The look is familiar but there are plenty of changes on the 2013 Maserati Quattroporte.
One thing you can say about Maserati, the Italian maker is nothing if not ambitious. After years of struggling to gain ground against more established luxury brands like Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and even Jaguar, it is targeting some absolutely huge growth targets for mid-decade. And to get there, the maker is planning to roll out an assortment of new and updated products that range from an updated Quattroporte sedan to an all-new luxury SUV.
We’ll get a first sense of what’s in store, it turns out, during the upcoming Detroit Auto Show, Maserati today confirming that the next-generation Quattroporte will make its debut at the annual Motor City show.
In an advance release that included these first images, the maker suggests the redesign “reinterprets the design features of classic Maseratis in a contemporary design language. Its style was born out of the guiding design principles of Maserati: harmony of shapes, dynamism of lines, Italian elegance.”
The 2013 Maserati Quattroporte grows slightly larger - which should enhance its appeal, especially in China, making it more competitive with the likes of the Mercedes CLS and Porsche Panamera.
We expect few fans will be shocked by this reinterpretation. The maker has maintained some key visual cues, including the front grill, the three side vents, and the triangular C pillar.
There are clearly some dynamic differences between the look of the old sedan and the 2013 Maserati Quattroporte, as well: notably the more sculpted hood, the wraparound headlamps and the distinctive scoops framing the front fascia and grille, as well as a muscular new belt line that runs the length of the vehicle.
But what may resonate most with potential buyers is the slightly larger proportions of the 2013 Quattroporte – which notably translate into a bigger and more roomy cabin. The compact interior was one of the single biggest complaints about the outgoing Maserati 4-door, and a definite competitive disadvantage when putting the Italian sedan up against competitors such as the Mercedes CLS, BMW 6-Series Grand Sport or Porsche Panamera.
The newfound roominess of the rear seat will undoubtedly click in the U.S. but should resonate even more loudly in the critical and fast-expanding Chinese luxury market – where a large percentage of motorists still prefer to be chauffeured.
Ferrari will supply the new Quattroporte powertrains - which will get such features as Direct Injection and Stop/Start - as well as an 8-speed automatic.
Beyond confirming the 2013 Maserati Quattroporte’s various powertrain options “are going to be produced in the Ferrari plant in Maranello,” the maker is saving specific details for January in Detroit.
Nonetheless, a number of details have already begun leaking out and if source reports prove accurate, expect to see both a 4.5-liter and a 4.7-liter V-8 offered on the dealership checklist. They’ll be getting direct injection and, apparently, fuel-saving Stop/Start technology, as well, with an 8-speed automatic gearbox.
If some early reports hold up, Maserati will bring several different versions of the 2013 Quattroporte to market at launch, including the sportier S. The Quattroporte GTS is expected to follow a year later.
Other possibilities not yet confirmed include a hybrid driveline and all-wheel-drive. The latter could prove particularly appealing to East Coast and Snowbelt buyers. Mercedes, BMW and Lexus note they can barely sell a car in the New York-New England region without AWD.
Maserati promises the 2013 Quattroporte will reach “new heights of performance and handling,” but we’re also anticipating significant improvements in the vehicle’s infotainment system, as well, in keeping with competitive trends. That’s been another area of complaint about the current model.
The more roomy interior will also see significant technology upgrades for 2013.
The bigger Quattroporte will soon get a smaller sibling, Maserati hoping to expand its appeal with two distinct sedan offerings rather than trying to straddle two different segments as the current model does.
Meanwhile, among other offerings in the works, we’ll be seeing a production version of the Maserati Kubang SUV, which is loosely based off the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The maker has bowed to pressure – from critics including Sergio Marchionne, CEO of parent Fiat-Chrysler – and renamed the upcoming model the Maserati Levante. Equipped with a Ferrari-based powertrain, it should reach showrooms sometime during the 2014 model-year.