MASERATI
GHIBLI The 334 Ultima edition arrives as a final send-off to the trident brand’s Ferrari-derived twin-turbo V-8—the numerals refer to its top speed in kph. That’s 208 mph in freedom units, which makes it the fastest four-door in the world. The engine still makes 572 hp, but work on the tires and aero combined with a diet to deliver the new Vmax, with 0–62-mph acceleration also dropping to a claimed 3.9 seconds. Just 103 will be built, all resplendent in carbon trim, special badging, and unique paint.
GRANTURISMO The long-in-tooth GranTurismo finally gets replaced for 2024. The new GT is longer, lower, and wider than the car it replaces. More powerful, too. Most GranTurismos will initially be powered by a derivative of the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 found in the MC20 supercar. The “Nettuno” V-6 produces 490 hp and 443 lb-ft in base Modena spec or 550 hp and 479 lb-ft in Trofeo trim, with both powering all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic. Coming hot on their heels is the GranTurismo Folgore EV. It replaces the GranTurismo’s internal combustion hardware with an 800-volt, 92.5-kWh battery pack and a tri-motor setup good for 751 hp and 996 lb-ft. Maserati says the Folgore will zip to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds.
GRECALE The Grecale Folgore EV arrives to join the ICE-powered GT, Modena, and Trofeo models. The new EV variant swaps out the other models’ gas tanks and engines for what is likely a 400-volt, 105-kWh battery pack and dual electric motors. Although Maserati has committed to a winter 2023 release for the Grecale Folgore, it isn’t yet talking range, price, or power beyond a disclosure that it’ll sport 590 lb-ft of torque.
LEVANTE Maserati’s largest SUV also gets an Ultima edition, albeit with no speed-related braggadocio. Special 22-inch wheels, Nero Assoluto or Blue Royale exterior paint, and, like the Ghibli Ultima, Pale Terracotta leather throughout the interior are among the special touches. It is also limited to 103 examples.
MINOR UPDATES MC20
CARRYOVER Quattroporte
MAZDA
3 The Mazda 3 leans into its relatively premium, stylish, and driver-oriented personality for 2024. All trim levels gain blind-spot monitoring as standard equipment. The Carbon Edition gets wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus wireless device charging. The new Carbon Edition Turbo is a highlight in the range, delivering up to 250 horsepower through standard all-wheel drive. However, every example is finished in Zircon Sand Metallic paint for both sedan and hatchback body styles. If you want the hatch, though, you’ll have to step up from the base 2.5 S trim, which is only available as a sedan.
In all turbocharged 2024 Mazda 3 models, a new 10.3-inch infotainment display is—finally—a touchscreen, making it easier to use than the older dial-controlled system. Additionally, all versions with this screen have wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and device charging. (The base infotainment system still has an 8.8-inch rotary-controlled display.)
The CX-70 will arrive as
