Last November, we looked at the preview of the new Maserati Quattroporte, but Maserati was a bit coy about the technical specifications then, so we had to be content with looking at the outside. Now with the 2013 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) underway, the company has opened the bonnet and we've a better idea of what the new sedan has to offer when you put the pedal to the metal.
The 2014 Maserati Quattroporte is a bit on the large side for a high-performance sports luxury sedan, with a length of 5,262 mm (17.3 ft) and a wheelbase of 3,171 mm (10.4 ft). It has a curb weight 1,900 kg (4,188 lb) despite Maserati opting for large amounts of aluminum in the chassis and body along with special steel stiffeners to give rigidity to the very long wheelbase.
The powerplant is a new generation engine developed by Maserati and Ferrari engineers, which will migrate into other Maserati models in the near future. The 3.8-liter V8 boasts small, parallel-mounted twin turbines to prevent turbo lag and improve responsiveness, and a high-pressure direct injection system. The whole thing puts out an eye-watering 390 kW (530 bhp) with a peak torque of 710 Nm (523 ft lb) in overboost. Top speed is 307 km/h (191 mph), with acceleration topping out at 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds and fuel consumption of 11.9 l/100 km (19.7 mph).
Backing up the engine is an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox with self-adapting software and a manual option. Maserati claims that this is lighter and more efficient than previous versions and that its two overdrive gears reduce fuel consumption while increasing ride comfort. It also provides 95 percent of torque at less the 1,600 rpm.
The suspension is a double wishbone at the front and multilink at the rear. These are controlled by the Sport Skyhook electronic system and the new shocks feature continuous damping variation. For the more sport minded, the SPORT button firms up the suspension for more energetic handling.
The price of the Maserati Quattroporte starts at US$130,000.
The video below highlights the car's features.
Source: Maserati
