What Maserati Is in Fast and Furious 7

The Maserati featured in Fast and Furious 7 is the 2014 Maserati Ghibli S Q4, driven by the late Paul Walker’s character, Brian O’Conner. This sleek, high-performance sedan blends Italian elegance with muscle-car power, making it a standout in the film’s high-octane chase sequences.

Key Takeaways

• Maserati Ghibli S Q4 is the model featured in Fast and Furious 7: Driven by Brian O’Conner, this luxury sports sedan combines style, speed, and sophistication.
• It appears in the Abu Dhabi highway chase scene: One of the most visually stunning sequences in the franchise, showcasing the Ghibli’s performance and design.
• The car symbolizes Brian’s evolution as a character: From street racer to family man, the Ghibli reflects his refined yet powerful lifestyle.
• Maserati’s partnership with the franchise boosted brand visibility: The film’s global reach introduced the Ghibli to a new generation of car enthusiasts.
• The Ghibli S Q4 delivers impressive specs: Twin-turbo V6 engine, all-wheel drive, and a top speed of 177 mph make it a true performance machine.
• Custom modifications were made for filming: Enhanced suspension, reinforced chassis, and cinematic tuning ensured safety and visual impact during stunts.
• Paul Walker’s connection to the car adds emotional depth: His final on-screen drive in the Ghibli became a poignant tribute after his passing.

Introduction to Maserati in Fast and Furious 7

When it comes to high-octane action, few movie franchises do it better than The Fast and the Furious. Over the years, the series has become synonymous with fast cars, daring stunts, and unforgettable chase scenes. But beyond the explosions and adrenaline, the franchise has also served as a global showcase for some of the world’s most iconic vehicles. One such car that left a lasting impression in Fast and Furious 7 is the Maserati Ghibli S Q4—a luxury sports sedan that perfectly blended Italian flair with American muscle.

Released in 2015, Fast and Furious 7 was more than just another action-packed installment. It was a tribute to the late Paul Walker, who played Brian O’Conner, one of the franchise’s most beloved characters. The film’s emotional weight was matched by its technical brilliance, especially in the now-legendary Abu Dhabi highway chase. And right at the heart of that scene? A sleek, silver Maserati Ghibli S Q4, gliding through the desert skyline like a predator on the prowl.

But what made this particular Maserati so special? Why did the filmmakers choose it over other high-performance vehicles? And how did it contribute to the film’s legacy? In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of the Maserati Ghibli S Q4 as it appears in Fast and Furious 7, exploring its design, performance, cultural impact, and the emotional resonance it carries for fans around the world.

The Maserati Ghibli S Q4: A Closer Look

The Maserati Ghibli S Q4 is not your average luxury sedan. It’s a bold statement on wheels—a fusion of Italian craftsmanship and raw performance. First introduced in 2013, the Ghibli marked Maserati’s return to the mid-size luxury sedan market after decades of focusing on grand tourers and supercars. With the Ghibli, Maserati aimed to compete with German giants like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class, but with a distinctly Mediterranean twist.

Design and Aesthetics

From the moment you lay eyes on the Ghibli S Q4, it’s clear this car means business. The exterior design is aggressive yet elegant, with a long hood, short overhangs, and a low, wide stance that screams performance. The iconic Maserati trident logo sits proudly on the grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights that give the car a predatory gaze. The flowing lines along the body taper toward the rear, where dual exhaust tips and a subtle rear spoiler complete the sporty look.

What sets the Ghibli apart from its competitors is its unmistakable Italian flair. Unlike the more conservative designs of German sedans, the Ghibli embraces drama and emotion. The front grille is larger and more imposing, the fenders are more pronounced, and the overall silhouette is lower and more aggressive. It’s a car that doesn’t just get you from point A to point B—it makes a statement while doing so.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the Ghibli S Q4 packs a serious punch. It’s powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine developed in partnership with Ferrari. This engine delivers 404 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque, allowing the car to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. That’s supercar territory for a four-door sedan.

But what really sets the Ghibli S Q4 apart is its all-wheel-drive system. Unlike the rear-wheel-drive base model, the S Q4 variant sends power to all four wheels, improving traction and stability—especially important in high-speed maneuvers. This system, combined with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, ensures smooth, responsive shifts whether you’re cruising on the highway or pushing the car to its limits on a winding road.

The top speed of the Ghibli S Q4 is electronically limited to 177 mph, making it one of the fastest sedans in its class. And with a curb weight of around 4,000 pounds, it strikes a perfect balance between agility and stability. Whether you’re weaving through traffic or opening it up on a desert highway, the Ghibli S Q4 delivers a thrilling driving experience.

Interior and Technology

Step inside the Ghibli S Q4, and you’re greeted by a cabin that blends luxury with sportiness. The materials are top-notch—soft leather, real aluminum trim, and carbon fiber accents give the interior a premium feel. The seats are deeply bolstered, offering excellent support during spirited driving, while still providing comfort for long journeys.

The dashboard is driver-focused, with a central 8.4-inch infotainment screen that controls navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported, and the sound system—available in premium configurations—delivers crisp, immersive audio. Maserati’s signature analog clock sits proudly in the center of the dash, a nod to the brand’s heritage.

While the Ghibli may not have the same level of tech integration as some German rivals, it makes up for it with character. The engine start button is a satisfying red knob, the gear shifter has a mechanical feel, and the exhaust note—controlled by a switch on the center console—can transform from a quiet purr to a thunderous roar with the flick of a wrist.

The Ghibli in Fast and Furious 7: Scene Breakdown

Now that we’ve covered the specs, let’s talk about how the Maserati Ghibli S Q4 fits into Fast and Furious 7. The car appears in one of the film’s most visually stunning sequences: the Abu Dhabi highway chase. This scene, set against the backdrop of the UAE’s futuristic skyline, features a high-speed pursuit involving multiple vehicles, including the Ghibli, a Lamborghini Aventador, and a custom-built Lykan HyperSport.

The Abu Dhabi Chase Sequence

The chase begins with Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) and his wife, Mia (Jordana Brewster), driving the silver Ghibli S Q4 through the streets of Abu Dhabi. They’re being pursued by Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham), who is driving a heavily modified Mercedes-AMG GT. The tension builds as the two cars weave through traffic, leap over gaps in the highway, and narrowly avoid collisions.

What makes this scene so memorable is the contrast between the vehicles. The Lamborghini Aventador, driven by Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), is a mid-engine supercar built for raw speed and aggression. The Lykan HyperSport, driven by a member of the crew, is a limited-production hypercar with a price tag of over $3 million. And then there’s the Ghibli—a luxury sedan that, on paper, shouldn’t be able to keep up.

But that’s exactly what makes it so compelling. The Ghibli isn’t just keeping up—it’s holding its own. Its all-wheel-drive system gives it superior traction on the smooth desert roads, and its twin-turbo V6 engine delivers consistent power even at high speeds. The car’s agility allows Brian to make sharp turns and sudden maneuvers, outsmarting Shaw at every turn.

Cinematic Enhancements and Stunt Modifications

Of course, the Ghibli in the film isn’t a stock vehicle. For the stunts, the production team made several modifications to ensure safety and performance. The suspension was upgraded to handle high-speed jumps and hard landings. The chassis was reinforced to withstand the stress of repeated impacts. And the engine was tuned for maximum output, though still within safe operating limits.

The car’s exterior was also customized for the film. The silver paint job was chosen to reflect the desert sun, giving the car a shimmering, almost ethereal appearance on camera. Additional aerodynamic elements, like a rear diffuser and side skirts, were added to improve downforce and stability. And while the car’s interior remained largely stock, the seats were replaced with racing harnesses and the dashboard was fitted with additional monitors for the stunt driver.

Despite these changes, the Ghibli retained its core identity. It still looked and felt like a Maserati—just one that had been pushed to its absolute limit. And that’s what made it so believable. This wasn’t a fantasy car; it was a real vehicle being driven in a real (if highly dramatized) scenario.

Why the Ghibli Was Chosen for the Film

So why did the filmmakers choose the Maserati Ghibli S Q4 for this pivotal scene? The answer lies in a combination of brand strategy, character development, and cinematic storytelling.

Brand Synergy and Marketing

By the time Fast and Furious 7 was in production, Maserati was making a concerted effort to rebrand itself as a modern, performance-oriented luxury automaker. The Ghibli was a key part of that strategy—a car designed to appeal to younger, more dynamic buyers who wanted both style and speed.

Partnering with a global franchise like Fast and Furious was a smart move. The film’s massive international audience—especially in markets like China, the Middle East, and North America—aligned perfectly with Maserati’s target demographic. The Abu Dhabi scene, in particular, showcased the Ghibli in a glamorous, high-stakes environment, reinforcing its image as a car for the bold and the ambitious.

For Maserati, the exposure was invaluable. The film’s release coincided with a surge in interest in the Ghibli, with sales increasing by over 30% in the months following the movie’s debut. The car became a symbol of aspirational living—a vehicle that represented success, freedom, and adventure.

Character Alignment: Brian O’Conner’s Evolution

Beyond marketing, the Ghibli also served a deeper narrative purpose. Throughout the Fast and Furious series, Brian O’Conner has evolved from a street racer to a family man, from a cop to a fugitive, and finally, to a hero. By Fast and Furious 7, Brian is living a quieter life with Mia and their son, Jack. He’s traded the flashy sports cars of his youth for something more refined—something that reflects his maturity.

The Ghibli S Q4 is the perfect vehicle for this stage of Brian’s journey. It’s not as overtly aggressive as the Nissan Skyline or the Toyota Supra he drove in earlier films, but it’s still incredibly fast and capable. It’s a car that can handle school drop-offs and grocery runs, but also tear up a desert highway when the situation calls for it. In many ways, the Ghibli mirrors Brian himself: understated on the surface, but with a powerful engine and a heart full of passion.

Cinematic Aesthetics and Visual Impact

From a filmmaking perspective, the Ghibli also offered unique visual advantages. Its long, low profile and sleek lines made it stand out in wide shots, especially against the futuristic backdrop of Abu Dhabi. The silver color scheme reflected the harsh desert sun, creating a shimmering effect that added to the scene’s intensity.

Moreover, the Ghibli’s design allowed for dynamic camera angles. The low hood and wide stance made it easy to capture dramatic low-angle shots, emphasizing speed and power. The car’s aggressive front end and muscular fenders gave it a predatory look, perfectly suited for a high-stakes chase.

The Emotional Legacy of the Ghibli in Fast and Furious 7

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of the Maserati Ghibli S Q4’s appearance in Fast and Furious 7 is the emotional weight it carries. The film was released just months after the tragic death of Paul Walker in a car accident in 2013. His passing sent shockwaves through the fan community and left the future of the franchise in doubt.

To honor Walker’s memory, the filmmakers made significant changes to the script, including rewriting Brian’s storyline to allow for a peaceful retirement. The final scenes of the film—where Brian drives off into the sunset in the Ghibli—were designed as a tribute to both the character and the actor.

A Final Drive

The last time we see Brian O’Conner on screen, he’s behind the wheel of the silver Ghibli, driving down a coastal highway with Mia and Jack. The sun is setting, the music is swelling, and the mood is bittersweet. It’s a quiet moment, a contrast to the chaos that defined much of the film. And yet, it’s one of the most powerful scenes in the entire franchise.

For many fans, that final drive in the Ghibli represents closure. It’s a reminder of what Brian stood for—family, loyalty, and the freedom of the open road. And it’s a testament to Paul Walker’s enduring legacy as an actor and a person.

Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact

The Ghibli’s role in the film resonated deeply with fans. Social media was flooded with tributes, photos, and fan art featuring the car. Maserati reported a significant increase in inquiries and test drives following the film’s release. And for years after, the Ghibli S Q4 remained one of the most requested cars in the Fast and Furious universe.

Even today, the car is often referenced in discussions about the franchise. It’s become a symbol of Brian’s journey, a reminder of Paul Walker’s impact, and a testament to the power of cinema to elevate everyday objects into icons.

How the Ghibli Compares to Other Fast and Furious Cars

The Fast and Furious franchise is known for its diverse lineup of vehicles, from American muscle cars to Japanese tuners to European exotics. So how does the Maserati Ghibli S Q4 stack up against the competition?

Performance Comparison

In terms of raw performance, the Ghibli S Q4 holds its own against many of the cars featured in the series. Its 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds is faster than the Dodge Charger R/T driven by Dom in earlier films, and on par with the Nissan GT-R. While it may not match the top speed of a Lamborghini Aventador or a Bugatti Veyron, it offers a more balanced driving experience—especially for a sedan.

Uniqueness and Rarity

What sets the Ghibli apart is its rarity. Unlike the widely available Mustangs and Supras, the Ghibli is a niche vehicle with a limited production run. This exclusivity adds to its appeal, making it a standout in a sea of more common performance cars.

Practicality and Versatility

Finally, the Ghibli offers a level of practicality that few other Fast and Furious cars can match. It has four doors, a usable back seat, and a decent-sized trunk. This makes it a realistic choice for a character like Brian, who is balancing his love of speed with his responsibilities as a husband and father.

Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of the Maserati Ghibli in Fast and Furious 7

The Maserati Ghibli S Q4 may not be the fastest or most expensive car in Fast and Furious 7, but it’s one of the most memorable. Its appearance in the Abu Dhabi chase scene was more than just a product placement—it was a statement. A statement about style, performance, and the evolution of a beloved character.

From its striking design to its impressive specs, the Ghibli embodies the spirit of the Fast and Furious franchise: bold, passionate, and unapologetically fast. And with its connection to Paul Walker and the emotional weight of the film’s finale, it holds a special place in the hearts of fans around the world.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast, a movie buff, or just someone who appreciates a good story, the Maserati Ghibli S Q4 in Fast and Furious 7 is a testament to the power of cinema to turn a luxury sedan into a legend.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Maserati is in Fast and Furious 7?

The Maserati featured in Fast and Furious 7 is the 2014 Maserati Ghibli S Q4. It is driven by Paul Walker’s character, Brian O’Conner, during the iconic Abu Dhabi highway chase scene.

Is the Maserati in Fast and Furious 7 a real car?

Yes, the Maserati Ghibli S Q4 is a real production model. However, the version used in the film was modified for stunts, including reinforced chassis and upgraded suspension.

Why did they choose a Maserati for Fast and Furious 7?

The Ghibli was chosen for its blend of luxury, performance, and Italian style. It also reflected Brian O’Conner’s character evolution into a more refined, family-oriented driver.

How fast is the Maserati Ghibli S Q4?

The Ghibli S Q4 can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 177 mph, thanks to its 404-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine.

Was Paul Walker actually driving the Maserati in the film?

No, stunt drivers performed the high-speed sequences. However, Paul Walker did drive the car in quieter scenes, and his performance added emotional authenticity.

Did the Ghibli’s appearance in the film boost its sales?

Yes, Maserati reported a significant increase in interest and sales of the Ghibli following the film’s release, especially in international markets.