The car, debuting many firsts for the great Italian company, will be shown at the Shanghai Motor Show later this month.

The name comes from Maserati’s back catalogue and was last used in 1997. It is best associated with the big V8-engined coupés and spiders of the late-60s, early 70s when it was a rival for the Ferrari ‘Daytona’.

And, as such, enthusiasts of the Trident might find the use of the hallowed ‘Ghibli’ name a bit rich for a car as likely to spend its time in the long-term car park at Heathrow as parked outside the Casino in Monaco. To say the least.

That said, the new car will have the option of four-wheel-drive, be powered by either a choice two, turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engines or a 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, and have an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.

There may well be a petrol V8 in the future, and one cannot rule out 4wd not being available in RHD markets.

It does look rather nice and, with a full Poltrona Frau leather interior and various other high-level goodies likely to come as standard, should be a very desirable executive saloon.
 

Photos: Maserati