The new-look Maserati Quattroporte range is now on sale in New Zealand and brings with it styling changes inside and out, more oomph from the engines, added equipment, and the updated driver assistance systems the current model lacks.
The first of the cars will land towards the end of the year, a nine-model range priced between $178,990 and $285,000 and including two new additions, the GranLusso GTS and GranSport GTS.
All four engine options in the Quattroporte range have been tweaked for more power. The Ferrari-tuned twin-turbo 3.8-litre V8 in the flagship GTS models, for example, delivers 390kW/650Nm and is good for a 0-100km/h sprint in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 310km/h.
The 3.0-litre petrol V6 comes in two states of tune – its 257kW/500Nm mix delivering 270km/h and its 302kW/550Nm output 286km/h. The solitary oil-burner in the Quattroporte line-up, the 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel, generates 202kW/600Nm and a top speed of 252km/h.
The more powerful engines are there to complement the car’s more aggressive look. Up front, the 2017-year models pick up a redesigned front bumper and a front grille with chrome elements and vertical slats.
Behind the grille and in front of the radiator is what Maserati calls an Air Shutter system that cuts aerodynamic drag by a claimed 10 per cent. Side skirts and wing mirrors are matte black. The theme continues at the rear with matte black diffusers under a revised bumper.
Inside, the dashboard has been reworked to house the new 8.4-inch touchscreen and its infotainment system, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Infotainment functions are controlled by a new rotary dial on a refreshed centre console. There’s a new electronic park brake, too, and a sensor to ensure the air coming into the cabin doesn’t contain pollutants.
“These changes enhance the unique styling of the Quattroporte and broaden its appeal as well as ensuring it has the latest technology,” said Glen Sealey, COO of Maserati NZ.
Chief among upgrades to passive and active safety gear are adaptive cruise control with start/stop, lane departure warning, forward collision warning with advanced brake assist, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and a surround-view camera system.
What isn’t new is the ZF eight-speed transmission and electronic Skyhook shock absorbers. Maserati continues to make much use of aluminium in the Quattroporte’s chassis, body and suspension for its claimed 50:50 weight distribution.