Model featured: V8

Maserati Quattroporte

In 2003, Maserati started production of the Pininfarina-designed Quattroporte, with the same 4.2 litre engine as the Coupe and Spyder but improved to 400 hp.

Due to its greater weight than the Coupe and Spyder, the 0-100 kmh time for the Quattroporte is 5.2 seconds. The Quattroporte was unveiled to the world at the Frankfurt motor show on September 9, 2003 and made its US première at the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours d'Élégance. It is a continuation of the long tradition of Quattroporte luxury sedans in the Maserati line-up.

The 47% front-53% rear weight distribution allows the large sedan to have very nimble handling. This weight distribution is achieved by setting the engine further back in the chassis behind the front axle to shift the load back towards the cabin, and the adoption of the transaxle layout which sees the gearbox rear-mounted in unit with the differential.

The transaxle architecture is normally reserved for high performance sports cars and this is the first time it has been applied to a luxury sedan. The Quattroporte's weight distribution maximises traction and thrust during acceleration so the car remains exceptionally stable and well balanced at all times.

According to several sources a fully automatic transmission with either 6 or 7 speeds (by ZF) will be added in 2007 and most likely in combination with a bigger 4.7 litre engine.

Performance

1. power: 300kW | 400bhp
2. top speed: 275kmh | 172mph
3. 0-100 kmh: 5.2 secs

Engine

1. capacity: 4200cc
2. cylinders: 8
3. configuration: V8

Other

1. production dates: 2003-
2. total produced: -
3. variants: Sport GT; Executive GT