Maserati Ghibli Shanghai-bound: Report

Maserati's new Ghibli sedan will make its global premiere at April's Shanghai Auto Show, according to reports out of the US this week. 

A Shanghai unveiling would put the Ghibli hot on the heels of the larger Quattroporte, which made its first appearance at January's Detroit Auto Show. 

While a sales debut for the Ghibli was expected to occur in 2014, US mag Motor Trend suggests the carmaker will introduce the new 5 Series rival in the coming months. 

Maserati will look to its new sedan, along with the Quattroporte and the upcoming Levante SUV, to boost sales from 7000 per year to around 50,000 annually. 

The Ghibli will take on mid-spec and top-shelf models in the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class lines, along with the Jaguar XF and Audi A6.

The carmaker is keeping mum on what we can expect from the Ghibli, although reports suggest it will debut with more coupe-like lines than the already sleek new Quattroporte, focusing on a pure sports look. 

Sharing its platform with the larger Quattroporte, the Ghibli is expected to also utilise the same powerplants announced for the bigger car, including turbocharged V6 and V8 options. 

The Ghibli will be produced at the former Bertone plant in Italy, alongside the Quattroporte. 

• Ghibli | Maserati | Prestige Cars | Enthusiast

[Pictured in this article: the new Maserati Quattroporte.]