The last time we have caught the 2014 Maserati Ghibli testing it nothing more than a modified Quattroporte->ke336 body. Today, however, the first real prototype for the new, smaller Maserati->ke51 has been spied and we have the images for you!

Maserati engineers have camouflaged this prototype to look like the old Quattroporte test cars we saw early in 2012, but they couldn’t foul anyone. At a quick comparison, it is clear that this Ghibli test car is not as long as the Quattroporte test cars, with the most noticeable length difference being at the rear doors. It is also easy to notice that just like with the Quattroporte test cars from last year, this Ghibli test car is features fake camouflage panels on the rear half of the roofline.

The upcoming Ghibli is codenamed "M157" and will aim to compete with models like BMW 5-Series->ke317 and Mercedes E-Class->ke373. It is rumored that the next Ghibli will be built on a modified version of the Chrysler 300 chassis and will be feature more Chrysler technology than Maserati.

Under the hood it will be feature a turbocharged version of Chrysler’s 3.5-liter Pentastar V-6 with an output of about 375 to 400 horsepower. Along with the V-6, Maserati will also offer the same Ferrari-sourced V-8 used in the new Quattroporte. Both engines will be mated to an 8-speed, ZF transmission.

Expect to see the new Maserati Ghibli launched sometime in 2013.

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