New Ghibli sports sedan brings Maseratis cachet to a wider audience.

For the past 80 years, Maserati cars have been a symbol of prestige cherished by movie stars and heads of state. Maserati is extending its elegant trident marque to a broader audience with the release this year of its luxury sports sedan, the Ghibli (pronounced with a hard g). The word is Arabic for the same hot Sahara wind Italians call a sirocco or scirocco, which inspired three generations of a Volkswagen model (not currently available in North America).

The Ghibli combines Maseratis racing DNA with elegant luxury, the practicality of a Mercedes Benz or an Audi, and upper-middle-class affordability (base price: $65,000). It seems destined to attract attention as it sweeps across the globe.

Pull out of the garage in regular mode so the quieted engine doesnt disturb the neighbors. Once on the open road, switch to sport mode to open up the valve on the exhaust that makes the eight-speed ZF automatic transmission more responsive. Youll hear the deep rumble and feel the full power of the Ferrari-made, 345-horsepower, twin-turbo V6 engine (Ghibli S). (Ferrari and Maserati were launched by rival racers but are now both owned by Fiat.) Then head for the hills. The four-door sports sedan has the tight control and immediacy of a roadster without the uncomfortable ride.

Drivers in the Northwest may want the all-wheel-drive system, which will put the Ghiblis sticker in the low-$80,000 range well above the base price but far more reasonable than the $120,000 Quattroporte, previously Maseratis low-end car. Youll also get three times the trunk space of the Quattroporte, a voice-activated touchscreen control system, mirrors that fold inward electronically and leather seats crafted by Poltrona Frau, the century-old furniture company from Turin that does the leather interiors for all Maserati vehicles.

The Ghibli comes with a four-year, bumper-to-bumper warranty. For an extra $2,500, you can prepay for four years of maintenance. And you dont have to feel too guilty about conspicuous consumption. The Ghibli gets 25 miles per gallon of premium gas on the highway.

With fenders that suggest sports cars from the 1950s and 60s, the Ghibli targets car connoisseurs who are looking for a fresh breeze. Ive had people from Microsoft say there are so many Porsche 911s in the company garage that they want something unique, says Bryan Klug, sales manager at Ferrari & Maserati of Seattle.

To cater to that affluent audience, the Seattle dealership is spending $2 million to upgrade its showroom to include a high-tech area where customers can configure their cars. Wind chimes optional.