Maserati has unwrapped its new Quattroporte, the first of the three models it is planning to launch. The new sixth generation Quattroporte is going to be shown in January at the Detroit Motor show. The vehicle will be followed by another smaller vehicle that would be in direct competition with BMW 5 series and will be named as Ghibli. Another new SUV named as Levante will be another of the new expansion line up coming from Maserati, this will be the first vehicle to be powered by a diesel mill and will be hitting the market in early 2014.
Maserati is not in mood to reveal any further details about the Quattroporte before its official release at the Detroit motor show but according to sources it is coming out that the new model will be longer but lighter than the current available four door saloon.
The new vehicle is believed to be supported on a steel monocoque chassis. The supporting means that it will be becoming longer by 5200 mm in length and up to 5052mm in height. Much of the changes in the dimensions have been made to accommodate more legroom for passengers, a significant requirement if Maserati is trying to make its imprint in the Chinese market.
Much of the bodywork of the new version has been done with aluminum, which means that the curb weight of the current car will be reduced by about 50 kg bringing it down to 1940kg, despite the increase in the length.
The vehicle will be powered by Ferrari built V8 engine that is supposed to be a new version of the 4.7 litre 453 bhp V8 engine that is being used in GranTurismo sportscar. The new version is expected to deliver more power and fuel economy and has also reduced Co2 emissions. The engine will be coupled with XF automatic gearbox supplied by ZF.
Another range of supercharged and turbocharged engines are also on their way for development, including smaller V6 and V8 petrol engines. However, V6 engines may only be reserved for the Levente SUV and Ghibli Saloon.
After a year another Quattroporte version is also being planned with four-wheel drive option.
The new model has been developed at Fiat Group Centro Stile design Centre in the Maserati only department.
The appearance has been advanced from the current car, the distinctive triangular C-pillar, three side vents and front grille still remains the same. Some new features have also made their way in giving the car more muscular look.
Interior is completely different from the available model, thus giving it more luxurious feel. High quality wood and leather have been used extensively to decorate the interior. Major controls are now being operated by the central touchscreen at the central console.
The new Quattroporte will be manufactured at the Pininfarina plant at Grugliasco which lies on the outskirts of Turin.
