The sixth generation Maserati Quattroporte is due for release at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2013, however, the Italian manufacturer has already allowed select media to get behind the wheel. As a result, here’s what we now know…
Prior speculation seems to have been spot-on, with a V6 and V8 rumoured to be on the shortlist for duty in the luxury Italian limo. Two different engines will indeed be offered and both will be developed and manufactured by Ferrari; as it should be.
The smaller of the two petrol engines is a 3.0-litre V6 with a twin-turbocharger setup. This engine produces 305 kW, 550 Nm of torque and offers performance of a 5.0 second dash from 0 – 100 km/h and a top speed of 280 km/h.
The flagship Quattorporte will be powered by a 3.8-litre V8, also with direct fuel-injection and two turbochargers. Power is claimed at 395 kW, with peak torque of 650 Nm. An overboost function will allow the torque figure to reach 710 Nm momentarily. The V8 offers performance figures of 4.7 seconds for the 0 – 100 km/h sprint and 305 km/h for the top speed. Maserati says a diesel powertrain could be offered in some markets.
Both models will be equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission supplied by ZF. The V8 will be rear-wheel drive, while an all-wheel drive V6 model will be available in what marks a first for Maserati. The all-wheel drive system will allow up to 50 percent of the car’s power to be sent to the front wheels.
