Maserati has just released the first images and details of the 2013 Quattroporte, ahead of its public debut in January at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show. The luxury sedan is part of a plan to boost sales from around 6, 500 units annually to a staggering 50,000 by 2015.
According to the Italian carmaker, the sixth generation Quattroporte will be longer and lighter compared to the outgoing version. It will grow in length to around 5,200 mm from the current 5,052 mm and could be based on a new steel monocoque chassis. Thanks to the use of more aluminum and other weigh-saving materials, the kerb weight will be kept at 1,940 kg (down by 50 kg).
On the outside, the styling is purely evolutionary, giving a more masculine appearance. "Some of the elements characterising the previous model have been purposely maintained: the front grille, the three side vents and the triangular C pillar. At the same time new style and functional features have been introduced: the strong belt line that runs through the entire side of the car giving the new Quattroporte a look and feel that is at once muscular and elegant, with frameless doors and three side windows", said Lorenzo Ramaciotti, Head of Maserati Design Centre.
"Inside, the design of the Quattroporte aims at essentiality, stressing the simplicity of lines and the full functionality of the on-board instrumentation. Functional elements are blended with soft quality surfaces made of prestigious woods and refined leathers," Romaciotti adds.
At its launch, the new Quattroporte will be powered by a Ferrari-made 4.7-liter V8 engine with 530 hp. Mated to a ZF automatic transmission, the engine will get a power hike along with improved fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions. Specially, it will eventually be joined by optional all-wheel-drive.
