2014 Maserati Ghibli: Starting Price For Sporty, Turbocharged V6 Top Safety Pick Is $65,600, Including Airbags (And Audio Speakers) Galore [PHOTOS]

Maserati, the Italian luxury sports sedan maker owned by Fiat SpA (BIT:F), has announced pricing for its 2014 Ghibli executive sedan, which is currently being delivered to North American dealers.

Priced at $65,600, the Ghibli is packing a lot of safety features, which earned it top ratings from the New Jersey-based Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) in its 2013 crash tests. The ratings were announced earlier this week.

The newest Ghibli has a Ferrari-made twin turbocharged V6 churning out 404 horsepower from the rear wheels and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The company has said an all-wheel drive option would be available later next year.

The 2014 Ghibli aced IIHS side, partial front, roof collapse and rear-end collision tests despite using weight-saving aluminum and magnesium frame components -- for which steel isn’t a necessity for structural integrity.

The car also comes with a seven-airbag safety system, including bags for knee protection, bags loaded beneath the seat leather aimed at guarding the torso and hips, and so-called curtain bags that drop down from the roof of the cabin to protect the head and neck.

Maserati is hoping its executive sedan, first introduced this year, will appeal to customers who buy more mainstream luxury sedans, but who might be drawn to the appeal of 406 lb-ft of torque from just 1,750 rpm and 0-60 in 5.5 seconds. Younger consumers are a target, so Maserati has followed the lead of others by integrating the latest dashboard gadgetry and a premium audio system from Bowers & Wilkins featuring 15 -- yes 15 -- speakers.