The first twelve Maserati Quattroporte Automatic have arrived in the UK. Maserati dealers from all over the country gathered yesterday at five-star hotel The Vineyard at Stockcross where Maserati GB’s Managing Director Andrea Antonnicola symbolically handed over the keys.

In keeping with its role as a luxurious grand tourer, the Quattroporte Automatic offers six speed automatic transmission, developed in conjunction with ZF. However, should the road invite a more sporty driving style, the driver can select manual sequential shifting by using the gearlever on the central tunnel, or by engaging the Sport mode.

With its engine being located behind the front axle, more weight is transferred to the centre of the car, so that it is remarkably well balanced: 49% in the front, 51% in the rear. Traction and acceleration are then further enhanced, due to the additional load over the rear driving wheels.

The Maserati Quattroporte Automatic goes officially on sale in the UK tomorrow, February 14 at a starting price of £77,000 (OTR), the same as the Maserati DuoSelect version.

Maserati GB Ltd. - www.maserati.co.uk

THE MASERATI QUATTROPORTE RANGE

Maserati – Excellence through Passion

For over 90 years, Maserati has remained true to the principle of ‘Excellence through Passion’, and today is synonymous with the ultimate in high performance, hand-crafted, prestige automobiles. No other car company has a more dedicated and enthusiastic workforce: everyone involved in the manufacturing process treats each vehicle as an expression of their individual skill and dedication. Located in state-of-the-art facilities in the Italian city of Modena, Maserati produces the finest examples of automotive art – stunning creations that have won over thirty major international awards in recent years.

Technology – Purity of Purpose

The Maserati Quattroporte is an uncompromising grand tourer, with advanced technology that confirms its role as the flagship of the Maserati range. Winner of 28 major international awards, its prodigious power, inspirational handling, and sumptuous luxury provide an unparalleled driving experience.

The Choice

The Maserati Quattroporte is available in two versions: Quattroporte Automatic and Quattroporte DuoSelect. These differ markedly in character – the Automatic delivers a relaxed and effortless drive, whilst the DuoSelect offers a sportier, more involving experience. Both the Quattroporte Automatic and the Quattroporte DuoSelect are available in Executive GT and Sport GT versions.

Engine – 400HP V8

For over 90 years, Maserati has produced some of the world’s most magnificent engines – the Quattroporte’s all-alloy, quad-cam, 32-valve, 4.2 litre V8 being just the latest example. The crankcase and cylinder heads are made of a special heat-treated aluminium silicon alloy, whilst the balanced crankshaft is in tempered steel and runs on five main bearings. The 90° V8 also features two chain-driven camshafts per bank with four valves per cylinder, a Bosch ME 7.3.2. engine ignition and fuel injection system, and a ‘Drive by Wire’ electronic accelerator. Smooth, reliable and refined; the Quattroporte’s mighty V8 delivers a prodigious 460 Nm of torque at 4250 rpm.

While having the same maximum power, the V8 has different technical features and set-up depending on the version:

Quattroporte Automatic (with blue cylinder head covers): wet sump, for more gradual and progressive power delivery.

Quattroporte DuoSelect (with red cylinder head covers): dry sump, for more instantaneous and prompt performance.

Transmission – Automatic or DuoSelect

Automatic: In keeping with its role as a luxurious grand tourer, the Quattroporte offers a six-speed automatic transmission. However, should the road invite to a sportier driving style, the driver can select manual sequential shifting by using the gearlever on the central tunnel or by engaging Sport mode. The Sport GT Automatic version provides the driver with even more involvement in the gearchanging process via paddles located behind the steering wheel.

DuoSelect: Derived from Formula 1 technology, the DuoSelect six-speed manual transmission offers the ease of an automatic mode and the exhilaration of a clutchless racing gearchange. Around town, the automatic mode might be more convenient; but should the road invite a more spirited drive, a light touch on the two paddles behind the steering wheel is all that’s needed to shift up or down a gear. Pressing the Sport button then brings on the ultimate in dynamic driving, with even faster gearchanges, stiffer suspensions, a more powerful exhaust note and a lower level of intervention of the Maserati Stability Programme (MSP).

Transaxle and weight distribution

Every Maserati ever built has been renowned for its roadholding and handling qualities, and across these important criteria the Quattroporte delivers an amazing performance – thanks largely to its weight distribution, which maximises traction and thrust during acceleration so that the car remains exceptionally stable and well balanced at all times.

The Quattroporte DuoSelect features 47% front-53% rear weight distribution, unique in its segment. This comes courtesy of two highly specific technical solutions: the positioning of 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 transaxle architecture is normally reserved for high performance sports cars and, in fact, this is the first time it has been applied to a luxury saloon.

In the Quattroporte Automatic, the engine is still located behind the front axle (its centre of gravity is 9mm further towards the rear of the car, compared to the DuoSelect version), thus transferring more weight to the centre of the car. The automatic gearbox, however, is mounted at the front; the car still features an extremely balanced weight distribution, with 49% of its weight at the front and 51% at the back, which enhances traction and acceleration, due to the additional load over the rear driving wheels.

Suspension – The Skyhook System

In the Maserati Quattroporte, the sensational roadholding and handling are matched by the very highest levels of ride quality and comfort. A highly sophisticated anti-dive and anti-squat suspension system, featuring front and rear double wishbones with arms and hubs in forged aluminium, enhances the car’s stability and safety by preventing the front end from diving under heavy braking, and the rear end from squatting down under fierce acceleration. In addition, the damping is automatically controlled by the acclaimed Skyhook system, which was developed in collaboration with racing engineers, Mannesmann-Sachs. Sensors constantly monitor vibrations and movements through the wheels as the car travels over different surfaces, and adjusts the settings of the dampers accordingly. The driver can then choose between two different settings: Normal for a more comfortable ride and Sport for a firmer, sportier drive.

Safety

The Maserati Quattroporte’s safety systems have been developed to match the outstanding performance of its 400 hp V8 engine. Four massive, ventilated disc brakes with aluminium, four-piston callipers combine with four-channel ABS and EBD to provide immense stopping capability.

Active Safety

- Brembo braking system with four self-ventilating discs (cross-drilled for the Sport GT); front 330 mm × 32 mm; rear 330 mm × 28 mm.

- fixed four-piston callipers with differentiated diameter at the front, four-piston callipers at the rear.

- anti-lock braking system ABS

- electronically controlled braking distributor EBD

- MSP stability control (includes ABS, EBD and ASR)

Passive Safety:

- Rigid steel body with aluminium bonnet and bootlid. In the event of a collision, the deformable structure is designed to absorb impact forces and turn the cabin into a highly resistant survival cell for the occupants. This conforms to the latest and most stringent safety standards for passenger protection.

- 6 airbags: 2 front, 2 side (front), 2 side curtain (front and rear).

- seat belts with electronically controlled pyrotechnical pretensioners.

- inertial switch (acting on the fuel pumps to prevent fire in case of a violent collision).

QUATTROPORTE AUTOMATIC

Exhilaration in the lap of luxury

All enveloping comfort is an integral part of the unique driving pleasure to be experienced in the Maserati Quattroporte. The interior is simply faultless in design, quality and craftsmanship; the luxury wood detailing is a joy to behold, and the soft Poltrona Frau leather upholstery a delight both to touch and smell.

Maserati V8 engine : The Quattroporte’s 4244 cc V8 engine, with its four overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and continuous phase variator, produces an impressive torque figure of 460 Nm at just 4250 rpm (with 75% of it already available at 2500 rpm), and a colossal 400 hp at 7000 rpm. The positioning of the engine behind the front axle means that the car is extremely well balanced, with a front/rear weight distribution of 49:51 that maximises the traction of the rear driving wheels.

Automatic Gearbox: The six-speed, automatic transmission is a model of smoothness and refinement. Sixth gear acts like an overdrive by reducing the revs, and therefore improved fuel consumption and interior noise on long motorway journeys. Should the road then appeal to the driver’s more sporting instincts, the gears can be shifted sequentially using the manual level on the central tunnel.

Maserati and ZF: The collaboration between Maserati and German transmission experts, ZF, has resulted in an exceptionally flexible and responsive gearbox that allows changes at engines speeds up to 7200 rpm. This endows the Quattroporte Automatic with truly superb performance figures: a top speed of 167 mph, and 0-62 mph in just 5.6 seconds.

A sublime grand tourer

The Maserati Quattroporte is a rare and remarkable car. Not only does it provide the ultimate in driving enjoyment through its incredible power, roadholding and handling, it also cossets its occupants in a luxury interior that makes every journey a serene and thoroughly rewarding experience. Achieving the perfect seating position is quick and easy, thanks to the electrically adjustable front seats, whilst the driver’s seat features three memory settings linked to the door mirror positions, and an ‘Easy Entry’ system that facilitates getting in and out of the car. Individually adjustable electric rear seats allow those in the back to stretch out and relax in comfort, as well. Automatic dual-zone airconditioning, with a new airflow distribution pattern, ensures that the passengers enjoy the ideal onboard environment, and specially laminated thermal window glass cuts down the heat and glare from the sun.

In the finest traditions of Italian interior design, the upholstery is tailored by leather specialists Poltrona Frau, in nine different colours. The customer can also choose from five types of wood trim: Rosewood, Walnut, Mahogany, Black Piano, and Tanganyika. Complimenting the air of opulence and refinement is a sophisticated Bose® sound system that has been specially developed to match the acoustic characteristics of the Quattroporte’s cabin.

‘Executive GT’ and ‘Sport GT’

The Maserati Quattroporte Automatic is available in two other versions: Executive GT and Sport GT.

The Executive GT version takes the concept of onboard luxury to the extreme, with massage seats for the rear passengers, retractable airline-style rear tables in the finest woods, and curtains for extra privacy. From the outside the Executive GT is recognisable by its chrome front grille, side grilles, and distinctive ball-polished 19” alloy wheels.

The Sport GT version of the Quattroporte is the ultimate expression of a luxury performance saloon. The black chrome of the grille and the side air outlets take their inspiration from Maserati’s racing past, as do the red highlights on the Trident badge. The Sport button allows the driver to cut gear changing times by some 35% and stiffen the suspension at the same time, whilst the car’s sporty character is further enhanced by 20” alloy wheels, carbon-fibre interior trim, and lightweight aluminium pedals.

QUATTROPORTE DUOSELECT

Extreme performance at the driver’s command

The Pininfarina-designed Maserati Quattroporte DuoSelect is a car that’s destined to fulfil all ambitions and desires. Start the engine, and the excitement intensifies as the deep, resonant sound confirms its awesome performance potential. Touch the paddles behind the steering wheel and gearchanging takes place at the blink of an eye. To drive this thoroughbred Maserati is an experience like no other.

Sports car spirit

Engine: Under the bonnet of the Quattroporte DuoSelect lies a 4244cc V8 engine, with four overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and continuous phase generator. The crankcase and cylinder heads are forged in hardened aluminium silicon alloy for extra lightness, and the steel crankshaft is balanced on five main bearings. 460 Nm of torque is produced at just 4250 rpm, and a massive 400 hp at 7000 rpm.

DuoSelect: Six-speed DuoSelect transmission offers the driver the option of a relaxed automatic mode, or the dynamic excitement of an F1 style, clutchless manual shifting using the steering wheel mounted paddles.

Transaxle: The Quattroporte DuoSelect features a rear-mounted gearbox and differential unit, which results in a front/rear weight ratio of 47:53. This enhances the car’s traction and acceleration due to the additional load over the rear driving wheels, and pays dividends in terms of the car’s dynamic behaviour, too.

Sport Mode: By pressing the Sport button, the driver can dramatically change the car’s roadgoing character. Not only is the time it takes to change gear reduced by some 35%, but the suspension settings become firmer, the exhaust note deeper and the MSP levels of intervention are lowered.

‘Sport GT’ and ‘Executive GT’

The Maserati Quattroporte DuoSelect is available in two other versions: Sport GT and Executive GT.

The Sport GT version of the Quattroporte DuoSelect takes performance and handling to new heights. The black chrome of the grille and the side air outlets evoke Maserati’s racing past, as do the red highlights on the Trident badge. The Skyhook suspension software has been recalibrated to deliver an even sportier ride, whilst the car’s dynamic quality is further enhanced by 20” alloy wheels, carbon-fibre interior trim, and lightweight aluminium pedals.

The Executive GT version then cossets it occupants with rear massage seats, retractable airline-style rear tables in the finest wood, and curtains for extra privacy. From the outside, the Executive GT is recognisable by its chrome front grilles, side grilles, and distinctive ball-polished 19” alloy wheels.

PERSONALISATION - The creation of a truly unique car

The Officine Alfieri Maserati Programme

Exclusivity and choice are central to the Maserati philosophy, which is why customers are encouraged to consider the Officine Alfieri Maserati Programme. Consultations with our craftsmen and advisors allow customers to commission a truly individual and unique motor car. Along with the ten exterior standard colours, the Quattroporte can be specified in almost any colour or type of paint upon special request. Inside, the upholstery, carpets, and stitching are all available in numerous different colours and fabrics, and there is a choice of five different kinds of wood trim. In standard specification, Alcantara material is normally used for the roof lining, although this can be changed to high quality leather if required. There is also a wide choice of additional equipment with which to personalise the Quattroporte – for instance a Comfort Pack with seats that massage their occupants, and front seats with special fillings that adapt to the movements of the body. Other high-tech options include a full entertainment system for rear passengers that includes a TV monitor, DVD player, and TV receiver.

The personalisation programme allows the customer to equip the car with other ad hoc features, although these must always comply with Maserati’s technical, homologation, and quality standards. Naturally, all requests are executed with the artistry, skill, and degree of precision expected of one of the world’s foremost manufacturers of prestige automobiles.

MASERATI SERVICES

Customer support

Individual Testing

Following an intensive testing programme and minute examination by the factory, each new Quattroporte is put through its paces by professional Maserati drivers in a thorough 50 kilometre test drive on challenging roads. Perfection is a matter of pride at Maserati.

Factory Collection

A Maserati Quattroporte is no ordinary car, so taking delivery should be a unique and special occasion. To this end, the company offers its customers the opportunity of collecting their car themselves from the Maserati works in Modena. A tour of the production line, and formal handover in the stunning, Ron Arad-designed showroom make the customer’s introduction to Maserati ownership a truly unforgettable event.

Three-year warranty and roadside assistance service

All Maserati cars come with a three year unlimited mileage warranty, and three year Maserati Assistance Service, as well. This is a full roadside assistance service, covering the UK and Europe1. In addition, the first three routine services up to 36 months or 30,000 miles (50,000 km) are free of charge.

Financial and Insurance services

Purchasing and insuring a Maserati has never been easier. A wide range of finance packages and insurance options, tailored specifically to the circumstances of the individual, are available through every Maserati dealer.

‘Trident Discoveries’ – Certified Pre-Owned Programme

For its pre-owned cars, Maserati offers the ‘Trident Discoveries’ programme. All cars in the scheme are under five years old, and will have covered less than 55,000 miles (90,000 km)2. After a thorough inspection by Maserati-trained technicians, and the rectification of any faults, ‘Trident Discoveries’ pre-owned cars are guaranteed for one year with unlimited mileage.

1) Countries covered by the service are: Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy (including San Marino and Vatican City), Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Principality of Monaco, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United Kingdom.

2) The ‘Trident Discoveries’ programme is applicable to the following models: Maserati Coupé and Spyder not more than 5 years old and under 90,000 km; Maserati 3200 GT and Quattroporte Evoluzione not more than 5 years old and under 80,000 km. For more information, consult your nearest Maserati dealer or visit the website: www.maseratipreowned.com

THE WORLD OF MASERATI

Maserati Website and Car-Configurator

Maserati’s award-winning website, www.maserati.com, provides a wealth of information about the company, its cars, its racing activities, and much more. Visitors to the site can configure their chosen model, check out the Maserati Collection of accessories and merchandise, and locate their nearest dealer. Meanwhile Maserati owners can visit their own dedicated website: www.owners.maserati.com, and motorsport enthusiasts can keep up with the latest racing news at www.maseraticorse.com.

Customer Events

Maserati owners are regularly invited to take part in special events all over the world, and encouraged to join the exclusive Maserati Club (www.maseraticlub.com).

Maserati Racing

Maserati and motor racing are inextricably linked, the company having recorded more than 500 major victories in numerous categories over the years. Recently the Maserati MC12 secured the 2005 FIA International GT Championship constructors’ title, and in 2006 went one better by winning both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles. Importantly it also won the gruelling Spa 24 Hour race for the last two years in a row.

Master Maserati Driving Courses

For those wishing to hone their driving skills, and truly appreciate the racetrack potential of the Maserati Coupe, GranSport, GranSport Spyder, and racing Trofeo, Maserati offers three driving courses:

Master GT Maserati: A two-day course to accustom the driver to the finer points of handling a 400 hp Maserati away from public roads.

Master Maserati Advanced: Further training for those who have completed the Master GT Maserati course.

Master Maserati Racing: An intensive driving course behind the wheel of the racing Trofeo and GranSport models.

For information and registration, please contact your local official Maserati dealer.

Factory Tour

For the ardent Maserati enthusiast, a factory tour of the Modena plant can be arranged, along with a visit to the incomparable Panini Museum, where many of the world’s finest Maseratis are on display. Tours are by appointment only, and can be arranged through official Maserati dealers.

Maserati Collection

The Maserati Collection of quality leisurewear and branded merchandise has been specially created for those who cherish their car, and who seek to associate with this illustrious marquee. To view the collection online, visit www.maseraticollection.com.

MASERATI QUATTROPORTE - STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Three Year ‘Peace of Mind’ Service Package; includes 1st service at 10,000 km (6,500 miles), 2nd service at 30,000 km (20,000 miles), 3rd service at 50,000 km (30,000 miles).

Continuous adjustment suspension (Skyhook)

Maserati Stability Programme (traction and stability control)

Poltrona Frau leather and Rosewood trim interior without inlay work

Puncture repair kit with 12V air compressor

Bi-Xenon headlights with washer jets

Headlight automatic operation with light sensor

Automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensor

Six airbags – Driver and front passenger dual stage smart airbags, front seats side airbags, window airbags (front and rear)

Laminated glass throughout (soundproofing and temperature isolation)

Electric, fully adjustable front seats (3 memory positions for driver)

Rear seats with individual electric adjustment (slide and tilt)

Blaupunkt Info Centre with 6.5 inch screen, trip computer, hi-fi with radio and single CD player, GPS radio-navigator with mapping

High end Bose sound system with high power amplifier, bass box and interior monitoring for automatic noise correction

Multi function steering wheel with Cruise Control

Electronic dual zone climate control with rear air vents

Electric rear sun blind

Alarm with door and volumetric sensors

NavTrak vehicle tracking system with Automatic Driver Recognition

MASERATI QUATTROPORTE AUTOMATIC

- PRICES, OPTIONS & TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

QUATTROPORTE AUTOMATIC

6-speed ZF automatic transmission for relaxed, effortless driving.

Exterior:
Front grille with horizontal chrome stripes; 11-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels

Interior:
Rear seats with individual electrical controls.

QUATTROPORTE AUTOMATIC - SPORT GT

6-speed ZF automatic transmission for relaxed, effortless driving. Gearchanging via steering-wheel mounted paddles to highlight this version’s sportier nature.

Exterior:
Sport GT badge on front pillars; Sports suspension set-up; 7-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels; Cross-drilled disc brakes; Black chrome front grille and trident with red highlights

Interior:
Carbon-fibre finish; Sports steering wheel; Steering-wheel mounted paddles (as well as automatic shift lever); Aluminium pedals.

QUATTROPORTE AUTOMATIC - EXECUTIVE GT

6-speed ZF automatic transmission for relaxed, effortless driving

Exterior:
Executive GT badge on front pillars; Chrome mesh front grille; Chrome side grilles; Ball-polished 9-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels

Interior:
Leather steering wheel with wood inserts; Alcantara roof lining; Rear seat comfort package; Climate control for rear passengers.

MASERATI QUATTROPORTE DUOSELECT

- PRICES, OPTIONS & TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

QUATTROPORTE DUOSELECT

6-speed DuoSelect paddle-shift transmission with electro-hydraulic clutch actuation: the ultimate in sports gearchanging.

Exterior:
Front grille with horizontal chrome strips; 11-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels

Interior:
Rear seats with individual electrical controls; Steering-wheel mounted paddles.

QUATTROPORTE DUOSELECT - SPORT GT

6-speed DuoSelect paddle-shift transmission with faster-changing sports mode and uprated sports suspension set-up.

Exterior:
Sport GT badge on front pillars; Black chrome front grille and trident with red highlights; Sports suspension set-up; 7-spoke 20-inch alloy wheels; Cross-drilled disc brakes

Interior:
Sports steering wheel; Steering-wheel gearchange paddles; Carbon-fibre finish; Aluminium pedals.

QUATTROPORTE DUOSELECT - EXECUTIVE GT

6-speed DuoSelect paddle-shift transmission with electro-hydraulic clutch actuation: the ultimate in sports gearchanging.

Exterior:
Executive GT badge on front pillars; Chrome mesh front grille; Chrome side grilles; Ball-polished 9-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels

Interior:
Leather steering wheel with wood inserts; Steering-wheel gearchange paddles; Alcantara roof lining; Rear seat comfort package; Climate control for rear passengers.