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Maserati Quattroporte The Long Trident

Then Maserati fans have waited ten years. 2013 is finally the new Quattroporte in the windows of the showroom. (Photo: Maserati)

Length is in vogue. People know that in Italy. Consequently, the new Maserati Quattroporte increased significantly and thus meets the needs of a newly important market.

Then Maserati fans have waited ten years. 2013 is finally the new Quattroporte in the windows of the showroom. The four-door, five-seat sedan has grown, to even more economical and timely even by 20 percent compared to its predecessor. The sixth generation of the Italian luxury sedan proud measures 5.26 meters in length, which is an increase of 21 centimeters. Of the growth rate mainly benefit the rear occupants. This is important, especially for the Chinese market, the number two of the Maseratis sales, according to the U.S. because there are prestigious chauffeur-driven limousine in great demand. Moreover, the Italians save a separate long-wheelbase variant.

Next year, the noble Quattroporte be purchased in three variations with prices starting at € 103,000. There are from the second quarter 2013, the entry-level engine, a 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine with 301 kW/410 hp and 550 Newton meters of torque. With the same engine at the same time is a four-wheel version with prices starting at 110,000 euros. The first makes an end of January 2013, the top model, a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 with 390 kW/530 hp and up to 710 Nm of torque. The average consumption of 1.9-tonner is 11.9 liters per 100 kilometers. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 278 grams per kilometer. With a top speed of 307 km / h the new Quattroporte is the worlds fastest saloon in series production. The price: from 145,000 euros.

Motor development along with Ferrari

All engines were jointly developed with and for Ferrari, Maserati but are exclusively available. Switched all three versions using an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. Visually, the new edition remains true to its predecessor, but differs among others by narrower headlamps, frameless side windows, a rising to the rear waistline and a flatter cooler. The black abyss remains concise and still sits in the middle of the famous trident. Inside, as usual come with leather and wood used.

Maserati currently sold just over 6,000 units per year. From 2015 it should be, 50,000 cars sold every twelve months, reveals Maserati CEO Harald Wester. To achieve this ambitious target also comes after the new Quattroporte in 2013 then in 2014, a smaller Quattroporte called Ghibli, with diesel engines on the market - as a rival for the Audi A6, BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class. 2015, followed by an SUV called Levante, which will be manufactured exclusively in Italy. For the new models, two new plants are built around Turin, one at the former Bertone site in Grugliasco where the future can run 135 cars per day off the line.