[imagesource: Maserati]

It’s only a matter of time before we head into a new era in car manufacturing that yields exclusively electrified vehicles.

As awareness around the effects of carbon emissions on the health of the planet increases, more people are turning to alternative power to get from A to B.

Tesla is at the forefront of the ‘affordable’ electric car market, for now, having recently unseated Toyota Motor Corp as the world’s most valuable automaker.

Elon Musk celebrated by selling satin shorts, which is in keeping with his inability to act appropriately when it comes to his company.

In the coming years, however, as more automotive companies get on board, Tesla could be facing stiff competition.

Luxury carmakers are working hard to perfect electric engines that imitate the feel and power of a turbocharged engine.

Lamborghini has thrown its hat into the ring, as has Maserati with the launch of its first-ever luxury hybrid car, the Maserati Ghibli Hybrid.

Over to CEO Magazine for the specs:

Developed by the Maserati Innovation Lab, the Ghibli Hybrid represents one of the most ambitious projects ever taken on by the Modena-based carmaker.

Image: Maserati

The Ghibli model was specifically chosen to take on this role as it’s seen over 100,000 units produced since its launch back in 2013. The car itself is also the perfect embodiment of the company’s DNA and it should instil the brand’s core philosophy without being compromised by changing technology.

Image: Maserati

For starters, Maserati has ensured that the model retains the unmistakable sound that has been the signature engine and exhaust note of every Maserati vehicle.

Image: Maserati

While the exterior and interior showcase a familiar silhouette, there are minor differences injected by the design team at Centro Stile Maserati.

A new blue colour has been incorporated into the aesthetic to set the Hybrid Ghibli apart from its non-electric counterpart. You’ll find it on the side air ducts, the brake callipers, and the thunderbolt in the oval Trident badging on the rear pillar, and stitched into the seats of the car.

A more noticeable remodelling for the Ghibli Hybrid is the rear tail-lights, which have been given a fresh new profile inspired by the 3200GT and Alfieri concept car.

It’s a good looking car, but we’re really here for the drive, and this is where Maserati shines.

The automaker has ensured that their first attempt at hybrid technology delivers both performance and impressive low emission figures.

As with most modern hybrids, the car’s braking energy is converted into electrical energy and stored in a battery for later use on demand. The engine itself is a combination of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine combined with a 48-volt alternator and an additional electric supercharger (e-Booster) connected to a battery.

Image: Maserati

This set-up is enough to give the Ghibli a power output of 246kW and 450Nm of torque. This solution is unique in its segment, and is the first in a new generation of powertrains, with the perfect trade-off between performance, efficiency and driving pleasure. A rear-mounted battery also ensures better weight distribution and handling dynamics.

If you’re concerned about the loss of performance that comes with other electric vehicles, you’ll be pleased to learn that the Ghibli Hybrid can sprint from 0–100km/h in 5,7 seconds before reaching a top speed of 255km/h.

Meet the future of Maserati:

She’s a beauty.

These models are set to debut in 2021.

Pricing details will likely only be released next year, so look out for that if you want to go electric in style.

[source:ceomag]