We have already had a first opportunity to see Italy’s latest attempt in the luxury sedan segment, but Maserati wants us to get a better view of its all-new, sixth generation Quattroporte model with the release of a fresh gallery of pictures.
The car with which the Fiat Group is targeting the world’s finest premium saloons such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Porsche Panamera, Jaguar XJ and BMW 7-Series, is said to have been designed from the ground up featuring a new platform, new powertrain options along with new comfort and technological features.
But is it really, “all-new”? Well, that depends on what you consider “all-new” as it does borrow certain components from the Fiat-Chrysler parts bin, including the Chrysler 300-derived chassis and the Pentastar V6’s engine block along with a selection of other bits and pieces such interior switchgear.
Naturally, Maserati engineers made many changes to the Chrysler-sourced chassis and the base V6 engine.
At 207.2 inches (5.263mm) long and 76.7 inches (1,948mm) wide, the Quattroporte Mk6 is 6.4 inches (163mm) longer and 2.5 inches (64mm) wider than its predecessor, while the wheelbase has been stretched by 4.2 inches or 106.7mm at 124.8 inch (3,170mm) for improved rear legroom.
It also offers 80 liters more luggage capacity than the outgoing Quattroporte for a total of 530 liters.
Even though it is bigger in almost every dimension, the new Quattroporte weighs almost 100 kg (220 pounds) less than the flagship predecessor, (1900kg or 4,189 lbs in V8 form), while retaining a perfect balance with 50:50 front-to-rear weight. This was made possible thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials. For example, all four doors, the bonnet, the front wings and the boot lid are all made from aluminium.
Maserati’s flagship sedan features a double-wishbone front suspension and a new five-link rear suspension.
There are two new engine options at launch, a 3.8-litre V8 and a 3.0-litre V6, both of which are twin turbo charged, designed by Maserati Powertrain and assembled by Ferrari at Maranello, coupled to a standard 8-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.
The V6 engine, which can be combined with an AWD system as well in left-hand drive markets, delivers a peak output of 404hp (410PS) and a maximum torque of 550Nm (406 lb-ft).
The twin-turbo unit accelerates the Quattroporte from 0-100km/h (62mph) in 4.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 285km/h (177 mph), which is just 2km/h (~1mph) lower than the outgoing Sport GT S.
The rear-wheel drive only Quattroporte V8’s engine produces 523hp (530PS) and up to 710Nm (524 lb-ft) of torque for a 0-100km/h (62mph) time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 307km/h (191 mph), making it 20km/h (12mph) faster than the Quattroporte Sport GT
The Italian automaker claims that the Quattroporte V8 model not only the fastest four-door Maserati ever built, but also the most powerful and the most fuel efficient as it has lowered both its fuel consumption and emissions by 20 percent over the outgoing Quattroporte returning a combined economy in the EU cycle of 11.8lt/100km (19.9mpg US or 23.9mpg UK).
Inside the hand-crafted cabin, owners will find a treasure of features such as the Maserati Touch Control screen, adjustable pedals (left hand drive only), reversing camera and an optional 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, as well as WLAN-based WiFi.
The 2013 Quattroporte will be making its first public appearance at the Detroit Motor Show in January before it goes on sale later in the year with U.S. pricing to be announced.
PHOTO GALLERY
