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THE NEW MASERATI QUATTROPORTE ARRIVES IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
The Maserati Quattroporte redefined the performance luxury sedan when it was launched at the 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show in 2003 and in 2008 at the Australian International Motor Show Maserati raises, once again, the bar for performance, style and exclusivity with the launch of the new Maserati Quattroporte.
For more than 40 years, from the launch of the first Quattroporte, resplendent in its Frau body, in 1964, through the 1984 ‘presidential’ Quattroporte, so called because its keen following started with the Italian President, Sandro Pertini, each new Quattroporte has set a new standard and so it is with the latest model to wear the Quattroporte name.
The first generation of the present Pininfarina-designed Quattroporte has proven and outstanding success for Maserati, launching the company into one of its most successful period of its legendary history. With more than 15,000 cars sold and 46 awards won internationally, the Quattroporte has brought a new level of commercial success to the company; while on the race track the success of the Maserati MC-12 renewed and augmented Maserati unique motorsport history.
The new Quattroporte range reinforces the model’s exclusive image with a thorough technical and styling upgrade, while performance reaches new peaks with the powerful new 4.7 litre, 317 kW engine for the top version, supplementing the existing 4.2 litre 295 kW to offer a new level of choice.
The Pininfarina design, one of the main factors underlying the Quattroporte’s success, reworks the basic theme of the Quattroporte by incorporating the stylistic features of the GranTurismo. All intended to stress the Quattroporte’s character as a luxury limousine with unbeatable dynamic qualities.
The new range is composed of two models, the Quattroporte with the 4.2 litre engine and the new Quattroporte S with the 4.7 litre power unique. Both feature a comprehensive range of equipment and features, along with a pallet of trim, colours and finishes that allows Maserati owners to choose from a theoretical four million possible combinations. Theoretical, because it is also possible for owners to select their own trims, colours and finishes producing the ultimate level of exclusivity – a Quattroporte that is as unique as its owner.
“The effect of the Quattroporte on Maserati in Australia and New Zealand is undeniable, with last four years of sales representing record years for Maserati, as each year set a new benchmark for sales,” explains Edward Butler, General Manager of Maserati Australia and New Zealand. “With the arrival of the new Maserati Quattroporte, this growth can only continue, with the new engine choice further broadening the appeal of the Quattroporte into a wider market, while the upgrades to interior, drivetrain and staying to all variants ensure that the Maserati Quattroporte remains the supreme incarnation of the performance luxury sedan.”
Sales of the new Maserati Quattroporte start in Australia and New Zealand with its launch at the 2008 Australian International Motor Show, with deliveries beginning in late 2008.
The Maserati Quattroporte has a recommended retail price of $286,000 in Australia, while in New Zealand it has a price of $278,000. The new 4.7 litre Quattroporte S has an RRP of $323,800 in Australia and in New Zealand it is priced at $308,500.
The New Quattroporte style: A strengthened identity
The Quattroporte is an acclaimed beauty and the changes that have been made are a combination of styling refinements to link it to the new GranTurismo and to maintain its presence at the cutting edge of technology.
The function and technical requirements include the larger cooling area, for example, was a necessary requirement of the increased engine size. Technological features, such as the introduction of LEDs for the lighting units, as well as aerodynamic ones, which optimise the air flows in the lower part of the vehicle, have also contributed to the final result.
The new Quattroporte looks as if it is gripping the road with even greater determination, with a fresh aggressiveness at the front, due to its increased similarity to the GranTurismo. This effect derives above all from the new radiator grille with vertical fins, and from the larger-sized headlights, with an L-shaped band of LEDs, contributing to the car’s “tougher look”. The side has also been transformed with a more noticeable under-door moulding, while the rear-view mirrors merge more smoothly into the design of the car’s body.
To match the front, the rear has also been reinforced with a more striking approach. The stylistic link to the GranTurismo is clearly reflected in the red outline of the headlights, with a white central part. This is a strong signal of the new Quattroporte’s identity by night, when the rear parking light lights up to form a pair of slanted bars.
Interior
Sophisticated, cosseting and comfortable, the new Quattroporte interior owes its exclusive taste to unmistakably Italian style and meticulously crafted details. The dashboard retains its strong character provided by the supporting centre console, finished in luxury materials. All the harmony of the car’s shape now becomes apparent; the airbag housing in front of the passenger is perfectly integrated.
The centre console has been restyled to bring the controls closer together. This considerably improves the ergonomics of the driving position, also enhanced by snugger seats, a sportier grip for the steering wheel and an easily reachable storage compartment located in the central tunnel.
The New Quattroporte technology: More performance, more control
The new 4.7 litreengine
The dual soul as luxury sedan with sports-car performance of the new Quattroporte range finds its highest expression on board the Quattroporte S, equipped with the brilliant 4.7 litre V8 delivering a maximum power output of 317 kW (430 bhp) at 7,000 rpm, and a maximum torque of 490Nm at 4,750 rpm.
Easily identifiable thanks to its red cylinder head covers, it is the top of the range of a new family of wet sump engines developed by Maserati engineers to ensure smooth ride and unbeatable performance.
The technical features incorporated in this unit, with the maximum engine speed rising to 7,200 rpm, have further upgraded the outstanding qualities of the latest Maserati engines, i.e. the high specific power output and the capacity for rapid rise and fall in rpm, for an even more thrilling driving experience.
Fully responsive in all driving conditions, the 4.7 litre V8 reveals astonishing acceleration even in high gears, particularly useful during motorway journeys. This is achieved through the skilful harmonisation of the shapes of the intake and exhaust ducts, combined with the use of continuous-actuation timing advance processors on the intake camshafts, optimisation of the combustion chamber, and the way the engine itself is calibrated to deliver 82 per cent of torque at just 2,500 rpm.
Exhaust/evaporative emissions and fuel consumption fully comply with the planned Euro 5 regulations for European and LEV2 for the US, thanks to the introduction of an innovative perforated metal sheet catalytic converter that combines emission reductions and reliability.
The new engine’s performance figures are the optimum for the pinnacle of the Quattroporte range:
- Maximum power output: 317 kW (430 CV) at 7,000 rpm
- Maximum torque: 490 Nm at 4,750 rpm
- Top speed: 280 km/h
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5.4 s
The 4.2 litre engine
The time-proven 90 degree V8 normally aspirated 4,244 cm3 engine remains available on the Quattroporte and is immediately recognisable thanks to its blue cylinder head covers. As soon as the engine is started, the low engine noise level thanks to the wet sump lubrication may be immediately appreciated. On the road, the exceptional amount of torque produced by the engine, reaching 460 Nm at 4,750 rpm, together with the acoustic comfort it guarantees, is a remarkable combination.
In fact, the car’s performance sets a new benchmark for luxury sedans:
- Maximum power: 295 kW (400 CV) at 7,000 rpm
- Maximum torque: 460 Nm at 4,750 rpm
- Top speed: 270 km/h
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5.6 s
The 4.2 litre Quattroporte features new single-rate dampers, optimised for the smoothest and most comfortable ride. Skyhook suspension is available as an optional extra on this model.
The Quattroporte debuts with its new Verde Deep Emerald, Sabbia interiors, a new look which is even more natural and elegant than the previous Beige version, paired with the new Starwood wood.
The Handling pack available as an optional extra on the Quattroporte is conceived to enhance the car’s sporty character. It includes: 19” V-Style wheels, suspension system with racing set-up, dual-cast front brakes with 360 mm discs, red brake callipers and Active Shifting system with gearshift paddles on the steering-wheel.
The New Quattroporte Transmission: Fast, Fluid and Progressive
The automatic transmission of the Quattroporte, featuring a hydraulic torque converter, is the result of a state-of-the-art collaboration between Maserati and ZF which enhances the V8’s progressive delivery at low-medium revs without limiting its power, allowing changes at engine speeds up to 7,200 rpm.
As well as the Normal driving mode, there are two additional automatic gear change modes, ICE and Sport, so the driver can choose the most suitable one according to the road conditions and his/her personal driving style.
Like the true sports sedan it is, the Quattroporte can also be driven manually using the gear lever on the central tunnel, or the optional gearshift paddles behind the steering wheel. The sixth gear has been optimised to reduce fuel consumption and noise even further during motorway use at high speeds.
In the Quattroporte S, the new, more aggressive power delivery of the 4.7 litre engine is combined with specific gearbox software, developed to optimise the acceleration and the sporty feel of the automatic transmission.
The New Quattroporte Structure: Strength and Beauty
The body of the Quattroporte provides an excellent level of torsional and bending stiffness, which enables a very precise drive. Furthermore, the high dynamic frequencies of the body itself ensure the highest levels of comfort in any driving condition.
THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM
The layout features antidive and antisquat front and rear wishbone suspension. The first prevents the front from diving when braking, while the second prevents the tail from pitching down under acceleration.
The new Quattroporte range also benefits from further improvements made to the suspension, to adapt the system to different driving requirements. The Quattroporte S 4.7 litre is fitted with a further developed Skyhook suspension system (featuring electronically controlled damping and continuously adjustable setup), with new damper settings, springs and valves, to optimise the frequency response.
STABILITY AND TRACTION CONTROL
The Quattroporte’s dynamic handling is further enhanced by the MSP, Maserati Stability Program, specially developed by Maserati to ensure safety and driving pleasure. The system interfaces with the ABS, EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and ASR (anti-slip regulation during acceleration) functions, and acts on the brakes and engine to help the driver maintain full control of the car, even in the most critical situations.
WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION
Safe and easy to handle on any road condition, the secret behind the balanced behaviour of the Quattroporte lies in its weight distribution, a real one-of-a-kind in this segment, with slightly more weight on the rear axle (49% on the front and 51% on the rear). This configuration, obtained by placing the engine behind the front axle, maximises traction and acceleration.
The New Quattroporte brakes: Dual-Cast for the Quattroporte S
The new Maserati Quattroporte S is equipped with a high performance braking system featuring dual-cast front discs, developed together with Brembo, first used with excellent results on the Quattroporte Sport GT S. Thanks to the co-fusion of materials, this technology conjugates the benefits coming from the high-temperature performance of cast iron to the light weight of aluminium.
Monobloc aluminium brake callipers with six pistons of differentiated diameters (30/34/36 mm) are used for the front dual-cast discs, as they are more resistant to deformation than ordinary two-piece callipers. The greater efficiency at any working pressure leads to a shorter brake pedal stroke.
The New Quattroporte: New Lighting Solutions
NEW LED LIGHTS
The technical evolution of the new Quattroporte is obvious at a glance thanks to the lighting system, redesigned to optimise every single function. The LED technology adopted on both the front and rear lights represent a visually strong impact innovation for the new Quattroporte, and are one of the main elements of continuity with the Maserati GranTurismo stylistic elements.
The evolution in the lighting system is not limited to LEDs. The main component of the front headlights is a bi-xenon lamp providing full-beam and dipped functions, complete with the new Adaptive Light Control system.
For the first time the new Quattroporte is equipped with a Daytime Running Light function, which uses the side lights.
The extraordinary technological level of the lighting equipment is evident even when the lights are switched off, thanks to the special treatment of the internal surfaces of the front and rear lights.
The New Quattroporte Safety: Upgrades in all areas
The safety system of the new Quattroporte has been tested with hundreds of simulations, thus guaranteeing the high level of passenger protection required by the strictest European and US standards (FMVSS, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard).
The front airbags (driver and passenger) are dual-stage, with inflation always directly related to the intensity of the impact.
The new passenger air bag system, equipped with Low Risk Deployment feature, guarantees maximal security in all cases of frontal impact.
Thanks to a combination of different elements, the air bag can conveniently adapt to all situations: additional holes allow reduction of pressure when the air bag impacts against an obstacle near the dashboard; the low concave part has been conceived to protect children in their baby-seats; finally the two lateral sections support the shoulders, thus reducing pressure on the head and thorax of adult passengers.
In case of lateral impact, the side-bags integrated in the front seats and the window-bags inflate to protect the head and upper-body of the front and rear passengers.
Their action is synergic with that of the safety belts, equipped with pre-tensioners and load limiters, to retain the occupants even in case of a particularly violent deceleration.
The New Quattroporte’s standard safety equipment includes laminated glass for all windows, obtained by binding two sheets of semi-tempered glass together, separated by a thin plastic laminate (PVB). This highly-resistant solution offers important advantages compared to normal tempered glass in terms of safety, as well as excellent thermal and acoustic insulation.
The New Quattroporte Interior: Comfort, style, luxury
Stylish, superbly crafted finishing touches are combined with the spacious, comfortable interior of a sedan car specifically designed for travelling. The Quattroporte is just as roomy as ever, with a new look that can be experienced above all from the driver’s seat, with enhanced ergonomics featuring:
- A more comfortable seat configuration, with five sets of piping
- A multifunction steering-wheel with a racing grip
- Controls arranged closer together on the centre console
- New graphics for the instrument panel and clock face (consistent with the style of the GranTurismo)
- Additional small storage compartment in the central tunnel
- Passenger air bag integrated in the dashboard.
Rear seat passengers will now experience an even more comfortable journey, with excellent noise insulation and no vibrations. The laminated glass, the new suspension setup and excellent rigidity of the body once again give the new Quattroporte the highest levels of comfort.
MATERIALS: FINE WOODS AND POLTRONA FRAU LEATHER
Along with the outstanding technical solutions reflecting the high-performance essence of the range, the new Quattroporte boasts exclusive, elegant interior finishes. The materials used and attention to detail express the best of traditional Italian craftsmanship – an integral feature of Maserati DNA.
NEW WOODS
Wood – a classic, natural material, pleasant to see and touch, capable of creating a warm atmosphere – is used in the new Quattroporte for large panelled surfaces as well as small decorative inlays, with a process that requires great skill as well as the most sophisticated, precision technologies.
The range of woods now includes three new exclusive, sophisticated types: Starwood, Vavona and Polished Wengè.
Those who prefer a more avant-garde look may choose from Black Piano or the original Blu Laque.
POLTRONA FRAU LEATHERS
The Quattroporte range features Poltrona Frauleather as standard. Poltrona Frauleather is renowned worldwide as an outstanding example of the best Italian craftsmanship; it is unique, because of the richness of the material used and the traditional techniques employed.
After being meticulously selected, Poltrona Frau leathers undergo a special process combining mechanical and manual techniques. The purpose is to obtain the best quality and a pleasant feel when touched. Subsequent treatments add softness, durability, strength and usability to its refined appearance. The leather is warm and inviting in winter, fresh and cool in summer, with the added advantage that its beauty is enhanced as it ages.