Paris show: Maserati suits up Ghibli Zegna Edition

MASERATI has teamed up again with Italian fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna to produce a new interpretation of the Ghibli for the Paris motor show.

Sitting on 20-inch wheels painted in Liquid Metal, the Ghibli Ermenegildo Zegna Edition’s body has been triple-coated in a new blue hue with aluminium pigments called Azzurro Astro.

Inside, the fashion designer has created a trim, which Maserati calls “a first milestone towards the manufacturer's renewed, future product line-up”.

Seats are upholstered in extra-fine grain, natural-coloured leather from Italian furniture maker Poltrona Frau and complemented by Zegna’s silk weave with a chevron pattern.

The door panels, roof lining and sun visors are covered in silk Jersey, the centre console gets high-gloss carbon-fibre inserts, and there are black floor mats and billet aluminium tread plates.

Ermenegildo Zegna Edition badging appears on the centre console and the exterior of the B-pillar.

Based on the Maserati Ghibli S Q4 all-wheel drive variant, the Zegna Edition is powered by a 301kW/550Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 and can sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds.

While it is a concept car for now, GoAuto understand that a limited edition run is likely to be produced and a small number of cars will come Australia.

In July, Maserati announced it would produce 100 Ermenegildo Zegna Edition Quattroportes after that car appeared as a concept at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show.

Maserati distributor European Automotive Imports spokesman Edward Rowe said the limited editions assist in boosting the Italian car-maker’s sales by adding a more personalised touch to what are already special vehicles.

“The Ghibli offers more personalisation than any of its rivals and this is the ultimate expression of that ability to personalise and have a car that truly reflects the owner’s personality,” he said.

“What the Zegna car does is highlight Italy’s long history of high-quality hand-crafted materials and clothing. Maserati is able to draw on a very deep and broad talent pool to further enhance this.

“The Zegna shows what is possible and what will come. As Maserati expands the range of both Ghibli and Quattroporte they will be looking to continue with this personalisation.” Joining the Zegna concept on the Maserati stand at Paris is the Alfieri concept, the new Quattroporte GTS, the Ghibli S Q4 and the diesel version, plus the Centennial Editions of GranTurismo MC Stradale and GranCabrio MC.

The latest VFACTS results show Australian Maserati sales for September are up 750 per cent on the same time last year with 51 cars sold. Year-to-date sales are up by 193 per cent at 302 units.

Maserati Australia and New Zealand general manager Glen Sealey said new Ghibli and new-generation Quattroporte have struck a chord with buyers in the premium segment.

“At the launch of both Ghibli and the Quattroporte we stated that these two new models were so exceptional and that they brought Maserati into new market sectors, they would provide exponential growth for Maserati in Australia,” he said.

“The figures released today fully validate that position and show just how many people are now enjoying the exclusive and unique pleasures of Maserati ownership for the first time.”