We started our test drive a few months ago in California during Monterey Car Week, and resumed it in the Italian Alps north of Milan this December.
The Maserati Ghibli came to the world back in 2013, and the 334 Ultima is the last version of the model to be equipped with a V8. The engine is extra special as it was developed in conjunction with Ferrari.
334 Ultima is also the last special version of Ghibli, which is reflected in the name, as “Ultima” can be translated as “the last”.
The Maserati Ghibli is very much alone in the rear-wheel drive V8 sedan segment. (Photo: Maserati)On famous roads
In California, the test drive took place near the very historic Pebble Beach golf course, on the famous 17 Mile Drive.
The weather was almost Mediterranean with a temperature of around 20 degrees, which was certainly at home for the Italian sedan.
One of the most distinctive details that sets the 334 Ultima apart from other Ghibli models is the paintwork Sciá de Persia – named after the Shah of Persia who once ordered a total of 43 Maserati 5000 GTs in the same color.
The Maserati 5000 GT is significant in this context as the model was the brand’s first with a V8.
334 exterior decals and a plaque in the center console confirm that the car is one of an edition of 103 examples, and the leather upholstery is said to be inspired by Maserati history books.
That the edition is limited to only 103 copies is not a coincidence, but another reference to the fact that the internal designation on 5000 GT was precisely the Tipo 103.
Ghibli bets on a decidedly nostalgic track. (Photo: Maserati) Fastest sedan in the world
The designation 334 is not random either, but refers to the car’s top speed measured in kilometers per hour.
The number means that the Ghibli 334 Ultima is the fastest sedan built today, narrowly beating the Bentley Flying Spur’s top speed of 333 kilometers per hour.
According to the engineers, the car reaches this astronomical speed thanks to a combination of a number of aerodynamic updates, an output of a whopping 580 horsepower and specially made tires.
All of the 580 horsepower is sent to the rear wheels alone, which is out of the ordinary for modern V8 sedans and adds a good dose of drama to the driving experience.
Thus, the rear tires are constantly fighting for grip, and at speeds up to 100 kilometers per hour, the journey easily becomes a tortuous story.
In other words, the car feels like a genuine Italian thoroughbred, which delivers violent performance and constantly requires the driver to be on the alert at all times.
On dry surfaces in California, it’s easier to drive the Ghibli. (Photo: Maserati)Gliding with the Ghibli 344 Ultima
When changing California asphalt to a snow-covered ice track in the Italian Alps, the rear-wheel drive becomes all the more noticeable.
After the escapade in California, the Ghibli 334 Ultima we drove was flown back to Italy, where we met it on a frozen lake during an event intended as Maserati’s farewell to the V8 engine.
What you immediately notice on a surface of ice and snow is that the Ghibli is well balanced, but that with the 580 horsepower it is still a challenge to keep the team pointing in the right direction.
Both the steering and the accelerator respond directly to the driver’s instructions, and large swaths can therefore be carried out with ease.
In addition, the anti-skid system can really be turned off completely, which is not a matter of course on modern cars, and you therefore avoid disturbing interventions from the computer when you are out playing.
The game is constantly accompanied by the beautiful song of the engine, which is always present without ever being disturbing.
The only really weak link was the tires, which to their credit were so-called European winter tires, which cannot compete with our Nordic counterparts on slippery surfaces.
We were given the opportunity to ski feverishly with the Ghibli 334 Ultima. (Photo: Maserati) A worthy end
The Maserati Ghibli 334 Ultima seduces because, despite its incredible performance, it offers a very light appearance.
It is very comfortable, and even though you hear there are eight cylinders under the hood, the car is quiet and relaxing at normal speeds.
At the same time, you are constantly aware of the thoroughbred aspect of the car’s personality, but its performance-minded side is cleverly disguised in a tasteful Italian suit.
Maserati’s main strength is the ability to offer cars with a very special Italian feel and flair, and this applies to the highest degree to the Ghibli 334 Ultima.
Just like other European manufacturers, Maserati’s future looks to be dominated by electric drive. At the same time, the brand is also working on developing its new V6 engine Nettuno, and is still cautious about betting solely on the electric track.
However, Maserati’s V8 engine has reached the end of the road after a pedigree of 74 years and over 100,000 cars built. The Ghibli 334 Ultima is a worthy farewell, which shows how special a luxury car with a V8 can feel.
Getting to see one example on Swedish roads is, however, unfortunately small, as a full 62 of the 103 cars will end up in the USA.
The V8 engines are a dying breed, but the Ghibli 334 Ultima is proof that the engine type deserves to occupy a prominent place in the history books.
It’s impossible not to think that the Ghibli 334 is insanely cool. (Photo: Maserati)Rating of Maserati Ghibli 334 Ultima: 4.5/5
Maserati Ghibli 334 Ultima (2024)
Engine: 3.8-liter, V8, 580 horsepower, 730 newton meters
Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, rear wheel drive
Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 3.9 seconds
Top speed: 334 km/h
Weight: 1,960 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 4971/2128/1461 mm
Award: from SEK 2,085,000