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2014 Maserati Quattroporte
OVERVIEW
The flagship of the Maserati product range, the Quattroporte is larger, lighter, more luxurious
and more practical than the globally acclaimed car it replaces. With a 307km/h top speed, it's
also as fast as most two-door supercars.
The sixth-generation Quattroporte delivers a leap forward that not only sets the hightechnology
tone for Maserati's upcoming new-model onslaught, but also remains faithful to
Maserati's long history in luxury sports sedans.
The powerful engine and the large cabin are at the core of the Quattroporte's design,
dominated by a long, powerful nose and a concave Trident grille and providing a clear link to
both the outgoing Quattroporte and the GranTurismo.
Even with all of its new technology, the new Quattroporte remains true to Maserati's roots. Its
V8 twin turbo makes it not only the fastest four-door Maserati ever built, but also the most
powerful and the most economical as well.
The direct-injection engine family will boast a 3.8-litre V8 and a 3.0-litre V6, both of which are
all new, twin turbo charged, designed by Maserati Powertrain and assembled by Ferrari at
Maranello.
The 3.8-litre V8 engine provides Maserati's new performance benchmark, reaching 100km/h
in just 4.7 seconds and achieving a 307km/h top speed. It is 20km/h faster than the
Quattroporte Sport GT S and has up to 200Nm more torque as well. The V6 twin turbo
doesn't lack for performance, either, reaching 285km/h.
With an eight-speed automatic transmission and both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive
configurations(V6), it is also the most secure all-weather performance car in Maserati's
history.
To offset its scintillating performance, the V8 Maserati Quattroporte has lowered both its fuel
consumption and emissions by 20 percent over the outgoing Quattroporte.
The all-new architecture retains the Quattroporte's traditionally exquisite handling thanks to its
50:50 weight distribution, a double-wishbone front suspension and a state-of-the-art five-link
rear suspension. It can now deliver the added security and all-weather assurance of all-wheel
drive as well.
It also delivers new standards in quality in every area from design, development, fabrication
and process controls. It is produced in a new plant that combines Maserati's traditions of
craftsmanship with cutting-edge technologies that are able to guarantee outstanding quality
by controlling even the tiniest details.
Traditional hand crafted detailing continues in the Quattroporte's cabin, and this has been
added to with even more interior space in all seats and both four- and five-seat layouts.
Cabin luxury leaps forward technically, too, with features like the Maserati Touch Control
screen, adjustable pedals (left hand drive only), reversing cameras and the optional 15-
speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, as well as WLAN-based WiFi and compatibility with
most modern mobile phone systems.
With the original Quattroporte in 1963, Maserati invented the concept of the luxury sports
sedan and the new Quattroporte continues to be the benchmark for high quality engineering,
supercar performance and limousine comfort.
• All-new, Maserati-designed 3.8-litre, twin turbo V8 and 3.0-litre, twin turbo V6 engines
• Direct-injection V8 delivers 390kW (530CV) of power and up to 710Nm of torque
• Class-leading specific power output (139CV/litre) and specific torque output (171Nm/
litre). Class-leading weight-to-power ratio (3.6kg/hp)
• V8 twin turbo 0-100km/h acceleration in 4.7 seconds
• V8 twin turbo top speed of 307km/h (191mph)
• V6 twin turbo delivers 301kW (410CV) and its 550Nm is greater than the torque peak
in the outgoing Quattroporte Sport GT S
• V6 twin turbo accelerates to 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds and its 285km/h top speed is
just 2km/h lower than the Sport GT S.
• V8 kerb weight has been reduced by almost 100 kg
• Both V8 and V6 models use an eight-speed automatic transmission and deliver rearwheel
drive agility or all-wheel drive security (V6)
• Traditional handling excellence assured with 50:50 weight distribution
• Longer wheelbase creates increased leg and shoulder room
• Five or four-seat layouts available, including work space and entertainment options
• New cabin features include WiFi WLAN hotspot, up to 15 speakers of Bowers and
Wilkins premium surround system, 8.4" Maserati Touch Control screen
• Designed and engineered by Maserati and manufactured to new benchmark quality
standards in its all-new plant in Torino
EXTERIOR DESIGN
Maserati has been considered a master of sports sedan design from the day the original 1963
Quattroporte became the first automobile to blend speed and luxury with four doors.
A powerful engine and a large cabin are at the core of the Quattroporte's design, dominated
by a long, impressive nose with its short overhang.
"The design of the Quattroporte is inspired by Maserati's core stylistic principles: harmony of
proportions, dynamic lines and Italian elegance," Head of Maserati Centro Stile, Marco
Tencone said.
"Every new model is a step into the future, but for a brand with the strong heritage of Maserati
it is fundamental to bring on the most distinctive features as a signature: the contour of the air
intake in the front, the three small outlets on the fenders, the strong triangular C pillar bearing
the logo.
The design has been kept simple and clear, with a character line flowing on the side to define
the strong volume of the rear fender and create a very muscular look. The cabin is sleek, with
a three window treatment and frameless doors."
"The Quattroporte is a high performance sports sedan sporting a light, sensual design that
embodies all the most famous stylistic touches of Maserati in a contemporary language."
But the Quattroporte body design isn't just about looks, and it has delivered a 12 percent
improvement in drag (Cx), down to 0.31, and an enormous 24 percent reduction in lift. These
figures reduce fuel consumption and increase high-speed stability.
A large part of the Quattroporte's aerodynamic work was out of sight, beneath the car. It has a
flat floor that contains several aerodynamic features with the scope of optimizing performance
by lowering drag coefficient and keep the proper cooling of all systems (engines, brakes, and
transmission) at speeds over 300 km/h.
ENGINES
At the heart of the new Quattroporte is an entirely new engine grid, which follows recent
Maserati tradition by being designed in-house by Maserati Powertrain and manufactured
under contract by Ferrari at Maranello.
V8 TWIN TURBO ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE
The flagship 3.8-litre V8 engine is a perfect representation of Maserati's performance tradition
combined with a 20 percent reduction in emissions.
It is almost a litre smaller in capacity than the 4.7-litre V8 in the Quattroporte Sport GT S, yet
this is more than countered through twin turbo charging and direct fuel injection to deliver 18
percent more power and 39 percent more torque.
The engine produces 390kW (530CV) of power at 6800rpm and accompanies this with
650Nm of torque from 2000rpm to 4000rpm.
This maximum normal torque figure can be overboosted to 710 Nm from 2250rpm to
3500rpm.
These figures represent the highest specific power output in the class, with 139CV/litre, and
the best specific torque as well, with 171Nm per litre.
It is also considerably more powerful engine than the finely balanced 4.7-litre engine in the
Quattroporte Sport GT S, with fully 59kW (80CV) more power and an astonishing 200Nm
more torque (on the overboosted output). The torque peak also arrives at less than half the
engine speed of the Sport GT S's V8, too, peaking at 2000rpm versus 4750rpm.
Its combination of a lighter body design and a stronger engine give the Quattroporte the best
power-to-weight ratio in the class, too, with just 3.6kg for each horsepower.
These engine figures help the Quattroporte to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds, which is 0.3
seconds faster than the previous Sport GT S, making the new Quattroporte the fastest
accelerating four-door car in Maserati's history. It is 0.6 seconds faster to 100km/h than the
outgoing Quattroporte S and almost a second faster than the 4.2-litre Quattroporte.
Another ground-breaking figure is the Quattroporte's top speed, comfortably breaking through
the 300km/h barrier to reach 307km/h. Again, this makes it the fastest four-door Maserati in
history and second amongst all Maserati production cars behind the mighty V12-powered
MC12.
But the new engine is not just about big performance numbers or high torque. Maserati
engines have always been known for their incredible throttle response and that unique
Maserati sound – and this engine is no different.
The new engine generation's smaller capacity helps with the Quattroporte's handling, too, but
Maserati's engineers concentrated on delivering the brand's traditional crisp pickup and low
rotational inertia.
The most technically advanced engine ever fitted to a Maserati, the 3798cc V8 uses a pair of
low-inertia, twin-scroll parallel turbos to increase its output.
Its architecture retains the over-square, free-revving nature of the outgoing V8, with a bore of
86.5mm and a stroke length of 80.8mm, and it has a slightly lower compression ratio of 9.5:1.
It has been specifically designed to deliver exceptional performance at all engine speeds,
combined with lower consumption and emissions. The engine diagrams show that the V8
engine's torque is very high even at speeds as low as 1500 rpm.
It uses high-tumble cylinder heads with four cam phasers (doubling the number of the
naturally aspirated V8) in a concept refined by Maserati Powertrain for optimal combustion
control to deliver high performance and low consumption.
With hydraulically adjusted roller finger followers and two continuous cam phasers for each
cylinder head, it can advance or retard the inlet and exhaust valve timing independently in
real time and it also reduces friction losses compared to old valvetrain systems.
Another characteristic feature of the new Maserati engine family is the 200 bar direct fuelinjection
system. This very high pressure coupled with seven holes laser drilled oriented holes
injectors and multiple injection helps atomising the fuel directly in the combustion chamber,
thus improving the fuel-air mixture and the combustion process at any engine speed
The new V8 engine is boosted by two small parallel twin-scroll turbines (one for each bank of
four cylinders), which provide the high performance expected of a Maserati engine while reducing inertia.
Maserati Powertrain focused on integrating the turbine housing into the exhaust manifold for a compact, light-weight solution.
Each turbocharger is fed by its own air-to-air intercooler. The Quattroporte has two
intercoolers, each mounted low and wide of the main radiators to catch a constant supply of
fresh, cool air.
The engine also uses a state-of-the-art ECU, with integral high-speed processors, which
handle an array of shifting functions in real time.
Maserati Powertrain has also switched to on-demand ancillaries, with a variable displacement
oil pump that works under electrical control for improved consumption and performance.
It also uses an innovative, computer control of the alternator, which monitors the vehicle's
electricity consumption and manages the alternator's workload to suit.
The engine also operates in both Normal and Sport modes, along with Manual versions of
either mode, operated by elongated shift paddles fixed to the steering column.
The new Quattroporte also introduces the I.C.E. (Increased Control and Efficiency) strategy, a
function aimed at reducing consumption, emissions and noise.
It is a user-select strategy and delivers a softer throttle pedal response for smooth driving,
cancels the turbocharger's overboost function and keeps the exhaust's Sport flaps closed
until 5000rpm. It also adjusts the gearshifts to make them softer and slower and reduces
torque at each gear's take-up point.
Besides delivering the Quattroporte's peak fuel efficiency figure, the I.C.E. mode is also very
useful for driving on low-grip surfaces.
V6 TWIN TURBO ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE
The Quattroporte's all-new V6 twin turbo engine is a close relation of the V8, sharing most of
its core components.
With 301kW (410CV) of power at 5500rpm, it still provides a tremendously powerful driving
experience, especially with 550Nm of flat torque between 1500rpm and 5000rpm. In Normal
mode the torque is smoothed at 500Nm in the lower rpm range reaching the 550Nm threshold
at 5000rpm to guarantee the 301KW of maximum power.
The engine shares the V8's bore and combustion chamber design, the same valves control
technology (i.e. roller finger followers and four cam phasers), the same twin turbocharging
approach and direct injection-ignition system. The engine auxiliaries are identical (alternator,
starter motor and power steering pump) or very similar (variable displacement oil pump).
It has a character of its own, though, revving to a lower 6500rpm maximum speed and
delivering its torque level of 500rpm sooner than the V8.
While its specific power output is slightly lower than that of the V8, at 137CV per litre, its
specific torque is actually higher than the larger-engined car's standard specific torque, at
183Nm per litre.
It is also a lighter car, with 1860kg in its rear-wheel drive configuration (+70kg in all-wheel
drive).
In rear-wheel drive mode, it accelerates to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds, while the all-wheel drive
V6 twin turbo manages the sprint in 4.9 seconds.
Both cars are still as fast as people would expect from the Maserati brand, with the rear-wheel
drive's 285km/h top speed matching the outgoing Sport GT S and pipping the all-wheel drive
V6 twin turbo by a single km/h.
The rear- and all-wheel drive models are very similar in their fuel consumption as well, with
both cars posting 10.5 litres/100km on the combined cycle, with the rear-wheel drive car
claiming 244 grams of CO2/km and the all-wheel drive 246 grams.
EXHAUST SYSTEM
In the best Maserati tradition, the sound and performance of the Quattroporte's exhaust
system is controlled by pneumatic valves in the pipes of each bank, to maintain the rich aural
tradition of the brand.
In the default Normal mode, the bypass valves are closed up to 4,200 rpm to give a
comfortable and discreet engine sound.
In Sport mode, not only does the car adjust a variety of handling parameters, but the exhaust
valves are opened, giving the shortest possible, high-energy route for the exhaust gases,
which gives the Quattroporte its maximum engine performance and the unique Maserati
engine sound.
Beneath the rear bumper, the V8 engines finish their exhaust systems with trapezoidal tips
with two double pipes in polished steel.
DRIVETRAIN
All versions of the new Quattroporte are fitted with the ZF AT8 - HP70 eight-speed automatic
transmission.
Pre-engineered for both rear- and all-wheel drive configurations, the transmission delivers
increased comfort, faster gearshifting, reduced fuel consumption and reduced NVH compared
to the six-speed automatic in the outgoing Quattroporte.
By delivering two over-driven gears, the transmission alone delivers relevant fuel economy
benefit and also weighs 4kg less than the outgoing six-speed transmission.
As befitting Maserati tradition, it is capable of being in five dedicated shift modes: Auto
Normal, Auto Sport, Manual Normal, Manual Sport and the I.C.E. mode (Increased Control
Efficiency).
Auto Normal is the Quattroporte's default setting and performs its gear changes with fluid
shifts at low engine speeds to emphasize the car's comfort and to minimize fuel consumption.
The Auto Sport mode sees the transmission switch character to change gears with greater
alacrity at higher engine speeds and deliver a distinct gear engagement to enhance the
powertrain's sporting feel.
In both of these modes, the car recognizes a variety of conditions, such as whether the car is
travelling up or down hill, is braking hard or is driving through a corner, and selects the best
gear and the best gear-shift style accordingly.
The transmission can also be controlled manually by selecting the M button on the
transmission tunnel.
In Manual Normal mode, the driver can change gear with either the elongated gearshift
paddles attached to the steering column or by using the transmission lever. The driver is in
charge of the gear selection, though the system will intervene and change to a lower gear if
the engine revs drop too low or change to a higher gear if the engine revs climb too high.
In Manual Sport mode, however, the gearshifts are at their fastest and crispest, giving the
driver full control of the powertrain. The system will not intervene, even if the driver strikes the
engine's rev limiter. It will only intervene if the engine's revs drop too low to be effective in a
given gear.
The I.C.E. (Increased Control Efficiency) mode is designed for remarkable fuel economy,
relaxed driving and extremely low grip conditions. The transmission changes gear as softly as
possible, both going up through the gears and returning back down.
All gearshift modes can be selected via buttons on the left of the gear knob.
The Quattroporte also utilises a mechanical limited-slip differential as well. The asymmetric
locking feature offers 35 percent lock-up under power and 45 percent under release.
The rear differential is driven via a two-piece, 80mm diameter steel propshaft (hollowed for
weight saving) with two constant velocity joints and one head rubber coupling for comfort
improvement, runs through a cross member-mounted rubber bearing for higher comfort in
respect to vibrations and harshness levels.
A completely brand new smart AWD Transmission has been engineered in conformance to
compactness, efficacy, handling, efficiency and light weight, The all-wheel drive system is
capable of switching almost instantly (150ms) the powertrain torque from full rear to splitted
axles rear and front. The smart logic of the systems acts in order to set the vehicle in the most
optimized torque split configuration for each groung and vehicle stability event.
From Quattroporte AWD you can expect performances, enjoying maximum traction torque,
and safety: the system is able to work in team with ESP for maximum safety also on the most
slippery surfaces, but at the same time to work stand alone preserving driving efficacy and
sportiness within limits of safety.
The body computer and AWD CPUs will monitor all vehicle functioning parameter reacting at
each event specifically, the driver can feel this hidden work looking at the dashboard where it
is visible the front-rear torque split. When the vehicle si running standing still at high speed
the CPU sets all the torque to rear axle for maximum efficiency and transmission longevity,
but all the system is ready to react if an event occurs preserving safety criteria.
In addition all the system is mechanically design to deliver the lowest level of working noise,
and the maximum performances.
CHASSIS
BODY
The chassis of the new Quattroporte has been precisely designed to meet the performance
and comfort demands of Maserati buyers, and meets all foreseeable safety regulations.
With the longest wheelbase in the class at its core, the Quattroporte's architecture lends itself
both to extreme interior comfort and an exciting handling platform.
Based around a rigid and extremely secure steel safety cell, it uses an array of different steel
and aluminium alloys, each designated a precise task to maximize strength, minimize weight
and retain the sports sedan's perfect weight distribution.
The front of the chassis is based around an aluminum sub frame and a reinforced cross-strut
to deliver outstanding rigidity.
The choice of aluminium for the bulk of the Quattroporte's body panels was based around the
delivery of the maximum possible occupant safety for the lowest possible weight. Accordingly,
all four doors, the bonnet (hood), the front quarter panels and the boot (trunk) lid are all made
from aluminium.
Along with the freedom it allowed Maserati's designers, the choice of aluminium has also had
a positive impact on reducing the Quattroporte's weight, reducing its fuel consumption and
lowering its emission.
Other exotic materials are also used in the Quattroporte's body, including ultra-light weight
magnesium, which is used in the dashboard's cross strut.
AERODYNAMICS
The Quattroporte body design isn't just about looks, and it has delivered a 12 percent
improvement in drag (Cx), down to 0.31, and an enormous 24 percent reduction in lift. These
figures reduce fuel consumption and increase high-speed stability.
A large part of the Quattroporte's aerodynamic work was out of sight, beneath the car. It has a
flat floor that contains several aerodynamic features, including a NACA duct to help cool the
differential without increasing drag and flaps on the rear suspension arms to channel airflows.
SUSPENSION
Double wishbone suspension layouts are a race-bred tradition at Maserati and the new
Quattroporte continues with this heritage but also incorporates some new technologies for
greater accuracy.
The front suspension uses high-mounted all-aluminium double wishbones to guarantee light
and precise handling characteristics.
Aluminium is the dominant metal of the front suspension system, with the shock towers, the
upper and lower control arms and uprights all made from forged aluminium, while the springs
are steel. This matches up to constantly adaptive Skyhook dampers and an anti-roll bar.
The geometry of the system has delivered a quadrilateral architecture, which has enabled
Maserati's handling team to deliver steering that is precise, communicative and comfortable.
The rear suspension employs a five-bar multi-link system, with four aluminium suspension
arms, and has been developed to achieve the seemingly conflicting goals of exceptional
comfort and extreme sports performance in mind.
The suspension package also uses anti-roll bars and steel springs damped by a faster and
more accurate development of the Skyhook adaptive damping system. All four Skyhook
dampers can be electronically controlled independent of the each other.
One of the standout features of the new Quattroporte, the default Skyhook mode prioritizes
comfort, and then becomes more sporting and athletic if the driver presses the suspension
button. This extra stiffness transforms the Quattroporte's handling and was developed in both
extreme test scenarios and on the race track. Essentially, it drastically reduces both
longitudinal and lateral load transfers and minimizes body roll to bring out the sportiest side of
the Quattroporte's character.
The computer system in charge of the Skyhook dampers monitors an enormous array of
parameters, including speed and lateral and longitudinal acceleration, individual wheel
movements, body movement and damper dynamics.
Adjusting also to suite the suspension mode chosen by the driver, the system delivers the
perfect damping mode for each wheel almost instantly.
WHEELS AND TYRES
Featuring 20-inch rims as standard equipment, the new Quattroporte is also available with
either smaller 19-inch rims or larger 21-inch rims as well.
While the 19' and 20" alloys are crafted from flow-forming technology that reduces the core
thickness of the wheels and optimizes light weight without sacrificing stiffness and strength.
The 21" rim is a forged alloy wheel, which also emphasizes light weight and weighs no more
than the 20" rim.
All the Quattroporte's rims have been designed and engineered to enhance both the visual
design of the body and to lower the unsprung masses to improve grip and handling.
The 19" wheel, with its 245/45 front and 275/40 rear tyres, is geared towards reduced fuel
consumption combined with low road noise and long, comfortable journeys.
The 20" wheel, with a 245/40 front tyre and a 285/35 rear tyre, is the perfect compromise
between sports and comfort, while the 21" wheel, with a 245/35 front and 285/30 rear tyre
combination, is focused on sports handling.
All three wheel sizes are available with Pirelli, Dunlop and Continental tyres. While the 19"
and 20" wheels can be fitted with winter tyres.
The Quattroporte also continuously monitors its tyre pressure with a sensor mounted inside
the rim, as part of the valve. The pressure can be read off the display on the dashboard. If a
tyre punctures or its pressure changes, the system notifies the driver with visual and acoustic
warnings.
DIMENSIONS
The new Quattroporte has grown to set size benchmarks in its class in almost every
dimension. It is bigger in every significant dimension than its predecessor including, critically,
delivering 105mm more rear legroom and 80 litres more luggage capacity than the outgoing
Quattroporte.
Critically, these increases have not created a similar rise in mass, with the Quattroporte
weighing almost 100 kg less than the flagship predecessor to weight 1900kg in V8 form.
Another critical factor is weight distribution and the Quattroporte retains perfect balance with
50:50 front-to-rear weight. This is despite the forward repositioning of the fuel tank to create
greater luggage space and the addition of all-wheel drive, bigger radiators and two
intercoolers beneath the bonnet.
BRAKES
Maserati has continues its long lasting partnership with Brembo on the new Quattroporte and
all models feature fixed-caliper braking technology.
The V8-powered models feature 380mm x 34mm ventilated and cross-drilled brake discs
inside the front wheels. These brake discs continue with the technology pioneered by
Maserati that allows the weight of the cast-iron braking surface area to be offset with an alloy
hat to minimise unsprung mass. As with the V6 models, the V8's front rotors are slowed by
six-piston fixed alloy Brembo calipers.
The rear end of the Quattroporte V8 uses a 350mm x 28mm ventilated and cross-drilled brake
rotor, with a four-piston fixed alloy Brembo caliper.
These brakes have an enlarged swept area, highly efficient cooling, are designed for
consistent performance in sports driving situations and are oversized for the demands created
by even the new Quattroporte's extremely high performance potential.
The brakes on the V6 twin turbo Quattroporte models are only marginally smaller than the V8
twin turbo's brakes, with 360mm x 32mm ventilated and cross-drilled brake discs and sixpiston
fixed alloy Brembo calipers on the front axle and carrying over the V8 twin turbo's rear
braking hardware.
But high-performance stopping power is only one measure of overall braking performance
and the collaboration with Brembo also concentrated on evolving the acoustic comfort of the
Quattroporte's braking systems. As befitting the rest of the Quattroporte story, the braking
development reconciled the seemingly opposing goals of pure performance and pure comfort.
The Quattroporte also uses an electronic parking brake, which operates on all four wheels.
The ergonomically placed button on the gear lever bezel activates the brake when the car is
at rest.
However, it can also act as a safety device when driving. In this case the system
communicates with the stability control ECU and decelerates the car at 0.5g in full safety until
released.
The brakes also operate as part of the Quattroporte's automatic hill starting system. The onboard
sensors detect the vehicle's tilt when parked facing uphill, then lock the brakes for a few
seconds; this gives the driver's foot time to move from the brake pedal to the accelerator
pedal without the vehicle rolling back.
BRAKE CALIPERS
Besides being effectively strong, Maserati brake calipers have also always added a significant
stylistic effect.
This continues with the new Quattroporte, with the front and rear brake calipers available in
the standard classic black form, with the Maserati name in white.
These are also available in the aggressively sporting red colour, Maserati blue to lend an air
of elegance, luminous silver grey and there is also a polished aluminium option.
STEERING
The Quattroporte uses an all-new aluminium steering box, developed specifically for the new
front-suspension geometry.
This has allowed Maserati's suspension engineers to deliver ultimate precision combined with
the steering sensitivity needed for turning into corners at speed.
It also has a reduced steering ratio, which delivers an agility that is rare for this class of
limousine and while it is comfortable in all situations, the steering feel is geared up towards
driving enjoyment.
Eschewing the trend to electro-hydraulic steering systems, the Quattroporte employs a servopowered
hydraulic system that prevents unpleasantly artificial assistance when the driver
turns the wheel quickly. The power assistance has also been reduced compared to the
superseded Quattroporte; the intention being to deliver more feedback to the driver for
consistency at high speed, yet maintaining easy manoeuvring at low speed.
MASERATI STABILITY PROGRAM
Maserati drivers have long known the benefits of the Maserati Stability Program (MSP) and
the system has evolved and improved in the new Quattroporte.
Developed in the most extreme of test circumstances, the MSP uses a wide array of sensors
to detect any need to intervene on the driver's behalf.
MSP adds a layer of security on top of the new Quattroporte's inherent chassis stability that
helps drivers enjoy anxiety-free handling under all driving conditions.
MSP constantly measures the Quattroporte's handling and grip and combines a host of safety
and performance systems to maintain the car's ideal handling stance.
Two of the bigger keys to the MSP's operation are the engine and the brakes. If skidding is
detected, the MSP reduces the engine's torque output and can actuate the brakes with
minute, finely varied inputs to restore the car's stability within milliseconds.
The other key systems that make up MSP include:
• ABS, which stops the wheels locking up under brakes, thereby maintaining steering
control at all times.
• EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution), to distribute braking force between the front
and rear axles to prevent rear-wheel lock up.
• ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) stops the driven wheels from spinning in low-grip situations.
• MSR prevents the driven wheels from locking up when down-shifting on low-grip
surfaces. It does this by measuring the speed of the driven wheels against the speed of
the free wheels and accelerating the driven wheels slightly if needed.
• BAS (Brake Apply Sensor) uses a variety of sensors to recognise panic or emergency
braking situations and increases the pressure in the braking circuit.
• Hill Holder. Automatically connects to the braking system to prevent roll back when the
car moves away from rest on hills.
SAFETY
The new Quattroporte's passive safety equipment has been given a tightly focussed overhaul
to successfully improve its crash safety without compromising its weight or fuel consumption.
Maserati has balanced these conflicting demands by using hot-formed steels in critical areas
of the passenger compartment for added occupant safety, while using aluminium in other
areas to save weight.
In particular, the front of the passenger compartment (the pillars and under-door mouldings)
features hot-moulded steel components, with a magnesium dashboard strut to save weight,
while the rear is stiffened with high strength steel.
The crash bars at the front and rear of the car are made of extruded aluminium, while the
doors, engine compartment, mudguards and luggage compartment are in aluminium.
AIRBAG
The New Quattroporte is equipped with a six-airbag system to provide maximum occupant
safety.
At the front, two-stage airbags are concealed from the occupants inside the steering wheel
and dashboard, yet to protect the head in frontal accidents.
The chest and hips of the front occupants are further protected by the side airbags beneath
the seat leather.
The sides of the occupants' heads are protected by two head "curtain" bags mounted in the
roof of the car, next to the B-pillar. The "curtain" bag protects the heads of the front and rear
occupants against lateral impact.
SEATBELT FEATURES
The front seats are brimming with safety equipment designed to reduce trauma to the
occupant's cervical vertebrae.
If the car is involved in a rear-end accident, its active headrests automatically reduce the
distance between their surface and the passenger's head.
The front and rear three-point seatbelts are equipped with load-limiting pyrotechnic pretensioners,
which trip in a collision to hold the passengers securely and prevent or minimise
injury.
The front seatbelts are fitted with height adjusters; properly adjusting the height of the
seatbelts to the occupant's height, which is not only more comfortable but also improves the
safety function of the device.
REAR VIEW CAMERA
The rear-view parking camera, standard on the new Quattroporte, makes manoeuvring and
reversing safer and more comfortable.
Installed next to the luggage compartment's release button, it views the area behind the car,
and shows the resulting colour image on the 8.4" MTC display.
The system works together
with the standard parking sensors and sounds an acoustic warning as it approaches
obstacles behind the car.
LIGHTING
Part of the reason the Quattroporte's exterior design is so distinctive is, in part, due to its use
of Bi-xenon headlights and LED daytime running lights.
The LED tail light assembly is also highly innovative, providing excellent visibility with the style
and safety essential to this class of car.
HEADLIGHTS
The standard headlights contain an Automatic Frontlighting System (AFS), which actively
adjusts the headlight depth to combine an outstanding view of the road with very low glare for
oncoming traffic.
The bi-xenon headlights combine technology and style, with all of its secondary functions
entirely provided by LED.
Each headlight includes LED daytime running lights, with a light shape that provides instant
recognisability in both day and night running. Each light also contains a high-pressure lens
washer nozzle, direction indicators, LED side position lights and a side reflector.
With a video camera mounted in front of the rear-view mirror, the lighting system offers a
beam control specifically for motorway driving which increases the depth of the light beam
without the need for manual high beam activation.
Sensors monitor the driving style and speed and if the road is clear, the beam depth offers the
greatest depth and width, combined with the directional rotation of the headlights themselves.
In addition, there are four different automatic lighting setups: for city driving, for motorway
conditions, for low visibility and for driving on the opposite side of the road in applicable
countries. Each of these modes automatically activates a strategy to best illuminate the road
surface.
The Town Beam turns on below 45km/h and sets the beam wider and shallower, giving a
better view for turning and for peripheral danger zones while causing minimum disturbance
for fellow road users.
There is also a Rain Beam, which begins when the windscreen wipers operate for continuous
period. The individual beams are set to different levels to minimise reflections, while the outer
beams are set wider and higher to make the Quattroporte more visible to other road users.
Note: In the USA and Canada, cars are not equipped with the AFS function. They retain the
automatic depth and rotation control functions. The beam rotation function and the four AFS
functions may be deactivated via the menu in the European Union, while in the USA, only the
beam rotation function may be deactivated in this way.
TAIL LIGHTS
The Quattroporte's taillights have been designed to offer maximum visibility and to have a
recognisable style. These full LED lights integrate the position light function in an illuminated
ring running right around the tail light itself. Inside this ring are the brake lights, the direction
indicators, reversing lights and fog lights. The outside reflector and LED side position lights
round off the unit.
INTERIOR
The interior of the new Quattroporte combines refined, timeless design with high technology
and a functional sporting character.
The increases in the size of the Quattroporte have brought a huge evolution in roominess for
the front and, especially, the rear passengers. Its increased wheelbase has allowed Maserati
to add more rear legroom, more shoulder room for all passengers and more luggage capacity.
"The interior achieves elegant simplicity, with clean lines and a user-friendly interface" Mr
Tencone said, " assuming that less is more when carefully designed".
"The functional features are downplayed to focus the attention on the natural top class
materials – wood, leather, metal – and the refined craftsmanship they have been worked.
"The combination of classy and elegant colours makes the interior an exclusive lounge for the
occupants that can become unique for the customer with a tailored approach".
To confirm Mr Tencone's views, the Quattroporte's interior shows streamlined, wraparound
forms, which give the dashboard and tunnel an unprecedented feeling of lightness.
Like all Maseratis, the Quattroporte delivers a driver interface that is intuitive and simple to
use. The instrument cluster features a large speedometer and a large tachometer that flank a
7" TFT display for many of the car's operational features.
The leather-finished steering wheel is electrically adjustable for both reach and height, while
the pedals are also adjustable (Left hand drive), moving towards the driver at the touch of a
button mounted at the front of the driver's seat.
Many of the vehicle's settings are oriented towards the driver and are controlled with the
buttons alongside the gear shifter, while other on-board settings can be set by the driver via
the Maserati Touch Control (MTC) at the centre of the dashboard.
The Quattroporte standard equipment includes leather, heated front seats with 12-way
electrical adjustment, dual-zone climate controlled air conditioning and active cruise control,
while the upper and lower dashboard and the interior upholstery are wrapped in Poltrona Frau
leather.
Some key features include:
MASERATI TOUCH CONTROL (MTC)
By utilising the MTC's 8.4" Touch Screen display, the user can control almost all of the
Quattroporte's on-board equipment simply and intuitively.
The system includes features like the radio, the navigator and the DVD player. It also has
Bluetooth connection for telephones to connect to external sources like cell phones and Apple
devices.
Using its Aux-in, USB sockets or the SD card reader, the user can play music, watch films or
even view images.
Its menus have options to configure the car's main settings and the system's various menus
are always available from the icons displayed at the bottom of the screen.
The MTC also controls the front seat heating and ventilation, the steering wheel heating and
the operation of the rear window shade, as well as providing the screen for the reversing
camera.
CRUISE CONTROL
An active cruise control system is standard on the new Quattroporte The controls for this
system are mounted on the steering wheel and the speed is displayed on the instrument
panel display. The cruise control is active: when driving up or downhill, the car accelerates or
decelerates on descents to maintain the speed setting.
WI-FI HOTSPOT
The new Quattroporte contains optional WLAN technology that effectively turns it into a rolling
Wi-Fi HotSpot.
A SIM card can be placed into its WLAN router to receive Internet signals, which can be
resent around the car as a wireless Internet signal.
Up to three devices, such as laptops, cellular phones or tablets, can be connected
simultaneously. The system supports HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE and GSM.
AUDIO
The optional Bowers & Wilkins premium surround system is as good as it gets in production
car hi-fi systems. The choice of components, the layout of the 15 speakers, and the perfect
configuration of HARMAN's QuantumLogic™ Surround Sound processing and system
integration is the result of a long and very demanding process of experimentation and
countless hours of listening by the best ears in the audio business.
Bowers & Wilkins has close to 50 years experience in the development of drive units and their
materials. Materials like Kevlar – introduced as a speaker cone material by Bowers & Wilkins
in the 1970s – are the result of decades of commitment to acoustic research and
development. For the tweeter aluminium offers a combination of lightness and rigidity that's
ideal, and the sound extends to the very limits of human hearing, unlike lesser fabric domes.
For speed, stiffness and unshakable bass, Rohacell, which is normally used for aircraft,
rockets and performance cars bodies, is the perfect cone material.
The result is an audio system that perfectly reproduces every nuance of the recording; with
crisp, pristine treble, amazing, natural dynamics, and impressive bass. The system's natural,
realistic performance delivers a completely new level of musical enjoyment on the road.
The Bowers & Wilkins premium surround system features:
• 15 speakers
• 5 x 25mm aluminium dome tweeters
• 5 x 100mm Kevlar midrange drivers
• 2 x 165mm Kevlar bass/midrange drivers
• 2 x 165mm Rohacell bass drivers
• 1x 350x200mm racetrack subwoofer
• 16 channel Class D amplifier, with a combined output 1,280W
• QuantumLogic™ Surround Sound processing
CLEVER KEY
Incorporating Keyless Go technology, the body of the new Quattroporte's key is made from
polished aluminium and looks and feels heavy, elegant and confidently technical.
When the car is locked, it is enough to keep the key in a pocket or a handbag and simply
open the car by pulling on the door handle or luggage compartment button. This way, there is
no need to always find the key to push a button to open the car.
SPACE
One objective was clear right from the start: to maximise the space available to the
occupants. Special attention has been paid to the rear passengers, and the legroom available
to them is the highest in the standard wheelbase class.
Two individual rear seats have also been developed as an option to deliver outstanding
comfort and prestige, and they offer unbeatable relaxation by featuring ventilation and
electrical movement, in addition to standard heating.
Furthermore, the interior features two front cupholders, four 12V power sockets (one in the
luggage compartment) a rear USB charging port and a number of large compartments: two at
the bottom of the dashboard (a climate controlled, illuminated passenger glove compartment,
and another for the driver), a large front armrest.
The three rear seats are heated and the door panels feature electrical sun blinds, along with
the rear window sun blind. The rear seats are also modular in a 40/60 pattern: the smallest
part can be folded down , thus allowing long objects to be stored in the back and the 500-litre
luggage compartment.
SEATING
The leather seats, with a cup-like form, are comfortable, supportive and luxurious. In the rear,
the roomy, comfortable three-seat bench has excellent legroom.
To highlight the attention paid to outstanding comfort and prestige, two individual seats have
also been developed as an option, featuring ventilation and electrical movement, to offer
unbeatable relaxation during long working trips. They can also be fitted with individual
entertainment screens.
The three rear seats are heated and the door panels feature electrical sun blinds, along with
the rear window sun blind.
The rear armrest has a USB socket for charging mobile devices and two foldaway
cupholders. Finally, the seats are equipped with ISOFIX fittings, the universal child seat
mounting system.
The interiors of the New Quattroporte not only feature unique styling and valuable materials,
but also use light to further enhance the look of the interior and the quality of the occupants'
experience when driving in the dark.
The system uses an optical fibre running along the dashboard and the doors and even in the
door handle cavities and door pockets, to give the interior a modern, classy look.
The front and rear ceiling lights mount a diffused lighting lamp and two separate reading
lights; along with these, two LEDs concealed in the ceiling light give constant, soft light for the
area beneath them; even the foot area is illuminated. The brightness of the light can be
adjusted with a dimmer.
REAR SEAT ENTERTAINMENT (FROM 03/2013 PRODUCTION)
With the option of the rear-seat entertainment unit, the Quattroporte will feature two tilting
10.2" LCD displays and rear-seat occupants can either view the same content simultaneously,
individually or watch completely different content.
The system allows users to reproduce audio, video or photographs from external sources and
it can deliver them in formats ranging from MPEG, WMV, Xvid, MP3, MP4, WMA and AAC.
It also has an A/V-IN connection for devices like video game consoles, cameras, video
cameras and laptops. In addition, it can be equipped with a television tuner in Europe, and
China.
Each monitor comes with individual battery-powered remote and wireless headphones.
WINDOWS
The new Quattroporte is intended to be not only safe and technically superb, but also
comfortable.
The windscreen and the rear window are both made from double laminated acoustic glass. As
51 percent of a car's external noise enters the cabin through the windscreen, the use of
acoustic glass means Maserati could make the cabin more comfortable and focus on
delivering the type of noise Maserati owners prefer.
The side windows employ similar technology with single-layer lamination and acoustic
damping.
All this adds up to reduced external noise and excellent temperature stability, along with more
robust windows, all of which increases the occupants' comfort and safety.
In addition, the all three rear windows can be fitted with darkened glass for greater privacy
CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM
The automatic climate control operates on a dual-zone system and delivers huge amounts of
air through 13ventilation ports.
Four of its ventilation ports are in the rear of the car and it balances its output through a
sunlight sensor to provide outstanding levels of comfort and the seamless maintenance of the
chosen temperature.
There are separate temperature adjustment functions for the driver and the passenger, which
can be controlled through the MTC or via a physical control panel under the screen.
Delivering 455 cubic metres of air an hour, the system performs much better than its
predecessor, cooling or heating the air far faster than ever before.
This power is driven by a variable-displacement compressor that is electronically controlled to
ensure that its operation matches perfectly to the exact demands from the car's occupants.
A wide array of sensors help the system to maintain its internal environment, including a
humidity sensor that governs the flow from the defrosting and demisting ports and the sunlight
sensor that regulates the temperature of the air from the ports that cancel the effects of the
sunlight and outside temperature.
The system has 13 ventilation ports: a demister on the windscreen, four outlets on the
dashboard, two on the joint between the front pillars and upper door surround, two at the feet
of the front occupants, two central ports on rear unit and two more at the feet of the rear
occupants.
A four-zone climate control system is optional, which increases comfort for the rear
passengers. It contains a dedicated nebuliser and two additional ports on the B-Pillars to
increase airflow to the rear of the car.
It also delivers a separate temperature control unit for the rear passengers.
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