Maserati bids farewell to its V-8 legacy with a special showcase at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed, unveiling the Ghibli 334 Ultima and Levante V8 Ultima. These models mark the end of an era as Maserati’s final vehicles equipped with a V-8 engine.
The V-8 tradition of Maserati traces back to 1959 with the introduction of the Maserati 5000GT, initially crafted for Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran. Paying homage to this historic car, Italian coachbuilder Touring Superleggera presented a modern tribute in 2018.
Limited to only 103 units, mirroring the original 5000GT production, both the Ghibli 334 Ultima and Levante V8 Ultima will be meticulously crafted. Maserati’s existing V-8 powerplant, a turbocharged 3.8-liter engine initially developed by Ferrari, generates an impressive 572 hp. This engine can be found in the Trofeo variants of the Ghibli, Levante, and Quattroporte.
The Ghibli 334 Ultima, an upgraded version of the Ghibli Trofeo, benefits from enhanced aerodynamics for heightened performance. Its name signifies the new top speed, measured at 207 mph (333 kph), surpassing the Trofeo’s 202 mph. Weight-saving measures and new tires contribute to improved acceleration, with the Ghibli 334 Ultima boasting a 0-62 mph time of 3.9 seconds, down from the Trofeo’s 4.3 seconds.
Distinguishing itself, the Ghibli 334 Ultima will be exclusively available in a captivating blue paint color combined with terracotta leather, reminiscent of the Shah’s 5000GT. It will come standard with a carbon pack, 21-inch wheels, and display a striking “334” graphic on each front fender.
Similarly, the Levante V8 Ultima will showcase a “V8 Ultima” graphic on its front fenders, accompanied by a carbon pack and 22-inch wheels. Customers of the SUV can opt for the Ghibli 334 Ultima’s blue paint or choose an alternative black color.
Details regarding availability and pricing for the U.S. market are yet to be announced.
Since the iconic 5000GT commissioned for the Shah, Maserati has produced over 100,000 vehicles equipped with V-8 engines. This includes six generations of the Quattroporte and the previous-generation GranTurismo, which enjoyed a 12-year production run.
While bidding farewell to their V-8 engines, Maserati remains committed to internal combustion for now. The brand will continue offering models powered by its turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 until 2030, when Maserati aims to transition into a fully electric lineup.
Maserati’s electric future is already underway, with the introduction of electric Folgore versions of the redesigned GranTurismo sports car and the new Grecale compact crossover, both of which debuted this year. By 2025, every model in the Maserati lineup will either be electric or offer an electric option.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about V-8 engines
What models did Maserati showcase at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed?
Maserati showcased the Ghibli 334 Ultima and Levante V8 Ultima at the 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Will the Ghibli 334 Ultima and Levante V8 Ultima be the last Maserati models with a V-8 engine?
Yes, these models are confirmed to be the last Maserati vehicles equipped with a V-8 engine.
What is the significance of the number 103?
Both the Ghibli 334 Ultima and Levante V8 Ultima will be produced in a limited run of 103 units, matching the original production run of the Maserati 5000GT.
What are the performance upgrades in the Ghibli 334 Ultima?
The Ghibli 334 Ultima features aerodynamic modifications, resulting in a higher top speed of 207 mph (333 kph) and a reduced 0-62 mph time of 3.9 seconds.
Are there any unique design elements in the Ghibli 334 Ultima and Levante V8 Ultima?
Yes, the Ghibli 334 Ultima comes exclusively in a blue paint and terracotta leather combination, paying tribute to the Shah’s 5000GT. The Levante V8 Ultima features a “V8 Ultima” graphic on its front fenders.
Will Maserati continue to offer internal combustion engine models?
Yes, Maserati will continue offering models powered by its turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 until 2030, when the brand aims to transition into a fully electric lineup.
When will every model in the Maserati lineup be electric?
By 2025, Maserati plans to have every model in its lineup either fully electric or offering an electric option.
More about V-8 engines
- Maserati Official Website
- Goodwood Festival of Speed Official Website
- Maserati Ghibli 334 Ultima Announcement
- Maserati Levante V8 Ultima Announcement
- Maserati History and Heritage
- Maserati V-8 Engine Details
- Maserati Electric Future Announcement
3 comments
Maserati’s V-8 engines had a legendary run! The Ghibli 334 Ultima’s improved performance and the Levante V8 Ultima’s bold design are gonna be a hit. Can’t wait to hear that exhaust note one last time!
Maserati always brings the elegance and luxury! Excited to learn more about the unique design elements in the Ghibli 334 Ultima and Levante V8 Ultima. Classy and powerful!
goodwood festival is the perfect stage for maserati’s farewell to v-8s! can’t wait to see those limited edition beauties in action! vroom vroom!