The savvy press people at Maserati have lifted an embargo on the information sheet of the company’s new flagship sedan model, the 2013 Quattroporte. While the Italians have yet to share details on their website, they did with some select magazines including Motor Trend that has the skinny on the luxury model that will be making its first public outing at next month’s 2012 NAIAS in Detroit.
We’ll begin with the powertrain options for the 2013 Quattroporte that include two brand new turbocharged engines.
The entry-level powerplant is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged, direct-injection V6 that is said to be based on the block of Chrysler’s Pentastar V6. It produces 404-horses at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 406 lb-ft (550Nm) at 1,750 rpm allowing the Quattroporte to reach 60mph (96km/h) in an estimated time of 5.1 seconds and top out at 177mph (285km/h).
The same V6 will likely be used on Maserati’s upcoming, smaller Ghibli sedan.
At the top of the range, for now at least, is an all-new 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with direct-injection tech delivering 523-horses at 6,500 rpm and 479 lb-ft (649 Nm) or 524 lb-ft (710Nm) with overboost at 2,000 rpm. With this powerplant, the new Quattroporte hits 60mph (96km/h) in 4.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 191mph (307km/h).
According to the magazine, both engines will be built in Maranello by Ferrari, and will be offered exclusively with an 8-speed automatic transmission that’s lighter than the previous 6-speed unit.
The V8 model will be offered only with rear-wheel drive, while in a first for Maserati, the V6 version can be optionally fitted with an all-wheel drive system that under normal driving and road conditions, transfers 100 percent of torque to the rear wheels, but can split as much as 50 percent to the front axle.
We also learn that the new Quattroporte measures 207.2 inches (5.263mm) long and 76.7 inches (1,948mm) wide making it 6.4 inches (163mm) longer and 2.5 inches (64mm) wider than its predecessor. The wheelbase has also been stretched by 4.2 inches or 106.7mm at 124.8 inch (3,170mm) offering improved rear legroom.
Maserati reportedly claims that it has used more aluminum components in the chassis and on the body to reduce weight by up to 220 pounds, with the V6 model sporting an estimated curb weight of 4,101 pounds (1,860kg) and the V8, 4189 pounds (1,900kg).
Other notable facts about the 2013 model include the new Skyhook suspension with adjustable dampers and the use of a speed-sensitive hydraulic and not an electronic steering as is the case with most modern cars today.
Story References: Motortrend
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