[hayasa]

I've heard that the are used for venting hot air from the engine bay. Very cool and functional (pun intended). But then I was looking at the frame and paneling, and I don't see how it is possible. The vents sit right over and slightly behind the wheel well, and are placed over metal framing...

http://s4.paultan.org/image/2013/07/Maserati-Ghibli-00027.jpg

http://s4.paultan.org/image/2013/07/Ghibli_21.jpg

 

[pitchfork]

good question. they have to work somehow. or why would they put them there.

it probably runs plastic piping or channels on the bottom of the frame. or maybe through the middle? what do i know...

 

[mr.smith]

Are we looking at this from the standpoint that we already know that the vents are functional, or are we just trying to figure out if they are indeed functional or not? They do seem to be placed over metal framing, but maybe there are passageways for the air to get from the engine to the air vents. Not sure...

 

[MMG]

there's no way it can funnel heat out of the engine bay, too many things obstructing it, plus there are better ways to let heat escape from the engine, a coul induction hood would help

 

[hayasa]

Are we looking at this from the standpoint that we already know that the vents are functional, or are we just trying to figure out if they are indeed functional or not? They do seem to be placed over metal framing, but maybe there are passageways for the air to get from the engine to the air vents. Not sure...

We are assuming that they are functional because it has been stated as such in some car review articles...whatever those are worth.

 

[Etodd31856]

I reviewing the Pricing sheet it shows "Front grille in gloss black with chrome surround, SIDE ORNAMENENTAL GRILLS IN BLACK" under exterior. Not sure if this solves the riddle but they are building it so this must be accurate???

 

[ratti]

I reviewing the Pricing sheet it shows "Front grille in gloss black with chrome surround, SIDE ORNAMENENTAL GRILLS IN BLACK" under exterior. Not sure if this solves the riddle but they are building it so this must be accurate???

that sure does solve it.
it would be cool if it was functional and did something as simple as helping to extract heat from the engine.

 

[toshy]

Resurrecting this thread as it was referenced on another forum.
The grills are indeed functional. You can see it very clearly during winter, when the hot air escaping the side vents melts the snow/ice on the fenders.

 

[sc00bk]

maserati parts catalog calling it ornamental does not resolve anything, there are many, many terms that are less than correct. the translations from italian to english can be horrid at times.

as toshy said, if you look inside the engine bay at the sides where the fenders bolt up, there is an air gap. that gap flows into the wheel wells and out the vents. useful functional? probably not. functional none the less? probably.