A classic example of authentic Italian design, the Maserati Quattroporte has embraced gracefully the virtues of elegance and athletic attitude, particularly in the GranLusso and GranSport trims.
The best Italian designers have been involved in developing the design language of the Quattroporte throughout its 55-year history. In 1963, the first Maserati Quattroporte seamlessly fused the qualities of speed, style and luxury in a sleek body designed by Pietro Frua - and ever since, Maserati has been considered a master of sports sedan design.
The second-generation version in 1974 was designed by Bertone but it was Giorgetto Giugiaro's 1979 Quattroporte that saw great success. Marcello Gandini redefined the flagship sedan with his compact 1994 Quattroporte, while Pininfarina's 2003 model set the segment's design standard for almost a decade.
The modern-day Maserati Quattroporte is as distinctive and exclusive as its predecessors the least. The dominant, powerful nose is sculpted around the Alfieri-shaped three-dimensional grille, which is pointed and imposing, featuring vertical chrome rib elements that contrast with the depth of the 'sharknose' effect.
Beneath the rear bumper, the GTS version can be identified by its twin, trapezoidal, integrated dual pipe exhaust system in chrome-plated stainless steel, while the V6 and diesel models use twin, oval, dual exhaust pipes.
Aerodynamic Drag coefficient 0.28
A large part of the Quattroporte's aerodynamic work takes place out of sight beneath the car. The flat floor comprises several aerodynamic features, including a NACA duct to help cool the differential without increasing drag, and flaps on the rear suspension arms to channel airflows.
The signature Maserati grille is a functional element of the car's active aerodynamics, integrating an Air Shutter between the air vents and the radiator. The electrically-adjustable device provides optimal control of the engine temperature, reduces the aerodynamic drag and subsequently improves fuel economy and CO2 emissions. As a result, the Cx coefficient of the Quattroporte is an exceptional 0.28.
There is a choice of ten body colours in the MY19 Maserati Quattroporte range. Two of them are brand new tri-coat colours, the race-inspired Rosso Potente, which has been created to celebrate the heritage of Italian sports cars, and the Blu Nobile, with sparkling glass flakes glimmering under the sunlight. There is also a choice of nine alloy wheels in six different designs in sizes ranging from 19 to 21-inch. Brand new for MY19 are the 20-inch Perseo and the 21-inch Atlante wheels, both available in light and dark finishes.
The V6 versions are standard equipped with 19-inch wheels fitted with 245/45 R19 front and 275/40 R19 rear tyres. The top-of-the line Quattroporte GTS features standard 21-inch wheels with 245/35 R21 front and 285/30 R21 rear tyres.
Adaptive full LED headlights
The Adaptive full LED headlights are fitted as standard on all Quattroporte versions for low and high beam, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), parking and turn lights, featuring Static Bending Lights and automatic height regulation. The full LED headlamps feature horizontal DRLs and a three-blade design inspired by the signature Maserati wing air ducts.
The LED headlights include a front camera that supports 'BiLed Glarefree' adaptive high beam. This function can create a light 'tunnel' by lowering the beams to reduce the light shining on vehicles travelling towards you, while keeping all other zones fully illuminated. This allows the driver to maintain high beam without dazzling oncoming drivers.
The headlights can also interact with different vehicle parameters to activate one of the following lighting scenarios: Town (< 50km/h), Country (50-110km/h), Motorway (>110km/h) and Weather modes.
GranLusso, GranSport and updated Nerissimo package
The GranLusso and GranSport trim levels are available as an upgrade for all V6 versions, representing the perfect blend of luxury and performance. The top-of-the range Quattroporte GTS is available exclusively with either of these two trims.
The GranLusso trim is distinguishable by its front lower fascia design, featuring an elegant floating-bridge element and a subtle spoiler. It is rounded off with a chrome bumper finish and body-colour bumper profiles.
The profile incorporates side skirts, while on the rear the look is even cleaner, characterised by a sculptured retro-reflector and body-coloured spoiler. The look is completed by 20-inch Mercurio rims and black-painted brake calipers.
The Maserati Quattroporte GranSport features centre and side air intakes with dedicated design, which improves the cooling function while showcasing an aggressive front area. The lower fascia is linked to the grille with aerodynamic-inspired splits. The back is characterised by a striking composition of the central panel and the two cut outs that focus attention on the exhausts. A Black Piano spoiler completes the rear view.
The Quattroporte GranSport is equipped with brand new 21-inch forged aluminium Atlante rims, glossy black finish on the bumpers and red brake calipers.
For MY19, the Maserati 'Centro Stile' has designed a specific front grille and side skirts for the GTS GranSport version.
As for the recently introduced Nerissimo package, it is now available in seven specific body colours - four of which are brand new - combining black elements (front grille, daylight openings and door mirrors) with LED headlamps and exhaust tips in dark finish.
Details such as the grille upper bezel trim, the rear trunk accent, the side air vents, the trident on grille and all Maserati badges and logos are in Black Chrome. The updated MY19 Nerissimo package has also adopted dark tail lights, body-colour door handles and new 21-inch wheels with dark finish.
Interior design
Pieno Fiore natural leather and new veneers are available in the sumptuous interior of the Quattroporte, which also features improved infotainment graphics and climate control ergonomics.
Thanks to its long wheelbase, the latest-generation Quattroporte has set a benchmark for roominess, while its stylishly neat interior gives both driver and passengers the sensation of travelling in an exclusive first class lounge.
The interior delivers streamlined, wraparound forms, which endow the dashboard and tunnel with a feeling of lightness. The dashboard features a full-width surface in a variety of exclusive, precious trims, underlining the refined character of the Maserati Quattroporte and rounded out by decorative inserts on the front and rear door panels.
The interior is focused around a driver-friendly interface. The instrument cluster's large, analogue rev-counter and speedometer flank a 7" TFT display for many of the car's operational features. The leather-finished steering wheel is electrically adjustable for both reach and height.
The MTC+ infotainment system is based on a high-resolution 8.4" capacitive touch screen, which features updated graphics and improved Climate Control functions for MY19. A double rotary knob in forged aluminium provides intuitive control of the audio volume and other functions.
For MY19 the center console accommodates a redesigned gearshift lever and a revised button cluster for the driving modes and is also available now with two American size cup holders - a standard feature in the cars intended for the US and Canada markets.
The roomy, comfortable three-seat bench offers excellent legroom in the rear. Two individual seats are also available as an exclusive option on the Quattroporte GranLusso. They feature ventilation and electrical movement, ensuring unbeatable relaxation during long working trips, and they can also be fitted with individual entertainment screens.
The rear armrest has a USB socket for charging mobile devices and two foldaway cup holders. An ashtray on the door panel is now available as an option. The rear seats are equipped with ISOFIX fittings.
The interior lighting uses an optical fibre running along the dashboard and doors, including the door handle cavities and door pockets, to give the interior a modern, classy look. The ergonomically designed dome console includes the boot lid button and a parking sensor control switch on the right of the sunroof controls, in the dome lamp area.
The front and rear ceiling lights incorporate a diffused lighting lamp and two separate reading lights. Two LED lights concealed in the ceiling light softly illuminate the area beneath them, while the foot area is also illuminated.
The Quattroporte interior also features a box for phone storage, three 12V power sockets and a USB charging port in the rear armrest. A number of large compartments are available, two of which are at the bottom of the dashboard: a climate-controlled, illuminated passenger glove compartment and another for the driver, as well as an illuminated, climate-controlled storage area beneath the large front armrest. A Valet Mode is available in the touchscreen menu that electrically locks the passenger glove box. While this mode is active, the glove box is only accessible by inserting a four-digit PIN number.
The rear seats are 60-40 split and partly (40%) folding, allowing long objects to be stored in the 530-litre luggage compartment.
Remarkable equipment and wider choice of leather materials
The standard equipment includes a navigation system and leather, 12-way power comfort front seats with a 4-way electric lumbar support and heating function. The upper dashboard and the armrests are also upholstered in leather.
Maserati provides an exceptional degree of personalisation through the GranLusso and GranSport trim strategy. Each trim is combined with a vast range of materials for the customer to choose from, including fine woods, carbon fibre, fine-grain extended leather and the new full-grain Pieno Fiore leather. Coloured stitching contrasts with the leather colour on the upper dashboard, doors, seats, headrests, and in many other optional areas.
GranLusso trim: this luxury-focused option exclusively features Ermenegildo Zegna Silk interiors, Radica open-pore wood trim on the dashboard and leather steering wheel with wood insert. It also includes additional comfort equipment like power foot pedals, power rear and rear side sunblind, four-zone automatic climate control, heated rear seat, extended keyless entry and Soft Close Doors system.
The Ermenegildo Zegna Silk interiors combine fine-grain leather with 100% natural fibre Zegna mulberry silk inserts on the seats, door panels, roof lining, sunshades and ceiling light fixture. Always in dark grey, the silk can be combined with three different shades of luxurious fine leather: black, tan or red. The sophisticated, luxury finish of the car's interior can also be seen in the headrests, which feature an embroidered Trident emblem and contrast stitching. This unique and exclusive silk is made by the Zegna wool mill in Trivero, Italy, using a patented process.
GranSport trim: it is instantly recognisable thanks to an array of exclusive elements, such as the 12-way power sport leather seats, the sport steering wheel fitted with aluminium gearshift paddles and the Inox sport foot pedals. The wood trim on the dashboard is in high-gloss Piano Black. The sport steering wheel in full drilled black leather offers better grip and can be ordered with a carbon fibre insert, also in combination with the interior Carbon Package.
The Carbon Package, optionally available on the baseline and GranSport versions, makes the interior feel like an exclusive, lightweight racing cockpit. It includes a sport steering wheel with carbon fibre inserts plus carbon fibre interior trims, gearshift paddles and door sills.
Befitting its position as the flagship of the Quattroporte range, the GTS is exclusively available with either the GranLusso or GranSport trim.
In line with a long Maserati tradition, Quattroporte offers a wide range of interior customization. For MY19 the flagship sedan has adopted the Pieno Fiore natural leather, which represents the ultimate choice in terms of quality and feel. This full-grain leather is available in black, red and tan colour, either with comfort or sports seats, each with its own stitching pattern.
The new offer is combined with Premium (grain B) Leather on the upper and lower dashboard and on the armrest. The door panels also stand out for their unique, double-stitching pattern. Pieno Fiore is like no other leather used in the automotive industry for its natural, soft feel. It is purposely processed to develop a unique character throughout the years.
Maserati also offers two brand new High-Gloss interior veneers for the MY19 Maserati Quattroporte, the Carbon Fibre Twill, which adds exclusivity to the cabin by conveying the idea of a deep 3D look and the luxurious, wooden Rovere Veneer, which features fine stripes with a brushed effect under the glossy top coat.
MTC+ infotainment system with updated graphics
The central dashboard accommodates a high-resolution 8.4" screen with multi-touch function. The Maserati Touch Control Plus (MTC+) infotainment system offers great interaction as well as compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring functions. Thanks to the Apple chip contained in MTC+, the Siri Smart Personal Assistant can be used in the car.
MTC+ has been updated for MY19, featuring improved display graphics and Climate Control ergonomics. The button that deactivates the Start&Stop function can now be dragged and dropped on the main screen bar for immediate access from every menu.
A compartment below the climate control panel contains a phone box, SD card reader, USB socket and Aux-in port allowing the user to play music, watch films or view images. MTC+ also controls the front seat heating and ventilation, the steering wheel heating and the operation of the power rear sunblind.
With the optional rear seat entertainment unit, the Quattroporte features two 10.2" LCD displays allowing users to reproduce audio, video or photographs from external sources and it can deliver them in a wide range of formats. It also includes an A/V-IN connection for devices such as video game consoles, cameras, video cameras or laptops and can be equipped with a television tuner in most European countries and in China. The Quattroporte can contain optional WLAN technology that effectively turns the car into a Wi-Fi vehicle hotspot.
Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins Sound Systems
The Harman Kardon Premium Sound System is a standard feature throughout the entire Quattroporte range. The audio system uses a 12-channel, 900W amplifier with 10 speakers and a high-performance subwoofer, providing outstanding power and sound quality.
Maserati also offers hi-fi enthusiasts the optional Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System, with 15 speakers, a 1,280W amplifier and perfectly-configured QuantumLogic™ Surround.
The Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System features a central 100 mm Kevlar cone for midrange sound and three 25 mm tweeters at the centre and sides of the dashboard. The front doors house a 165 mm woofer and 100 mm Kevlar cone midrange speaker, while the rear doors each carry a 165 mm Kevlar woofer and 25 mm tweeter. The rear shelf has two 100 mm Kevlar midranges and a 315 x 200 mm subwoofer.
The result is a system that reproduces every subtle nuance of the sound to perfection, with unbeatable dynamic purity, for total realism and a completely new level of music enjoyment on the road. The system includes the Clari-Fi music restoration function as standard, which scans all types of compressed audio files for lost music details, intelligently corrects waveform deficiencies and restores high-fidelity by removing unwanted distortions.
Climate control with Air Sensor
Quattroporte is equipped with an Air Quality Sensor that substantially improves the comfort of occupants on-board. The system combines an intelligent sensor and a signal analysis system that calculates external pollution levels and prevents polluted air and toxic gases from entering the cabin.
The standard dual-zone climate control delivers great amounts of air through 13 ventilation ports, with four of them in the rear of the car. It balances its output through a sunlight sensor, providing seamless maintenance of the selected temperature. An electronically-controlled, variable-displacement compressor ensures efficient climate control. A wide array of sensors - including a humidity and a sunlight sensor - provides the system with the necessary information.
The four zone automatic climate control improves comfort for the rear passengers including a separate temperature control unit in the rear seat, a dedicated nebuliser and two additional ports on the B-pillars to increase airflow to the rear seats.
Keyless Entry, Soft Close Doors and Power Boot Lid
Incorporating Keyless Go technology, the Maserati Quattroporte simply opens by pulling the door handle or the luggage compartment button, while the key, which is made of polished aluminium, is in your pocket or a handbag.
Soft Close Doors, a feature included as standard on the GranLusso trim, securely, effortlessly and noiselessly closes doors left slightly ajar, increasing the car's safety and comfort, particularly for children in the back seat. Soft Close Doors are also activated whenever the door is manually closed, ensuring it is properly shut.
It is possible to open and close the Power Boot Lid simply by moving your foot under the rear bumper. In this case, for safety reasons, the lid will open or close only if the Passive Entry system acknowledges the presence of the key.
Double laminated windscreens
The windscreen and the rear window are both made from double laminated acoustic glass. As 51% of a car's external noise enters the cabin through the windscreen, the use of acoustic glass has enabled Maserati to make the cabin more comfortable and focus on delivering the type of noise Maserati owners prefer.
The side windows employ similar technology with single-layer lamination and acoustic damping. All this adds up to reduced external noise and excellent temperature stability, along with more robust windows. In addition, all three rear windows can be fitted with darkened glass for greater privacy.
High performance V6 and V8 engines
The family of Maserati petrol units boasts the top-of-the range 3.8-litre V8 for the Quattroporte GTS and the 3.0-litre V6 for the Quattroporte, Quattroporte S and S Q4 versions. Both engines are twin-turbocharged, developed by Maserati in collaboration with Ferrari and assembled in Maranello.
The Quattroporte is also available with the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel engine with AdBlue technology. This powerful unit is specifically developed by VM Motori according to Maserati specifications in terms of performance, efficiency and driving satisfaction.
Following the best Maserati tradition, the sound and performance of the exhaust system is controlled by pneumatic valves in the pipes of each bank, and passes through the unique Maserati Sound Tank to maintain the rich aural tradition of the brand.
In Normal driving mode, the bypass valves are closed up to 3,000 rpm to produce a comfortable and discreet engine sound. In Sport mode, the exhaust valves are opened, offering the shortest possible high-energy route for the exhaust gases, which gives the Maserati Quattroporte its maximum engine performance and unique Maserati sound.
Maserati Quattroporte GTS - 530hp Twin Turbo V8
The flagship 3.8-litre V8 engine is the perfect representation of Maserati's performance tradition. The engine produces 530hp at 6,800 rpm and 650 Nm peak torque from 2,000 rpm to 4,000 rpm. The peak torque figure can be automatically overboosted to 710 Nm between 2,250 rpm and 3,500 rpm. These engine figures help the Quattroporte to reach 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds and a top speed well above the 300 km/h barrier at 310 km/h.
The V8 Maserati engine has been specifically designed to deliver remarkable performance at all engine speeds, combined with lower consumption and emissions. The V8 powerplant boasts very high torque even at speeds as low as 1,500 rpm. It uses high-tumble cylinder heads and four-phase variators in a concept refined by Maserati Powertrain for optimal combustion control.
The V8 engine is boosted by two small parallel twin-scroll turbines - one for each bank of cylinders - which provide the high performance expected of a Maserati engine while reducing inertia.
Maserati Powertrain focused on integrating the turbine housing into the exhaust manifold for a compact, lightweight solution. Each turbocharger is fed by its own air-to-air intercooler. The Quattroporte has two intercoolers, each mounted low and wide of the main radiators to catch a constant supply of fresh, cool air.
The engine operates in Normal, Sport and I.C.E. (Increased Control & Efficiency) driving modes. I.C.E. is aimed at reducing consumption, emissions and noise. It delivers a softer throttle pedal response for smooth driving, cancels the overboost function and keeps the exhaust's sport flaps closed until up to 5,000 rpm. Besides delivering the Maserati Quattroporte's peak fuel efficiency figure, I.C.E. mode is also ideal for driving on low-grip surfaces.
Maserati Quattroporte S and S Q4 - 430hp Twin Turbo V6
The Quattroporte S and S Q4 deliver 430hp and 580 Nm peak torque between 2,250 rpm and 4,000 rpm. The maximum engine speed is 6,500 rpm.
The 3.0-litre Twin Turbo V6 engine shares most of its core components with the V8 - same bore dimensions, variable valve technology and very similar turbocharging, manifold and engine block technology. It uses high-tumble cylinder heads and four-phase variators. With two continuous cam phasers for each cylinder head, it can advance or retard the inlet and exhaust valve timing independently in real time.
As on the V8, the engine uses an ECU with integral high-speed processors, which handle an array of functions in real time. Maserati Powertrain has also switched to on-demand ancillaries, with a variable displacement electrically-driven oil pump for improved consumption and performance. The V6 also uses an innovative computer system to control the alternator, which monitors the vehicle's electricity consumption and manages the alternator's workload to match the need.
The Maserati V6, though, features a V600 architecture, instead of V900, that gives it a character of its own. Its specific power output and peak torque are slightly higher than in the 3.8-litre V8 engine at 144 hp and 194 Nm per litre respectively (V8: 139 hp and 187 Nm per litre with overboost).
The Quattroporte S Q4 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in a remarkable 4.8 seconds while the Maserati Quattroporte S accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds. Maximum speed is 288 km/h for both versions. The Quattroporte S Q4 achieves 11.9 litres/100 km and 275 g/km CO2.
Maserati Quattroporte - 350hp Twin Turbo V6
The Euro6c-compliant 3.0-litre Twin Turbo V6 is also available with a different mapping that gives it 350hp power output at 5,500 rpm and 500 Nm peak torque between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm with 90% of the maximum torque already available at 1,600 rpm. The 350hp Maserati Quattroporte retains a true to Maserati sporty character: it accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and has a top speed of 270 km/h while achieving 11.2 litres/100 km and 259 g/km CO2.
Maserati Quattroporte Diesel - 275hp turbodiesel
Maserati's Euro6c 3.0-litre V6 Turbodiesel engine incorporates AdBlue technology, with its specific on-board tank placed below the rear fuel tank. The excellent technological characteristics of this power unit are based on a ball-bearing Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT) that reduces internal friction and consequently turbo lag.
Specific, high-efficiency injectors coupled with a 2,000 bar fuel injection system optimise combustion, while variable geometry intake manifolds improve power output at all engine speeds. Specific steel double thin-wall exhaust manifolds with Air Gap technology maintain a higher exhaust gas temperature, energise the flow of exhaust gas and contribute to the high specific power delivered.
These features lend the V6 turbodiesel dynamic characteristics true to the Maserati heritage. The Quattroporte Diesel delivers 600 Nm peak torque between 2,000 and 2,600 rpm and 275hp maximum power output at 4,000 rpm. A 250hp variant is available for the Italian market only.
The Quattroporte Diesel accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 6.4 seconds, up to a maximum speed of 252 km/h. Thanks to the Auto Start-Stop system, a CO2 figure of 191 g/km and fuel consumption of 7.3 l/100 km.
Active Sound exhaust
Thanks to Active Sound technology, the Quattroporte Diesel exhaust system produces a characteristic Maserati sound that underlines the car's performance-ready nature, and which can be varied at the touch of a button. Two sound actuators fitted near the exhaust tailpipes accentuate the engine's most distinctive tones and modulate them accordingly, depending on the driving style. When the driver presses the Sport button on the central tunnel, the sound becomes even more resonant and utterly inspiring for a diesel - reminiscent of that of a V8 petrol engine. Just the inspiring soundtrack you would expect from a Maserati.
Redesigned gearshift lever
All versions of the Maserati Quattroporte are fitted with the eight-speed ZF automatic transmission that ensures exceptional comfort, fast gearshifting, optimised fuel consumption and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).
MY19 Quattroporte is fitted with a redesigned gearshift lever, which features an intuitive, dual lane shift pattern that provides shorter travel and improved operation. The driver has the option to use the gearbox in either automatic (RND) or manual mode (M) simply by shifting the lever from right to left, while a new 'P' button on top sets the transmission in parking mode.
With the new gearshift lever, the driving modes cluster in the center console is even more user-friendly. The M button has been eliminated and a Start&Stop "off" button has moved in its place.
Thanks to two overdrive gears, the transmission alone contributes greatly to overall efficiency. Following a Maserati tradition, it can be set to five dedicated shift modes: Auto Normal, Auto Sport, Manual Normal, Manual Sport and I.C.E. All gearshift modes can be selected via buttons on the left of the gear knob.
The car recognises a variety of conditions, such as whether it is travelling up or downhill, braking hard or driving through a corner, and selects the best gear and the gearshift style accordingly. In Manual Normal mode the system automatically shifts up as the red line approaches, while in Manual Sport, gearshifts are quicker and sharper and the engine can be pushed to the red line without the system intervening.
Quattroporte S Q4: Intelligent All-Wheel Drive the Maserati way
The Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System has been designed to enhance the high performance, grand touring qualities of the Quattroporte and to offer absolute safety and genuine all-weather capability, whatever the road conditions.
The system has been engineered to be compact, lightweight and to guarantee highest traction, torque, and comfort in every condition. It also conveys a typical Maserati rear-wheel driving experience, even on low-grip road conditions. The system acts by transferring traction to the front wheels on demand, and with an immediate response.
In normal driving conditions the Q4 provides 100% of the engine torque to the rear wheels, which also optimises fuel consumption and emissions. In low-grip conditions or in the case of grip loss at the rear axle, the system reacts instantaneously, transferring the necessary torque to the front wheels.
In a mere 150 milliseconds, the Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System is capable of altering the torque split from 100% rear-wheel drive to 50:50 distribution between front and rear wheels. When conditions require it, the system, with its variable torque control, is constantly and continuously activated.
While the change in torque split is imperceptible, a monitoring system integrated in the 7" colour information cluster display, visualises the front-to-rear distribution in real time. The system architecture is based on an electronically-controlled multi-plate wet clutch installed into a transfer case linked by a drive shaft to the front axle.
While driving, a sophisticated algorithm specifically developed by Maserati is capable of monitoring an extensive range of dynamic vehicle parameters in real time: wheel speed, steering and yaw angle, power output, speed, braking action, MSP, as well as wheel grip versus driving style.
Processing all this data, the Q4 Intelligent All-Wheel Drive System can maximise a dedicated grip profile for each single wheel, creating the optimal vehicle dynamic management to suit any given road condition at any time. This strategy has the sole objective of optimising the balance between driving pleasure and safety.
Like all modern-day Maserati models, Quattroporte utilises a mechanical rear Limited Slip Differential (LSD) in all of its versions to deliver the best inherent traction in every driving situation. The bevel-drive asymmetric unit offers 35% lock-up under power and 45% under release.
Chassis
The chassis of the Maserati Quattroporte has been precisely designed to meet the performance and comfort demands of Maserati buyers while maximising safety levels.
With a 3,17 m long wheelbase at its core, the Quattroporte equally offers exceptional interior comfort and exciting handling characteristics. Despite its generous size, the flagship Maserati sedan is remarkably lightweight, weighing 1,900 kg in V8 form while the rear-wheel-drive V6 versions weigh 40 kg less.
Based around a rigid and extremely secure steel cell, it uses an array of different steel and aluminium alloys, each designated to maximise strength, minimise weight and retain the executive sedan's perfect 50:50 weight distribution.
The front of the chassis is based around an aluminium casting, with a reinforced cross-strut which helps deliver outstanding rigidity in every direction, while the rear of the chassis is made from rolled steel.
The choice of aluminium for the bulk of the body panels was based around the delivery of the maximum possible passenger safety for the lowest possible weight. Accordingly, all four doors, the bonnet, the front quarter panels and the boot lid are all made from aluminium, while the dashboard's cross strut is made from ultra-lightweight magnesium.
Standard Skyhook suspension
Double-wishbone suspension layouts are a racing tradition at Maserati. The Quattroporte continues with this heritage while incorporating state-of-the art technologies for greater accuracy.
The front suspension uses high-mounted all-aluminium double wishbones to guarantee light and precise handling characteristics.
Aluminium is the dominant metal of the front suspension system with the dome nuts, hub carrier bars and uprights all made from forged aluminium, while the springs are made from steel. This matches up to constantly-adaptive Skyhook dampers and an anti-roll bar.
The geometry of the system has delivered a quadrilateral architecture, which has enabled Maserati's handling team to deliver a precise, communicative and comfortable steering.
The rear suspension employs a five-bar multi-link system with four aluminium suspension arms, and has achieved the conflicting targets of executive ride comfort and extreme sports performance.
The suspension package also uses anti-roll bars and steel springs damped by a faster and more accurate development of the Skyhook adaptive damping system, one of the standout features of the Quattroporte. All four Skyhook dampers are electronically controlled independently of each other. Skyhook prioritises comfort and then becomes more athletic if the driver presses the suspension button, which is separated from the Sport button.
This extra stiffness was developed in both extreme test scenarios and on the racetrack, and transforms the handling of the Quattroporte. Essentially, it drastically reduces both longitudinal and lateral load transfers and minimises body roll to bring out the sportier side of the Maserati Quattroporte's character.
Brembo dual cast brakes
Maserati has continued its long association with Brembo on the Quattroporte and most versions feature fixed-caliper braking technology.
Depending on the market, the Quattroporte 350hp, Diesel and S versions feature four-piston brakes with fixed alloy Brembo calipers and 345 x 28 mm ventilated discs in the front, plus floating Continental calipers with 330 x 22 mm ventilated discs in the rear.
The brakes on the Quattroporte S Q4 model are 360 x 32 mm ventilated and cross-drilled dual cast type with six-piston fixed alloy Brembo calipers on the front axle, while the rear axle is fitted with four-piston fixed alloy Brembo calipers with self-ventilating perforated discs of 345 x 28 mm.
The front axle of the Maserati Quattroporte GTS features 380 x 34 mm ventilated and cross-drilled dual cast brake discs and six-piston fixed alloy Brembo calipers, with the same Brembo system as the S Q4 version on the rear axle. The brake discs continue to be dual cast, a technology pioneered by Maserati, which allows the weight of the cast-iron braking surface area to be offset by an alloy 'hat' to minimise unsprung mass.
These brakes have an enlarged swept area, highly efficient cooling, are designed for consistent performance in sport driving situations and are oversized to meet the demands created by the Quattroporte's extremely high performance potential.
But stopping power is only one measure of overall braking performance. The collaboration with Brembo also concentrated on evolving the acoustic comfort of the Quattroporte's braking systems. The brakes also operate as part of the Quattroporte's automatic Hill Holder system.
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Since the EPS was introduced in the Quattroporte range, has improved the car's handling and comfort while better supporting the selectable driving modes and enabling the active Advanced Driving Assistance Systems that are available as an option in the Maserati Quattroporte range.
With an electronically-controlled electric actuator on the rack and pinion steering, EPS is light, simple, low-maintenance, easier to fine-tune and doesn't affect engine power. While retaining the razor-sharp handling typical of every Maserati, it offers improved feedback of road irregularities and peace of mind in parking and low-speed manoeuvres.
Electric Parking Brake
Thanks to its state-of-the-art technology the Electric Parking Brake (EPB) offers superior performance and reliability. On the braking system with rear floating calipers, a Motor On Caliper (MOC) is fitted on the rear caliper, provided by Continental. On the braking systems with dual cast discs adopted by the Quattroporte S Q4 and GTS, an additional EPB caliper is fitted on the rear brake discs.
Integrated Vehicle Control and Active ADAS
The Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC) function has been incorporated in the Maserati Stability Program control for enhanced active safety and driving dynamics, while the optional active Advanced Driver Assistance Systems provide Level 2 autonomous driving technology.
By preventing - instead of simply correcting - a loss of car control, Integrated Vehicle Control, which has been developed in collaboration with Bosch, provides enhanced active safety and driving dynamics, better performance and a more enjoyable experience for the driver.
IVC uses a smart, feed-forward controller that predicts driving situations in advance and adapts the engine speed and brakes accordingly. IVC intervenes more smoothly and with less noise than a traditional ESP, ensures better car balance and traction at the limits of the car's dynamics and employs intelligent torque vectoring to optimise lateral dynamics in a natural way even when MSP is off. In dynamic test manoeuvres, like slalom and lane change, IVC has demonstrated higher drive-through speed and improved racetrack lap times.
Maserati Stability Program (MSP)
Developed in the most extreme test conditions, the MSP uses a wide array of sensors for early detection and intervention. If skidding is detected, the system reduces the engine's torque output and may activate the brakes with finely varied inputs to restore the car's stability within milliseconds. The MSP integrates sub-systems such as ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Engine brake torque control (MSR), which prevents wheels from locking when downshifting on low-grip surfaces, Brake Assist System (BAS) and the Integrated Vehicle Control (IVC).s
Advanced Driving Assistance Systems
Level 2 ADAS, such as Highway Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Lane Keeping Assist mark a major step towards semi-autonomous driving. In the optional package is also included the efficient Traffic Sign Recognition.
Although ADAS are valuable assets for ensuring a safer driving experience, Maserati also remains faithful to its core philosophy as a manufacturer of race-bred grand touring cars with superior dynamics capable of offering an unparalleled driving experience. The introduction of the Active ADAS package in the Quattroporte range has made the car even safer in a variety of traffic conditions, but the driver should remain 100% in control at all times.
Highway Assist: a "hands-on" function (driver required to stay in control of the car at all times) intended for use on highways or limited access freeways at speeds up to 145 km/h with the Adaptive Cruise Control activated. It reduces driver fatigue and consequently enhances active safety by allowing the car to keep itself centred in its lane and to adapt its pre-selected speed in full autonomy.
The system employs a radar unit and a forward-looking camera and works with the EPS to control the direction of the car. The multi-function camera detects horizontal road markings and calculates the distance and speed of the preceding vehicle. Highway Assist includes a radio that provides road information, and a 'hands on wheel' detection system. The driver can override the system at any time.
Lane Keeping Assist: it keeps the car centred in its lane with direct input to the Electric Power Steering while the instrument panel display shows the specific status. When the Visual & Haptic box is selected in the touchscreen display, LKA actively steps in with corrective steering torque.
LKA uses a forward-looking camera that detects lane markers to determine the car's position, as well as a radar for data processing. The system works at speeds between 60 km/h and 180 km/h and when the indicators are on, it is deactivated.
Active Blind Spot Assist: a system that attempts to prevent a collision during lane change by using two radar-based sensors to monitor blind spot areas. As well as providing a LED and acoustic warning, ABSA can communicate with the EPS to intervene with steering torque and prevent a possible collision.
Traffic Sign Recognition: essentially, TSR prevents unintended speeding, providing the driver with real time information on the instrument panel about the current speed limit. Traffic Sign Recognition identifies speed limits for specific conditions, such as rain, fog or hour-specific limits, and uses map data from the navigation system to inform the driver in case actual signs are non-existent, invisible or not recognisable by the camera system.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go function: when activated (between 30 and 210 km/h), ACC constantly monitors the space between the Quattroporte and the vehicle ahead, maintaining a safe pre-set distance. If traffic slows or another vehicle moves in front, it slows the car down by making it coast or by engaging the brakes. Thanks to the Stop & Go function, the car will adjust to the target vehicle's speed until it comes to a complete stop and will set off automatically if the stop is shorter than two seconds.
Forward Collision Warning Plus: FCW Plus monitors vehicles ahead by means of a camera and warns the driver through visual and acoustic alerts when they are in danger of a possible rear-end collision.
Advanced Brake Assist system: If the driver brakes and the system determines that they have not applied sufficient brake force, ABA will compensate for this and provide the appropriate amount of additional braking.
Autonomous Emergency Braking: AEB is an active system designed to avoid collision or minimise damage. A potential collision is identified by the ACC radar and a forward-looking camera. The driver is provided with visual and acoustic alerts as an early warning to start braking. If they do not take action, the system will brake autonomously to help slow the vehicle down and minimise the impact.
Rear-view camera with dynamic lines
Located above the number plate, the camera turns on automatically when the reverse gear is selected and shows the area behind the car on the new high resolution 8.4" display. The camera utilises the rear parking sensors to alert the driver both visually and acoustically about potential obstructions. The dynamic grid lines represent the maximum width of the car and its projected path based on the steering angle signal.
Optional Surround View Camera
The Surround View Camera system uses four cameras in total - two lateral cameras housed underneath the side mirrors, as well as a forward- and rear-looking camera - to provide a clear 360° bird's eye view of the car on the high-resolution display. It is activated automatically in reverse gear or manually via the soft button on the 8.4" display and provides five selectable views. It also shows open doors and parking guide lines.
Rear Cross Path
This function issues alerts to help drivers reverse out of parking spaces when their view of oncoming vehicles is blocked. Using sensors located on either side of the rear bumper, it detects any vehicles or objects moving towards the side of the vehicle at speeds between approximately 1 km/h and 16 km/h.
Passive Safety
The Maserati Quattroporte's passive safety equipment has been given a tightly-focused overhaul to successfully improve its crash safety without compromising its weight or fuel consumption.
Maserati has balanced these conflicting demands by using hot-formed steel in critical areas of the passenger compartment for added passenger safety, while using aluminium in other areas to save weight.
In particular, the front of the passenger compartment (the pillars and under-door mouldings) features hot-moulded steel components, with a magnesium dashboard strut to save weight, while the rear is stiffened with high-strength steel. The crash bars at the front and rear of the car are made of extruded aluminium, while the doors, engine compartment, mudguards and luggage compartment are in aluminium.
The Maserati Quattroporte is equipped with a six-airbag system to provide maximum occupant safety. At the front, two-stage airbags are concealed from occupants inside the steering wheel and dashboard to protect the head in frontal impact crashes.
The driver's and front passenger's chest and hips are further protected by the side airbags beneath the seat leather. The sides of their heads are protected by two head curtain airbags mounted in the roof of the car, next to the B-pillar. The curtain airbag protects the heads of the front and rear occupants against lateral impact.
