Maserati’s new Ghibli sedan is close to making its showroom debut, but here’s a chance to look back at the car during its development days. In addition to extensive testing in the real world, Maserati engineers also use a sophisticated climatic wind tunnel to put the Ghibli through simulated extreme weather conditions.

This video shows a prototype being put through its paces in the climatic wind tunnel, where it faces temperature shifts from below minus 22 degrees F (minus 30 degrees C) to more than 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). Clearly, the prototypes have to pass these tests before production can start.

The Ghibli goes on sale towards the end of the year, as a 2014 model. In the U.S. it will be offered with a single engine, a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, tuned to deliver 325 horsepower in the base model and 404 horsepower in the sportier Ghibli S. Overseas, buyers will also have the option of a 271-horsepower V-6 turbodiesel.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is fitted across the range and buyers can opt for Maserati’s Q4 all-wheel-drive system. Rear-wheel drive is standard. More details, including the all-important pricing info, should be revealed closer to the car’s sales launch.

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