Maserati Quattroporte VI
Quattroporte VI (M156, 2013–present)
| Sixth generation | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Overview | |
| Production | 2012–present |
| Model years | 2013–present |
| Assembly | Italy: Grugliasco, Turin (Giovanni Agnelli plant) |
| Designer | Lorenzo Ramaciotti |
| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive / four-wheel-drive |
| Related | Maserati Ghibli (M157) |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission | 8-speed ZF 8HP70 automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3,171 mm (124.8 in) |
| Length | 5,262 mm (207.2 in) |
| Width | 1,958 mm (77.1 in) |
| Height | 1,481 mm (58.3 in) |
| Kerb weight | 1,890 kg (4,167 lb) |
The current sixth-generation Quattroporte was introduced in early 2013. With a 3,171 mm (124.8 in) wheelbase it is a considerably larger vehicle than any of its predecessors, to set itself apart from the smaller Maserati Ghibli, which shares its underpinnings. Engine choice includes twin-turbocharged V6 and V8 petrol engines, as well as a turbodiesel.
History
Development
The new model was designed at a special Maserati-only department within the Fiat Group Centro Stile design centre, under the guidance of ex-Pininfarina designer Lorenzo Ramaciotti.[citation needed] Drivetrains, platform, suspension, and body elements such as the front doors are common to the Quattroporte and the smaller Ghibli saloon, which sits on a 173 mm (6.8 in) shorter wheelbase. The Quattroporte is built at the Officine Maserati Grugliasco plant in Grugliasco, near Turin, dedicated to Giovanni Agnelli; this former Bertone plant was acquired by Fiat S.p.A. in 2009 and renovated for production of the two Maserati saloons.
Launch
The current sixth-generation Quattroporte was revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2013. Production had started in November 2012. Initially the range included the V8 twin-turbo, rear-wheel drive Quattroporte GTS and the V6 twin-turbo, Quattroporte S, available with Q4 all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive depending on the market. The flagship GTS can be distinguished by its trapezoidal instead of round tail pipes. A V6 turbodiesel model for European markets was introduced in September 2013 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
2005 Neiman Marcus Maserati Quattroporte
Neiman Marcus offered only 60 of the limited-edition sedans. Each Neiman Marcus Quattroporte featured a chromed mesh-front grill and side vents and 19-inch polished wheels. Inside, the custom handcrafted interior features ivory Poltrona Frau leather with bordeaux piping and mahogany wood accents. Personalization was important, so, each car bore the owner’s name side by side to Pininfarina’s on the individually numbered nameplate. The MSRP was $125,000 USD and was only available for order through the 2004 Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog.
2015 Quattroporte Zegna Limited Edition
After a preview as a concept car at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, a total of 100 Quattroporte Zegna were produced for 2014 in collaboration with Italian fashion house Ermenegildo Zegna. The cars feature a platinum-metallic silk paint colour with aluminium pigments, and an interior upholstered in a special fabric which emulates that of Zegna suits.
2015
At the November 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show Maserati introduced the model year 2015 range. The Quattroporte GTS received mild cosmetic updates, such as new multi-spoke forged alloy wheels, colour-matched lower bodywork, and red-accented Maserati logos, while all models were given upgraded standard equipment and ampler trim choice.
Specifications
Body and chassis
The Quattroporte uses a mixed steel and aluminium unibody chassis. Front and rear crash structures, the shock towers, the front wings, all four doors, the engine bonnet and the boot lid are aluminium. Front suspension uses unequal length wishbones with a forged aluminium upright/hub carrier, and an anti-roll bar; rear suspension is a 5-link, with four aluminium links and a larger, steel fifth lower arm that also serves as spring seat. A front aluminium subframe supports the engine by two mounting points, the steering rack and the lower suspension arms. A rear subframe, made of steel, houses the differential and supports all five suspension links. Unlike previous generations, new Quattroporte has frameless doors.
Engines and performance
The range comprises two petrol engines, a 3.8-litre 90° V8 producing 523 bhp (390 kW; 530 PS) and a 3.0-litre 60° V6 producing 404 bhp (301 kW; 410 PS), 2,979 cc (182 cu in); both use a turbocharger per cylinder bank, twin intercoolers and are direct injection. The petrol engines are designed and assembled by Ferrari. V6 engine blocks are cast and machined to Ferrari's specifications respectively in Chrysler's Kokomo, Indiana and Trenton Engine Plant, then shipped to Modena (Italy) for assembly by Ferrari. A diesel engine is also available, a 275 PS (202 kW; 271 bhp) 3.0-litre V6 with a single variable geometry turbocharger, designed and built by FCA's subsidiary VM Motori. By 2018, the Quattroporte S Q4 will be upgraded to produce 450 bhp (336 kW; 456 PS) from its V6, and the GTS to produce 560 bhp (418 kW; 568 PS) horsepower from its V8, both with all-wheel drive (for the V8 to increase performance). The 2014 Quattroporte GTS accelerated from 0-60 in 4.2 seconds and ran the 1/4 mile in 12.7 seconds in Car and Driver's December, 2014 road test.
Print 