After 8 years, the long-awaited sixth generation Maserati Quattroporte is finally here! Maserati will present the sports sedan at the beginning of 2013 at the Detroit auto show in January, but is already releasing the first images.
The long wait has been rewarded by Maserati today: the Italians have pulled the curtain on a brand new Quattroporte. The 4-door sedan is a direct attack on German luxury sedans such as the Porsche Panamera, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
It is a pity that the Italian car manufacturer did not opt for a ‘couture body’. Because earlier Quattroportes came from the drawing boards of designers such as Pietro Frua, Bertone (Gandini), Italdesign (Giugiaro), Marcello Gandini and Pininfarina, the new Quattroporte must go through life ‘nameless’, as Fiat’s Centro Stile has done the job itself.
It’s not nice to say, as we can only judge the car from the released photos now, but it’s clear to see they did. There are quite a few very strange ‘bends’ in the body, especially the high waistline. And do we see it right: door mirrors of the Chrysler 300?
The new Quattroporte has inherited some key design features from previous models: the signature grille, the three cooling slots in the front wing and the ‘triangular’ C-pillar. The car is more exuberant in design than before, but immediately recognizable as a Quattroporte.
According to Maserati, the interior is characterized by ‘simple lines and efficiency’. This, of course, in combination with beautiful leather and wood types that give the interior a warm appearance. It is noticeable that the dashboard – unlike that of its predecessor – looks quite tidy, many functions will be operated via the huge touch screen in the center console.
Maserati does not want to say much about the engines. It should come as no surprise that a V8 is available. The brand speaks of a ‘new generation Maserati engines’, which are built at Ferrari in Maranello. Of course, the new blocks are ‘more powerful and more economical’. Assume a further development of the traditional V8, but also count on a new V6, in several variants. Is the license plate (QP 530 HP) a subtle hint at horsepower numbers? Maserati says the top-of-the-line sedan sets new standards in performance, handling and driving pleasure.
The new Maserati Quattroporte will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit in January. Come in the beautiful world of Maserati.
Yakymour 