Newtechfresh | Consumer Electronics Guide: MASERATI

Following its world debut at the Shanghai Auto Show in April, the new Maserati Ghibli was introduced to the North American market at theLos Angeles Auto Show.

The stand features the entire Ghibli range, a model which marks a turning point in Maserati’s history - for the first time ever Maserati has simultaneously two four-door sedan models in its lineup.

The Ghibli will be offered in the U.S. with a choice of two 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbocharged gasoline engines, mated to an automatic eight-speed transmission with either rear wheel drive or Q4 all-wheel-drive. The Ghibli S features the more powerful of the two engines, which produces 404 HP at 5,500 rpm and 406 lb-ft (550Nm) of torque from only 1,750 rpm.

When fitted with Q4 all-wheel drive, the Ghibli S sprints from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.7 seconds, while the RWD model takes is 0.2 seconds slower. Top speed for the Ghibli S Q4 is 175 mph (282 km/h).

The base model’s engine features 345hp and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque, pushing the Ghibli from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 5.5 seconds. Both engines feature parallel turbochargers and have been developed by Maserati Powertrain in collaboration with Ferrari Powertrain. Both are produced by Ferrari in Maranello. Maserati has yet to announce U.S. pricing for the Ghibli.

Another Maserati North American debut is the exclusive Quattroporte Ermenegildo Zegna Limited Edition concept that features an unique color scheme, mirror polished rims and an upgraded interior upholstered in fabrics made in cooperation with the prestigious Italian fashion house.

PHOTO GALLERY

Only a few hours ago, we shared a teaser videoof the upcoming 2014 Maserati Ghibli in which the Italian carmaker promised to drop the first images of the car later this week, ahead of its world premiere at the Auto China 2013 in Shanghai on April 20.

Apparently, they didn't check for…a leak, as the Czech team over at Autoforum (in case you didn't notice the red logo) are laying claims to the first official shots of the production Ghibli. While we can't be 100 percent certain at this time, our initial impression is that they're the real deal.

We've added photos of the new Quattroporteafter the jump so you can compare the styling of the two cars for yourself, but in our eyes, the Ghibli looks very much like a shorter and more compact in general, version of the larger Maserati with an even lower and more angry looking front end.

The dashboard also looks similar but has more contemporary and aggressive details and trim, which was to be expected since the Ghibli aims at a comparatively younger crowd and will be cross-shopped by buyers of the more powerful versions of the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, as well as the Audi A7 Sportback, BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe and the Mercedes-Benz CLS.

We don't have any official information of the new Ghibli in our hands yet, but from what we know, it should measure somewhere around 4.8 to 4.9 meters long and be offered with turbocharged V6 and V8 gasoline engines.

2014 MASERATI GHIBLI