Maserati Quattroporte

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Maserati Quattroporte
Overview
Manufacturer Maserati
Production 1963–1969, 1974–1990, 1994-2001, 2004–2012, 2013-present
Body and chassis
Class Full-size luxury car
Body style 4-door saloon

The Maserati Quattroporte is a luxury four-door saloon made by Maserati in Italy. The name translated from Italian literally means "four doors". There have been six generations of this car.

Quattroporte I (1963–1969)

First generation
Overview
Production 1963-1969
Assembly Modena, Italy
Designer Pietro Frua[1]
Body and chassis
Layout FR layout
Related Maserati Sebring
Maserati 3500
Maserati Mexico
Powertrain
Engine 4.1 L 256 hp (191 kW) V8
4.7 L 295 hp (220 kW) V8
Transmission 5-speed manual
3-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,750 mm (108 in) [2]
Length 5,000 mm (200 in)
Width 1,690 mm (67 in)
Height 1,525 mm (60.0 in)
Curb weight 1,650 kg (3,640 lb)

In the early 1960s, Maserati's reputation was at a high. With growing sales, Prince Karim Aga Khan ordered a special Maserati 5000 WP, chassis no. 103,060, designed by Pietro Frua. The following year, Maserati showed the first-generation Quattroporte of 1963, which bore a striking resemblance to the earlier drawing. While the design was by Frua, construction was carried out by Vignale.

This, the 1963 'Tipo 107' Quattroporte, joined two other notable grand tourers, the Facel Vega and the Lagonda Rapide, which could comfortably do 200 km/h (124 mph) on the new motorways of Europe. However, the Quattroporte could be said to have been the first car specifically designed for this purpose.

It was equipped with a 4.1 L (4,136 cc/252 cuin) V8 engine, producing 256 hp (SAE) (191 kW) at 5,600 rpm, and either a five-speed ZF manual transmission or a three-speed automatic. Maserati claimed a top speed of 230 km/h (143 mph).

Between 1963 and 1966, 230 examples were made.

In 1966, Maserati revised the Tipo 107, adding twin headlights (already on the US model) and, from 1968, a 4.7 L, 295 hp (SAE) (220 kW) engine. Top speed increased to a claimed 255 km/h (160 mph),[3] making it the fastest four-door sedan in the world at the time. Around 500 of the second series were made, for a total of 776 Tipo 107 Quattroportes. Production stopped in 1969.[4]

Special models 1971 and 1974

s/n 002 Quattroporte V8

In 1971, Karim Aga Khan ordered another special on the Maserati Indy platform. Rory Brown was the chief engineer. It received the well known 4.9 litre V8 engine (Tipo 107/49), producing 300 PS (221 kW).[5] Carrozzeria Frua clothed the car, the prototype of which was displayed in Paris 1971 and Geneva 1972.[6] The car was production ready, even receiving its own chassis code (AM 121), but Citroën used their influence to have Maserati to develop the SM-based Quattroporte II instead.[7] In the end only two were finished, chassis #004 was sold by Maserati to the Aga Khan in 1974 and the prototype #002 went to the King of Spain, who bought his directly from Frua.[6]

Quattroporte II (1974–1978)

Second generation
Overview
Production 1976-1978
Assembly Modena, Italy
Designer Marcello Gandini at Bertone[1]
Body and chassis
Layout MF layout
Related Citroën SM
Powertrain
Engine 3.0 L Tipo AM 114.56.30 DOHC V6
Transmission 5-speed manual

In 1974, at the Turin Show, Maserati presented its Quattroporte II (AM 123)[6] on an extended Citroën SM chassis, available since Citroën had purchased the Italian company. It had sparse and slick Bertone bodywork, penned by Marcello Gandini and fashionable at the time, and was the only Maserati Quattroporte to feature hydropneumatic suspension and front wheel drive. It also had the swivelling directional headlights à la SM/DS. However, the 1973 oil crisis intervened. This, combined with the collapse of the Citroën/Maserati relationship, made Maserati unable to gain EEC approval for the car. Most of the cars built were thus sold in the Middle East and in Spain, where such type approval was not necessary.[5]

Furthermore, the front-wheel drive layout and the modest V6 3.0L powerplant based on the Citroën SM engine did not attract many customers. Its 210 PS (154 kW) at 5,500 rpm was barely enough to propel the 1,600 kg (3,500 lb) car to 200 km/h (124 mph). Maserati's traditional customers simply wouldn't consider the car a true Maserati. Maserati made 13 Quattroporte IIs. While the prototype was built in 1974, the succeeding twelve cars were built to order between 1976 and 1978.[5] The nearly stillborn Quattroporte II project was very costly for the small company, which found itself in debt to the tune of four billion lire by the end of 1978.[5]

Rear view of decomposing Quattroporte II

Quattroporte III/Royale (1979–1990)

Third generation
Overview
Also called Royale, 4porte
Production 1979-1990
Assembly Modena, Italy
Designer Giorgetto Giugiaro[1]
Body and chassis
Layout FR layout
Related Maserati Kyalami
Powertrain
Engine 4,136 cc 255 PS (188 kW; 252 bhp) V8
4,930 cc 280 PS (206 kW; 276 bhp) V8
4,930 cc 300 PS (221 kW; 296 bhp) V8[8]
Transmission 3-speed Chrysler/B-W automatic
5-speed ZF manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,800 mm (110.2 in)
Length 4,910 mm (193 in)
Width 1,788 mm (70.4 in)
Height 1,384 mm (54.5 in)
Curb weight 1,780 kg (3,924 lb)

Considered a "businessman's Maserati," the Quattroporte III was presented by newly empowered Maserati chief Alejandro de Tomaso and his design staff in 1977. This was a rear wheel drive car, powered by a large V8 engine. It was important to de Tomaso that there be an Italian vehicle to compete with the recently launched Mercedes-Benz 450SEL 6.9. The Quattroporte III marked the last of the hand-built Italian cars. All exterior joints and seams were filled to give a seamless appearance.

In 1976, Giorgetto Giugiaro presented two ItalDesign show cars on Maserati platforms, called the Medici I and Medici II. The latter in particular featured hallmarks which would make it into the production of the third-generation Quattroporte. At the 1977 Turin Motor Show, Maserati announced the Quattroporte III (Tipo AM 330), which took much from the Medici show cars, based on Maserati's Kyalami coupé, which in turn was based on the De Tomaso Longchamp. Special styling emphasis was placed on linearity, which was also useful to reduce tooling cost.

The sumptuous interior of the QP III

The Quattroporte III went into production in 1979,[9] equipped with a 4,136 cc V8 engine (confusingly but steadfastly referred to as the "4200" by Maserati) producing 255 hp (188 kW),[9] later 238 hp (SAE) (177 kW)[citation needed]. Also available was a 4.9 litre V8 (280 hp at 5,800 rpm[9]). One distinguishing characteristic of the vehicle was its particularly lavish interior. The automatics initially used a three-speed Borg–Warner automatic transmission, soon replaced by a Chrysler Torqueflite gearbox. Manual gearboxes were ZF-built five-speeds. The smaller engine was phased out in 1985. When leaving the factory all "4200" Maseratis were originally fitted with Pirelli Cinturato 205VR15 tyres (CN72).

From 1979 up to 1981 "4porte" badging was used, changed to Quattroporte for up to 1989. In 1986, the Maserati Royale, a handbuilt to order ultra-luxury version of the Quattroporte III, appeared. The engine was upgraded to 295 hp (SAE) (220 kW).

In all, 2,155 Quattroporte IIIs were produced,[8] one of them for Italian presidential use. Production ceased in 1990. Turinese coachbuilder Salvatore Diomante also offered a 65 cm longer limousine version, fully equipped with white leather, "abundant burr walnut", mini-bar, video recorder and many other necessities. The price of the Diomante limousine at introduction (1986) was a rather steep 210 million lire.[8]

The production figures for the Quattroporte are as follows:

  • There were 2100 4portes and Quattroporte IIIs produced between 1979 and 1989.
  • The remaining 55[citation needed] or 53[8] cars were Royales, manufactured between late 1986 and 1990. These were US$80,000 cars that were built to order only.

Quattroporte IV (1994–2001)

Fourth generation
Overview
Production 1994-2001
Assembly Modena, Italy
Designer Marcello Gandini[1]
Body and chassis
Layout FR layout
Related Maserati Ghibli II (platform)
Maserati Shamal (V8 engine)
Powertrain
Engine 1,996 cc, 287 PS (211 kW) V6
2,790 cc, 284 PS (209 kW) V6
3,217 cc, 335 PS (246 kW) V8
Dimensions
Wheelbase 2,650 mm (104.3 in)
Length 4,550 mm (179.1 in)
Width 1,810 mm (71.3 in)
Curb weight 1,543–1,647 kg (3,402–3,631 lb)

The Quattroporte IV (Tipo 337) from 1994 was a restyled, four-door version of the Ghibli II coupe. It was designed by Marcello Gandini. The new car was smaller than its predecessors, very aerodynamic (0.31 cd), and featured Gandini's trademark angular rear wheel arch.

A 2.8 L twin turbo V6 was installed, producing 284 PS (209 kW), reaching a top speed of 255 km/h (158 mph) while the Italians even had a "tax special" 2 litre version producing 287 PS (211 kW) on their price list. Both engines came from the familiar Maserati Biturbo engine catalog. The 2.8 was not even offered in the home market until a year after its introduction.[10] A V8 3.2 L Biturbo was announced in 1995, coming from the Maserati Shamal, developing 335 PS (246 kW) and reaching an approximate 270 km/h (168 mph).

After Ferrari took over Maserati in July 1997, it introduced a Quattroporte Evoluzione for 1998. It featured 400 new or improved parts out of a total 800, and also benefitted from improvements to Maserati's manufacturing methods.[10] The Evoluzione saw the famous oval Maserati clock disappear from the interior. Production ended in May 2001.
Rear of the Fourth Generation Quattroporte
Quattroporte IV[10] Units Produced Production Period Engine Capacity Power Max Speed
2.0i V6 24v5871994–19981,996 cc287 PS (211 kW) @ 6500rpm255 km/h (158 mph)
2.8i V6 24v6681994–19982,790 cc284 PS (209 kW) @ 6000rpm255 km/h (158 mph)
3.2i V8 32v4151996–19983,217 cc335 PS (246 kW) @ 6400rpm270 km/h (168 mph)
2.0i V6 Evoluzione2001998–20011,996 cc287 PS (211 kW) @ 6500rpm255 km/h (158 mph)
2.8i V6 Evoluzione1901998–20012,790 cc284 PS (209 kW) @ 6000rpm255 km/h (158 mph)
3.2i V8 Evoluzione3401998–20013,217 cc335 PS (246 kW) @ 6400rpm270 km/h (168 mph)
Total24001994–2001

Quattroporte V (2004–2012)

Fifth generation
Overview
Production 2004-2012
Assembly Modena, Italy
Designer Pininfarina
Body and chassis
Layout FMR layout
Related Maserati GranTurismo/GranCabrio
Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
Powertrain
Engine 4.2 L V8
4.7 L V8
Transmission 6-speed automatic
6-speed DuoSelect paddle-shift
Dimensions
Wheelbase 3,063 mm (120.6 in)
Length 2004-06: 5,052 mm (198.9 in)
2009-2012: 5,097 mm (200.7 in)
Width 1,895 mm (74.6 in)
Height 1,438 mm (56.6 in)
Curb weight 1,990 kg (4,387 lb)
Interior of a Maserati Quattroporte Executive GT.
Rear of the pre-facelift Quattroporte V

In 2004, Maserati started production of the Pininfarina-designed Quattroporte, with the same dry sump 4.2 L engine as the Coupé, Spyder and the new GranTurismo but improved to 400 PS (294 kW). Due to its greater weight than the Coupé and Spyder, the 0-62 mph (0–100 km/h) time for the Quattroporte is 5.6 seconds and the top speed is 167 mph (269 km/h).[11] 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 saloons in the Maserati line-up.

The 47% front / 53% rear weight distribution (with the DuoSelect transmission) allows the large saloon 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 Quattroporte's weight distribution maximizes traction and thrust during acceleration so that the car remains exceptionally stable and well balanced at all times. With the newer automatic transmission, the transmission is adjacent to the engine and weight distribution changes to 49% front / 51% rear.

Over 5,000 Quattroportes were built in 2006.[12]

Trim levels

The Maserati Quattroporte is offered in four configurations: the base Quattroporte, the Quattroporte Sport GT, the Quattroporte Sport GTS, and the Quattroporte Executive GT. The base level has a 4.2 litre V8 with 400 PS (294 kW; 395 hp) 460 N·m (339 lb·ft).

Sport GT

The Sport GT version of the Quattroporte was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2005. It features a reworked transmission, exhaust, 20 inch wheels, suspension modifications, and special interior and exterior accents including a mesh grille.

Sport GT S

Sport GTS at Goodwood 2009.

The Sport GT S version of the Quattroporte was introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007. It features a revised suspension, 20 inch wheels, and larger rear tires for improved handling. The brakes received iron/aluminum rotors for greater fade resistance. Various interior upgrades include alcantara and carbon fiber accents. The 4.7 litre V8 in the Quattroporte Sport GT S has 439 PS (323 kW; 433 hp) 490 N·m (361 lb·ft).

Executive GT

The Executive GT version of the Quattroporte was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in January 2006. It is based on a special Neiman-Marcus version, with 19 inch ball-polished wheels and an alcantara suede interior roof lining. Other features include chrome side and front grilles and a wood-trimmed steering wheel. Included as standard equipment with the Executive GT version is a Maserati comfort pack with ventilated, heating, massaging rear seats, retractable wood rear tables, and curtain shades on the rear windows.

Transmissions

Duo Select

The Duo Select transmission was available at the launch of the fifth generation Quattroporte, in 2004. Duo Select was an advancement of the CambioCorsa unit first used in the Maserati Coupe. It is a Ferrari based semi-automatic transmission, located at the rear of the car, with the clutch located in a bell housing attached to the rear of the engine.

Automatica

Maserati Quattroporte

Because of reliability problems and rough shifting with the Ferrari based semi-automatic transmission,[citation needed] a full automatic transmission with 6 speeds (by ZF) was presented at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2007 with the first cars delivered right after the launch, marketed as the Maserati Quattroporte Automatica.[13] The Automatica was made available with paddle-shifters on the Sport GT model as standard, but on the base model and the Executive trim levels paddles became an optional extra. With the Automatica, Maserati completely redesigned the under pinning of the car to fit the new conventional automatic transmission and torque converter right behind the engine. They also converted to a wet sump oiling system for cost saving purpose.[14]

2009 facelift

Images of the 2009 facelifted Quattroporte appeared on the Internet on 30 January 2008. The car made its official début at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show. Also making the debut was the Quattroporte S, featuring the same 4.7L V8 as the Maserati GranTurismo S. Its maximum power is 430 PS (316 kW; 424 hp) and maximum torque is 490 N·m (361 lb·ft). It went on sale at the end of 2008 and is currently available. The Quattroporte Sport GT S is also still available, with 440 PS (324 kW; 434 hp) of power.[15]

In 2010, a Quattroporte hearse served to carry the ashes of Polish President Lech Kaczyński in his funeral procession.

Quattroporte VI (2013–present)

Sixth Generation
Overview
Production 2012-present
Model years 2013-present
Assembly Italy: Grugliasco, Turin (Avv. Giovanni Agnelli Plant)
Designer Lorenzo Ramaciotti
Layout Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive / four-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine
Transmission 8-speed ZF automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 3,171 mm (124.8 in)
Length 5,263 mm (207.2 in)
Width 1,958 mm (77.1 in)
Height 1,481 mm (58.3 in)
Curb weight 1,890 kg (4,170 lb)

The new sixth-generation Quattroporte was revealed at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2013. Production started in November 2012.[17] 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. It will be built at the old Bertone plant, on the outskirts of Turin.

In a detailed pre-launch press briefing Maserati's product development chief Roberto Corradi stressed that everything about the car is newly designed with many elements that will be common to the Quattroporte, a new Ghibli model scheduled for launch in the middle of 2013 and for the SUV Levante model planned for 2014.<ref name=L'AutomobileJanvier2013>""La bonne pression: Ambitionnant les 50 000 ventes en 2015, Maserati se doit de fourbir ses armes. En préalable au SUV Levante de 2014 et à la future routière Ghibli de mi-année, il lance aujourd'hui sa nouvelle et emblématique Quattroporte. À Modène ou chez les concurrents, il y aurrait comme une certain tension..."". L'Automobile. Nr 800: 12. Janvier 2013 (impression & distribution décembre).  </ref>

The Quattroporte features new Ferrari-built V6 and V8 engines; the launch engine will be a petrol 3.8 (3,798 cc) V8 producing 523 bhp (390 kW; 530 PS) and a 3.0 V6 will follow.[18] It will be mated to a ZF-supplied 8-speed automatic gearbox,[19] with four-wheel drive available on the V6 in left-hand drive markets only.

Limited Edition

A limited edition Quattroporte designed in collaboration with Ermenegildo Zegna will debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The car will feature a special effect platinum-metallic paint colour with aluminum pigments along with a new interior fabric which emulates the Zegna clothing line. There are no other exterior changes to the car other than the special effect paintwork and both the V6 and V8 engines remain unchanged.

Engines and performance

Engine Capacity Max power Torque Drive Top speed 0–100 km/h
0–62 mph		 Emissions CO2
3.0 V6 - S 2,979 cc404 bhp (301 kW; 410 PS) 406 lb·ft (550 N·m) RWD 285 km/h (177 mph) 5.1 246 g/km
3.0 V6 - S Q4 2,979 cc404 bhp (301 kW; 410 PS) 406 lb·ft (550 N·m) AWD 284 km/h (176 mph) 4.9 242 g/km
3.8 V8 - GTS 3,798 cc 523 bhp (390 kW; 530 PS) 479 lb·ft (649 N·m) (524 lb·ft (710 N·m) overboost)RWD 307 km/h (191 mph) 4.7 278 g/km

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 "Designer". ajovalo.net. Retrieved 2012-02-08. 
  2. ↑ Cardew, Basil (1966). Daily Express Review of the 1966 Motor Show. London: Beaverbrook Newspapers Ltd. 
  3. ↑ Tabucchi, Maurizio (2003). Maserati: The Grand Prix, Sports and GT cars model by model, 1926-2003. Milano: Giorgio Nada Editore s.r.l. p. 253. ISBN 88-7911-260-0. 
  4. ↑ Tabucchi, p. 253
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Tabucchi, pp. 288-289
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Cozza, Ermanno. "Quattroporte II: A brief return with French flavouring!". Enrico's Maserati Pages. Retrieved 2011-02-28. 
  7. ↑ "Frua Maserati Quattroporte 'Aga Kahn' (sic)". Coachbuild.com. Atelier Michiel van den Brink. Retrieved 2011-02-28. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Tabucchi, pp. 292–293
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 Auto Katalog 1983. Stuttgart: Vereinigte Motor-Verlage GmbH & Co. KG. 1982. pp. 107, 220–221. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Tabucchi, pp. 332-335, 357.
  11. ↑ Carr, Jimmy (May 6, 2007). "Maserati Quattroporte". driving.timesonline.co.uk (London). Retrieved 2008-06-08. 
  12. ↑ Scoop NZ, on the Maserati QP in 2006.
  13. ↑ "Maserati Quattroporte Automatica Now Shipping". Sybarites.org. 2007-01-13. Retrieved 2010-09-30. 
  14. ↑ Maserati Press Release, March 6, 2007.
  15. ↑ Maserati website: Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S technical data
  16. ↑ "Specifications of new engines Maserati Quattroporte". autoedizione.com. Retrieved 2012-11-16. 
  17. ↑ "Production Maserati Quattroporte 2013 started this week". autoedizione.com. Retrieved 2012-11-16. 
  18. ↑ Metcalfe, Harry (December 2013). "2013 Maserati Quattroporte review". Evo. Retrieved 19 December 2012. 
  19. ↑ "Maserati Quattroporte V8". maseratiquattroporte.com. Retrieved 2012-11-08. 

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Maserati road car timeline, 1950s–present
Type 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
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Ownership Orsi family Citroën De Tomaso Fiat S.p.A.
Executive Biturbo Ghibli III
Luxury Quattroporte QP II Quattroporte III QP IV Quattroporte V QP VI
GT A6 3500 GT Sebring 228 Ghibli II 3200GT Coupé
5000 GT Ghibli Khamsin Shamal GranTurismo
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