Up until now, Maserati had done a pretty a good job hiding its Quattroporte prototypes from the prying eyes of our scoop photographers, but they finally nabbed it while undergoing winter testing on an ice track used by the Fiat Group in Sweden.
The current model is the fifth generation Quattroporte and it has been in the market for a quite long time – since 2004, to be precise. Despite its sporty and elegant looks that have stood the test of time, the Italian luxury sedan is showing its age in various areas.
The new model, seen here under heavy camouflage, will ride on a slightly larger platform than the current Quattroporte that measures 5,097mm long, 1,895 mm wide, and 1,438mm tall with a 3,064mm wheelbase.
On the outside, while we don’t expect the production model’s roofline to be as chunky as the prototype, it will most likely resemble the shape of the Audi A7 Sportback.
Many changes are to be found inside. As the Fiat and Chrysler Group’s flagship limousine, the Quattroporte will benefit from all the latest advancements in technology and comfort features.
Maserati’s rival to the Porsche Panamera will continue to be powered by a Ferrari-sourced V8, modified to suite the car’s character, and linked to a new 8-speed automatic transmission with a start and stop system.
Word has it that the new Quattroporte will break cover at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show next January and go on sale worldwide in the Spring of the same year.
Photo credits: CarPix for Carscoop
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