID > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 10:17

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Very click-baity title. The steering's numb and it rolls in the turn and this qualifies it as the "worst car you've ever driven?" How many cars have you driven?

Madixo E. Wrecht > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 10:27

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"Hey! Look at that. It's one of those Infiniti Q50's. I was thinking about getting one of those."

"Nah, I think that's a Maserati Kimmy Gibbler or something."

"You're kidding me, right?"

"No."

ThatsAgood1jay > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 10:28

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It's a great looking car. But when I got up close to one at the DFW autoshow. I was extremely underwhelmed by the interior. And that v6 under the hood is quite...ugly. There was no pantomime about it.

Stradale > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 10:41

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I'm not sure who Zaman Bux or Road Magazine is so I will believe the other more credible reviews from companies that have been in business longer than 7 months. Pretty much every other publication says the exact opposite than what this article said.

featherlite > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 10:46

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I'm honestly surprised by what I've read here, I need to get some time behind the wheel of one of these myself. I was under the impression that it wasn't the "best!" performance sedan, but no where near it being "the worst!". And in all honesty I don't think any Maserati (as much as I love the brand) qualifies as "best bang for the buck".

jbm0866 > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 10:52

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People mentioning Kia for the rear styling are spot on. If I came up behind a Ghibli in traffic I would think it's a debadged Kia Optima with quad pipes until I got closer..

Good for Kia, not so good for Maserati

Illegal Machine > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 10:56

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"Let's begin this one with why most people will buy a Maserati: Performance. "

Uhh...really? I've never...ever thought of Maserati as a performance brand. It's more of the offbeat high end luxury brand. For the guy who doesn't want to buy the exact same BMW and Merc that everyone else at this office has.

Of course, the badge. Being able to say you drive a Maserati.

But....performace?? Naw.

The Ghibli S shouldn't cost £63,435, it's got barely anymore power than a C63 AMG.

You mean FIFTY (50!!!) LESS HP than a C63?

Come on, man.

Illegal Machine > macanamera 07/27/2014 at 10:58

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THANK YOU! The C63 has been basically unchanged since 2008 (aside from P31, Black Series and 507 packages). How the hell does an auto writer not know what kind of power it makes?

ranwhenparked > shpuker 07/27/2014 at 10:58

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Wrong way around.The Ghibli is on a new platform that will eventually underpin the next generation 300/Charger, but has nothing to do with the LX platform the current cars are based on.

scottintheway > Illegal Machine 07/27/2014 at 11:05

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For the quality of the writing in this article, I would put "auto-writer" in ironic quotes.

scottintheway > Aggropop 07/27/2014 at 11:06

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It IS really badly written. This is what the internet has done to journalism.

telepresence > Chally72 07/27/2014 at 11:11

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Yeah, the "fair/fare" thing was a bit painful.

Classic_k > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 11:16

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i think I may know why you had issues with the steering. The wheel is quite obviously on the wrong side.

(Troll)

jackalsilva > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 11:16

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More like the Mazda-rati GIGLI, amirite? :D

RaggedMile > Bricks 07/27/2014 at 11:17

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Considering that he used "fair" instead of "fare" twice made me think not so much a "journalist" as a person who writes about cars.

tangorum > Illegal Machine 07/27/2014 at 11:19

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Isn't the C(AMG) for those who want power and are not business executives that should be buying an E or S class?

I'm with you on this one, I wouldn't demand high performance from any Maserati, Bentley, Jaguar, RR, probably Cadillac... and the list goes on.

Illegal Machine > scottintheway 07/27/2014 at 11:20

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Good call. The photos are super bland, but at least they're not the Gawker standard bad cell phone pics (I'm aware this is an Oppo post, just wanted to get a shot in at Jalop's terrible photos).

Sweet Trav > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 11:22

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You've clearly never driven a '93 Tempo.

ZabiakFero > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 11:22

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I like modern diesels but a diesel Maserati may be the worst juxtaposition ever. Also the back does not look right and if it sits on a chrysler 300 chassis. I would rather walk, backward, barefooot, overpieces of glass

Illegal Machine > tangorum 07/27/2014 at 11:25

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I wasn't really talking about the C63 beyond the HP, but as an owner of a C63 AMG, I think you described it pretty accurately. It's a beast, but still very much a C class.

Right? Nobody would ever say, "Let's begin this one with why most people will buy a Bentley: Performance."

Same thing. Absurd way to kick off an article.

drporschephile > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 11:28

10

I'm just going to leave this here:

Harry Metcalfe's reviews are some of my favorites, and he has quite a different opinion of the Maser than that of Zaman.

HeroOfTomorrow has a star > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 11:36

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Quite fitting that the review of a terrible car is also terribly written.

Bueller > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 11:36

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This is the fruit of Marchione's team of Italian been counters who moved Maserati from the care of Ferrari to Alfa Romeo, ie, Fiat.

Poor Maserati, always treated like a trophy wife by rich contenders. Some who really loved her, others who used her like a cheap escort.

Enjoy the GranTurismo, the child of Maserati's previous happy marriage, the true heir.

Illegal Machine > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 11:36

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Wait....so these photos....are from Motortrend? Or are these Maserati's stock photos?

I noticed they were over a year old in the EXIF data. Several of these are in Motortrend's gallery.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/seda…

Prophet of hoon > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 11:37

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Do you think it's a hardware or software issue with it? in other words, could a tuner firm up the shifts, and make the electronic steering more responsive - and by those things make it a better car?

Hart88 > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 11:44

1

The rear looks like a Kia.

Gs1100x > Milky 07/27/2014 at 11:44

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yep. that's what I thought too

3546 > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 11:48

1

"Worst car I've ever driven"? More like worst car review I've ever read.

Kaufmania: Mark Webber's Stunt Double > shpuker 07/27/2014 at 12:07

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thats next generation.

Mike Kopstain > Illegal Machine 07/27/2014 at 12:10

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Maserati is a performance brand. Whether or not that's what you know them for is another thing altogether but they are a performance brand. The last gen Quattroporte is one of the best performing 4 door sedans you can buy. You combine a (nearly) 400hp Ferrari engine and the Duo-select transmission (like BMW's SMG) and you have an amazingly competent flagship car.

When the last generation was nearing the end of it's life cycle this didn't seem like much but in 2004 when the car was released your alternatives were the 330hp 745i, 335hp A8 or the one of the powerful 500hp flagship Benzes. The Quattroporte was a four door Ferrari, an exotic for the dad's. Just an absolutely brilliant car.

Now you have a company in bed with Chrysler and Fiat and instead of Chrysler seeing the benefit of Maserati's experience it looks like Maserati is going to see the downsides of being a mass production brand like Chrysler who doesn't approach building cars the same way other luxury brands do since their primary business is selling affordable regular cars.

Honestly though, when you look at the original title and then his response that it's not the worst vehicle he's driven but rather the worst purpose built vehicle he's driven it doesn't lend much to the author's credibility. It reads a lot like click bait. You have to wonder if everything truly is as bad as it's made out to seem.

Outie5000 > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 12:10

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When you say it doesn't "feel" fast, does that mean it isn't fast, or the ride is so smooth that it doesn't seem like you're going as fast as you are?

You say it doesn't feel fast and is bad in a straight line, and yet you give no numbers to back that up.

All Motor Is Best Motor > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 12:12

3

Aesthetically, the Maserati Ghibli does redeem itself.

No it doesn't. This is the most boring, beigest looking Maserati in a long time. Look at that rear end. Blegh. Nothing about this car makes me think of Italian passion and luxury. It makes me think it's a boring VW product, even though it's Fiat. The whole direction to make Maserati a BMW competitor is a terrible decision, and I think it's either going to fall flat on its face or fool the same kind of people who are buying the new Mercedes CLA.

titsinmymitts > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 12:15

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I don't know about you fellas, but after reading this review I will NEVER put a Ghibli in my dream garage ever again.

Ever.

Sean > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 12:16

0

Just me or does the styling look like a Buick crossed with an infiniti? (Not that it's terrible, but kind of a let down?)

Separate not: Who buys a diesel Maserati? That's like going to an italian restaurant and ordering sauerkraut!

Publius > area man 07/27/2014 at 12:16

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78 Ford Granada with 3-speed manual column shifter. My worst.

Brosenkranz > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 12:28

0

Compared to other reviews I've read...are you sure you were driving a Ghibli?

Brosenkranz > shpuker 07/27/2014 at 12:29

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It doesn't share the base frame. It shares the frame of the FUTURE 300 and Charger, not the current one. The Ghibli is the first application of this new frame.

Count Smorkula > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 12:34

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"The Ghibli S shouldn't cost £63,435, it's got barely anymore power than a C63 AMG."

Come on now, those two have nothing in common other than being expensive European cars. I doubt many shoppers for either of those are looking at both cars.

American Locomotive > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 12:35

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In what universe is a 4.6 second 0-60 time in a fairly large 4-door sedan a "huge disappointment" ? Even if the engine doesn't scream towards redline, that's a ridiculously fast acceleration for a sedan.

This review just reads like it was written by a spoiled teenager that was upset his parents only got him the "low-end" Maserati for his birthday, instead of the car he really wanted.

scooterplex > gabbo241 07/27/2014 at 12:39

1

$60 grand? The Giblet V6 S starts ar 63,435 pounds ... that's over 107,000 US dollars.

Deez > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 12:48

0

basic bitch, looks are 5/10.

stopusingialready > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 12:50

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!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Grow up, man. Hyperbole kills.

Dean Beyer > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 13:05

0

So it really is the Biturbo's spiritual successor?

AndTheyCalledHimGearhead > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 13:09

2

(blink...blink) wow. Bought into click-baiting headline, hook, line and sinker. That was one of the most pretentious car reviews I have ever read. For the sake of Road Magazine's rep, I hope the Ghibli is actually that bad. If not, then somebody better get this author in to something without any European pedigree that cost less than $60k so he/she can drive an actually terrible car. Sheesh. Balance your perspective.

Eric Behne > Illegal Machine 07/27/2014 at 13:12

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I'm glad someone pointed this out. As an AMG fan I was tremendously offended by the assertion that the glorious 6.3l V-8 puts out less than 400hp.

Eric Behne > Illegal Machine 07/27/2014 at 13:12

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I'm glad someone pointed this out. As an AMG fan I was tremendously offended by the assertion that the glorious 6.3l V-8 puts out less than 400hp.

Nibbles > Skillbilly 07/27/2014 at 13:21

1

It's a 2007 PZEV (Practically Zero Enthusast Value) automatic with the California emissions 2.0. I drive it at over 6000 feet. It cannot get out of its own way, even at WOT. Uncomfortable seats, too.

gabbo241 > scooterplex 07/27/2014 at 13:34

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Bruh, not sure if you've ever noticed, but they don't price cars by straight currency conversion, much less an Italian car in British pounds. Q4 S starts at $75k in the US: http://autoweek.com/article/car-ne…

Save your italics for better use, or, by all means, go offer a Maserati dealer $107 grand for a Ghibli.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 13:46

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There's quite a chasm between being simply "disappointed" and something being the "worst ever."

Skillbilly > Nibbles 07/27/2014 at 13:49

1

I'm at 5600 feet and drive a mustang GT that feels like a rocket when I'm at sea level, so I hear ya.

rlfletch > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 13:52

0

Well.... At least it's ugly.

rgt881 > Illegal Machine 07/27/2014 at 13:59

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so what's your point? This car does nothing well and every single feedback from all publications has been the same. Are you a Fiat/Chrysler apologist? Their employee?

LJ909 > Road Magazine 07/27/2014 at 14:00

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Yea I was going to say what others have already pointed out, that this sits on a version of the Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger platform, or shares some components with them, which could explain some handling problems.

I had the opportunity to ride in one a few weeks back and I came away not impressed. I mean like you said the engine sounds good, but there was nothing special about. The interior materials too weren't up to the price range of this car (which is pretty high here in the US).

To me this class of car (5 series, A6, E Class, etc) is the main stream of luxury cars, equivalent to the midsize class of cars like Ford Fusions and Honda Accords. And because of this I think the Ghibli is going to get lost in the crowd because it doesn't have anything special going for it. Doesn't have that special Maserati (ness?) that, say the last gen Quattroporte had. This doesn't have it.