Maserati Ghibli SS
In 1969 Maserati launched the Ghibli SS, a sportier version of its flagship coupé with the dry-sump 90° V8 now enlarged to 4.9 liters. The dry sump design had been devised in order to best accommodate the low hood line of Giugiaro’s sleek coupé, and was later used for the very same reason on the Khamsin. Horsepower was up to 335 which gave a top speed of 280 kph (175 mph). This turned the Ghibli SS into the fastest Maserati road car in production. Prodigious braking performance came from the two twin-servo assisted ventilated discs with three pistons per caliper.
The equipment level was worthy of such a thoroughbred GT with adjustable steering column, anti-theft steering lock, leather upholstery, tinted & electric windows, reclining seats with head rests, heated rear windscreen, dashboard clock and even air conditioning all came as standard.
Technical Specifications
| Model | Ghibli SS |
| Maserati internal code | Tipo AM115/49 |
| Production start | 1969 |
| Number Produced | 1170 (total Ghibli & Ghibli SS production) |
| Ignition | single-plug Bosch distributor with automatic advance, coil ignition (transistorised from 1970) |
| Lubrication | two concentric gear pumps (pressure and scavenge) |
| Transmission | 5-speed + reverse ZF (automatic to order), single dry plate clutch, self-locking differential |
| Reduction | 1:3.31 |
| Gear ratios | I=2.97; II=1.92; III=1.34; IV=1; V=0.9; R= 3.31 |
| Chassis | tubular steel ladder-frame platform chassis |
| Front suspension | double wishbones, coil springs, telescopic dampers and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | leaf springs, hydraulic telescopic dampers and anti-roll bar |
| Brakes | ventilated discs, servo-assisted, hydraulic, independent dual circuit |
| Brakes front | 294 mm discs |
| Brakes rear | 272 mm discs |
| Steering | worm and sector (power assistance to order) |
| Cooling system | water-cooled |
| Length | 185 inches (4,690 mm) |
| Width | 70.47 inches (1,790 mm) |
| Height | 45.67 inches (1,160 mm) |
| Wheelbase | 100.39 inches (2,550 mm) |
| Front track | 56.6 inches (1,440 mm) |
| Rear track | 55.9 inches (1,420 mm) |
| Dry weight | 3,640 lbs (1,660 kg) |
| Curb weight | 3,901 lbs (1,770 kg) |
| Tires | front/rear Pirelli HS 205 VR 15 (215 VR 15 from 1972) |
| Wheels | magnesium alloy, 7.50 x 15 inch (wire wheels to order) |
| Top speed | 285 Km/h (177 mph) |
| Bodywork | 2-door, 2+2 coupé |
| Fuel tank | two tanks, 100 liters (21 Imperial Gallons / 26.5 US gallons) |
| Years of activity | 1969-1973 |
| Engine | 90° V8, light alloy casting with pressed-in cylinder liners in special cast iron |
| Bore and stroke | 3.7x3.5 inches (93.9x89 mm) |
| Total displacement | 4,930 cc |
| Displacements (unitary) | 616.16 cc |
| Compression ratio | 8.5:1 |
| Maximum power | 335 bhp at 5,500 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 49 Kgm (355.5 lbs/ft) at 4,000 rpm |
| Timing gear | two valves per cylinder, two chain-driven overhead camshafts per cylinder bank |
| Fuel feed | naturally aspirated, four vertical twin Weber 42 DCNF/11 carburetors |
| Fuel & lubricant | N.O 98/100 RM |