Quattroporte 2013, Maserati’s new era is here

Maserati has finally released the first pictures of all-new Quattroporte luxury sedan. After some months waiting for it, which was expected to appear in Paris auto show in October, the top of its sedan range will be soon available after its official presentation in Detroit 2013. From the pictures it looks much longer than current generation (available since 2004) as the car is expected to become more global in terms of markets and registrations. Maserati did not specified technique details or wheel base dimensions but the car should have a better role in ‘F-Segment’ where Germans rule worldwide. Another reason for larger dimensions is that it will not be Maserati’s unique sedan as the Ghibli is called to be the entry model of the brand as it will be part of ‘E-Segment’ with shorter dimensions (around 4.8 m). For this wonderful car Maserati developed a new range of engines powered by Ferrari that will also be available in other models of the brand. In terms of design the car has a lot of Gran Turismo in its front with small headlights and the same grill of all Maseratis. In the side-view, the car keeps the main line cut running along the entire car, but now it looks longer and the back doors are much wider thinking of Chinese market, where consumers love long cars and big room in the back. It now has a very muscular look and is still streamlined and elegant. It also keeps the three air outlets on the mudguard and the triangular C-pillar. In the back the car is completely different from current generation. Now it looks more Asian and dynamic with horizontal stop lights which remember Infiniti models. Inside design could be defined as the best mix of simplicity with elegance. It is where the car is more different from other in the segment and where Maserati is risking more: most of luxury cars are overcharged with lot of buttons, handles and features. The new Quattroporte’s interior is as simple as beautiful with a big touch screen in the middle and fancy materials. It could be risky to offer this simplicity in this segment as most buyers (specially in China) love to see lots of commands such as it happens with the Audi A8 or the Porsche Panamera.

With this model Maserati begins a new era in which it will pass from being a craftsman brand to become a global player of premium cars. Last year the brand sold around 8.000 cars worldwide but the goal is to reach 50.000 by the year 2016. The Quattroporte is going to be the first of several new premium high performance cars that are supposed to gain more market share in ‘E-Segment’ with the Ghibli,  ‘F-Segment’ with the Quattroporte, ‘F-SUV’ with the Maserati Levante and of course the ‘F-Sport’ segment with the Gran Turismo and Gran Cabrio. To reach 50.000 units the brand must work hard and fast against Germans specially in China and the Middle East, where there is a big growth potential. They will need to offer more engine versions in every model and strength ties with Ferrari, a referent in terms of automotive marketing skills. The fact that the car will be officially presented in Detroit explains the importance USA has for future luxury Italian cars that are supposed to conquer that market and boost Italy’s production of cars.

 

2013 Maserati Quattroporte design explained by Lorenzo Ramaciotti, Head of Centro Stile Fiat

2013 Maserati Quattroporte technical features explained by Roberto Corradi, Head of Product Development

2013 Maserati Quattroporte powertrain explained by Paolo Martinelli, Head of Powertrain

2013 Maserati Quattroporte presentation by Harald Wester, Chief Executive Officer