What is a GT Hybrid?
GT Hybrid is the name that Maserati gives to its range of mild-hybrid models, which often represent the entry point into Maserati ownership. Conceived to replace the diesel offerings in the Maserati range, the GT Hybrid makes use of a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, made more powerful and more efficient with the assistance of a small battery and an eBooster system. The result is an engine that’s lighter, more powerful and uses less fuel than the petrol V6 – all without sacrificing any of Maserati’s trademark sound or emotion.
How does it work?
Traditionally a car would have an alternator that charges an onboard 12V battery from the engine, often increasing the amount of fuel it has to use. The GT Hybrid, by comparison, uses a larger 48V battery and replaces the alternator with a belt-driven starter motor that can recover energy from coasting or braking. As a result, the engine becomes more efficient and the start/stop system can function more often, meaning the engine can be switched off during driving for longer periods of time.
But as well as the efficiency benefits, Maserati has also equipped GT Hybrid models with an eBooster. To match the performance of a larger engine with a smaller engine requires turbochargers, and turbochargers often come with something called ‘turbo lag’. At low engine speeds the turbochargers aren’t working effectively, but as the engine turns faster the turbos begin to spin, directing air into the engine and boosting power. The eBooster fills in for the turbo at these low engine speeds, creating more power throughout more of the rev range.
At peak engine speeds the eBooster can also be called on when in Sport mode to boost performance, amplifying the effect of the turbocharger.
What’s in the GT Hybrid line-up?
The Maserati Ghibli GT Hybrid
The Ghibli GT Hybrid offers all the performance of a V6 petrol, but with 25% fewer CO2 emissions. Its electrified powertrain allows it to sprint from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds, with a total output of 330hp.
The Maserati Levante GT Hybrid
The Levante GT Hybrid makes use of the same powertrain as the Ghibli GT Hybrid, with the same benefits to performance efficiency. Just like the Ghibli, the battery and inverter are placed at the rear of the car to help with weight distribution for optimum handling characteristics. It can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.0 seconds, and comes equipped with four-wheel-drive.
Both the Ghibli GT Hybrid and the Levante GT Hybrid are both entry-level models to both Maserati ranges.
The Maserati Grecale GT Hybrid
When it comes to the Grecale, Maserati offers two variations on the Hybrid. The Grecale GT Hybrid, with 300hp but a slightly more powerful 330hp version if offered, known as the Grecale Modena Hybrid. Both use the same technology as the Levante and Ghibli GT Hybrids.
If you want to learn more about the Maserati hybrid range or to book your test drive please contact your preferred H.R. Owen Maserati.
