What a swansong for the Ferrari-sourced Maserati V8.
Maserati is taking Goodwood by storm by debuting the Ghibli 334 Ultima: the world's fastest internal combustion sedan. We'd been told the name before but never what the 334 meant. Now we know; the 334 is its top speed denoted in kilometers per hour, and it translates to 207.5 mph, which is ever so slightly faster than the former record holder Bentley Flying Spur Speed's 207 mph (333 kph) top speed. The 334 Ultima will be joined by the Levante V8 Ultima, though that model isn't attempting to capture any records.
The Ultima models are meant to be the swan songs for the brand's iconic V8s. Over 100,000 V8 Maserati Grand tourers have been produced since the 5000 GT launched in 1959, and 2023 sees this story come to a close. The Ferrari-derived 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8, which first arrived in the Trofeo models in 2021, will get one last 572-horsepower hurrah before the company focuses on electrification.
The 334 Ultima has no more power than the regular Trofeo model but still bests its 203 mph top speed. It doesn't stop there, though, as the company has equipped the vehicle with special compound performance tires and improved the aerodynamics thanks to 21-inch Orione wheels and a carbon fiber rear spoiler. The weight savings and tire improvements now help the vehicle scoot from 0-62 mph in just 3.9 seconds, a significant improvement over the 4.9 seconds of the Trofeo model.
The 334 Ultima will come in exclusive Scia di Persia paintwork with Rubino accents, while the Levante Ultima can be optioned in either Nero Assoluto or Blue Royale paint colors. Both are then limited to just 103 units as an homage to the 5000 GT Scia di Persia in 1959, of which only 103 were reserved after the Shah of Persia specially ordered the very first one.
Other than the exclusive paintwork, the 334 Ultima also receives a full carbon fiber body kit which includes bumper plates, door handles, mirror caps, and B and C pillars. The wheels are a new dark matte graphite color with a Rubino-shaded trident in front of gloss black calipers. On the inside, Pale Terracotta leather reminiscent of the 5000 GT adorns the seats, along with Alcantara in the center. Trident and 334 logos are stitched into the headrests, and the center tunnel features a plaque that says “una di 103”.
The Levante features many of the same additions, including the carbon fiber package, the Rubino accents, and slightly larger 22-inch Orione rims. Pale Terracotta over Alcantara fills the interior, and the 572-hp V8 engine is still found under the hood. Given the choice of two different colors, these models will become slightly more exclusive than the 334, though that top speed is the real winner.
Both of these models will be featured at the First Glance Paddock at the Goodwood FOS, with the 334 taking part in the Hillclimb. They'll both be joined by other Maserati models like the 2024 GranTurismo Trofeo and Folgore, the Grecale Folgore, and even the MC20 Cielo.
The Trofeo and Cielo both boast the new Nettuno V6, but the company is even prouder of the all-electric Folgore models. It says that by 2025, every model in its lineup will have a Folgore version, with the company going all-electric by 2030. This a great reason to get your Maserati combustion kicks while you still can.
Keyword: Maserati Ghibli 334 Ultima Becomes World's Fastest Combustion Sedan