MASERATI has written a new chapter in its sporting history book with the launch of the fastest saloons ever to wear the marque's legendary trident badge.

The new Quattroporte and Ghibli Trofeo models are powered by the same 3.8 litre V8 twin turbo engine as the Levante Trofeo which was launched in 2018.

The engine, which is built at the Ferrari plant in Maranello to Maserati's specifications, has a power output of 580 hp at 6,250 rpm and peak torque of 730 Nm - good for a top speed of over 202mph with the 0-60mph sprint ticked off in little more than four seconds.

Although completely new for Ghibli, the V8 engine has previously been used in the 530 hp version of the Quattroporte GTS.

Minor styling tweaks identify these fastest-ever Maserati saloons including a special front grille with twin vertical bars in a piano black finish, carbon fibre on the front air duct trims and rear extractor and red detailing on the side air vents. At the rear the light clusters have been completely restyled, with a boomerang-like profile inspired by the 3200 GT and the Alfieri concept car.

The Ghibli Trofeo also has a restyled bonnet featuring two aggressive air ducts for better cooling.

Inside there are new features on the instrument panel including a bigger multimedia screen and full-grain natural leather upholstery with a three-dimensional Trofeo badge embellishing the headrests.