Maserati is preparing its new Quattroporte sports saloon for launch at the 2013 Detroit auto show – and these new spy photos show the new Maser on test in near-production spec.
Nestling under that disguise is the new 2013 Maserati Quattroporte, and there’s change aplenty for in store: the new one will sport four-wheel drive, for starters, which is bound to change the character of the big four-door.
A four-wheel drive Maserati Quattroporte? Whatever next?
CAR understands that 4wd only comes with the higher-powered engines, which will continue to be built by Ferrari. Eight-speed automatics including stop-start will feature and engines will be a mix of V6 and V8 petrol engines, and twin-turbocharging is expected.
Codenamed M156, the new 2013 Maserati Quattroporte is likely to grow in stature, judging by these spy shots – but Maser CEO Harald Wester was quoted recently claiming it would be ‘150kg lighter and at least 30% more economical than the current car.’
That points to a much lighter package; CAR predicts widespread use of aluminium and maybe other composite materials to keep weight in check.
There’ll be a baby Maserati Quattroporte too
Modena plans to move the QP up a notch to free up space for a smaller four-door sports saloon, due in late 2013 at next autumn’s Frankfurt motor show. This model is being called Levante or project M157 internally, according to reports in Italy.
Aimed at BMW M5/Mercedes E63 territory, the junior Quattroporte is to be powered by twin-turbo V6 petrol and diesel engines.
What with the new Kubang SUV due in 2014, it looks like Fiat is finally giving its second sports car brand the attention it deserves.