2004 maserati quattroporte Preview

New Photos Released

Maserati, the legendary Italian marque now owned and operated by Ferrari, has recently released photos of its forthcoming Quattroporte, a tease in preparation to showing the car in the flesh as part of the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show on September 9.

The Trident brand has a forty-year history of producing luxury 4-doors with supercar performance, and this latest version should be quite capable of carrying the torch forward.

Its elegant shape was penned by Pininfarina design house, the carrozzeria responsible for the Ferrari 360 Modena, 456M and 575M, as well as some of the most beautiful classic Ferraris ever made.

The new car follows such tradition exuding a rare grace unlike anything from its European rivals, which should find it popular among the rich and famous. Immediately noticeable is its classic Maserati chrome trimmed grille protruding slightly outward, dipping in a V shape at center top position just below the brands blue and red badge. The headlamps, subtly understated, sweep back at what looks to be an aerodynamic angle.

The hood seems as long as any Ive seen, with tasteful sculpting between the grille and front fenders, helping to give the appearance of a classic separation. Its long and low design gives it feline athleticism, especially apparent from profile view. From this angle a trio of engine vents allows trapped air to escape the engine bay while simultaneously offering a distinct styling detail that will be appreciated by fans of early Maseratis.

The greenhouse is long and narrow, adding to the Quattroportes sporting demeanor, finalizing in a trademark Maserati C-pillar, complete with chromed Trident badge at its center.

Maserati seems to be keeping the Quattroportes rear end styling secretive, not offering any photographs for the time being. I suppose if they didnt there would be nothing new to offer us in September, when it debuts in Europe.

But word has it under the skin lies nothing less than the same Ferrari derived V8 that motivates the brands 4200 GT Coupe and Spyder (convertible) models. Said to offer 400-hp instead of the 2-doors 390, the new sedan will leave the majority of its 4-door peers well behind.

Gear actuation will be via a conventional gated 6-speed manual or high-tech Cambiocorsa 6-speed sequential manual with automatic mode, the latter of which proved wonderfully capable in the coupe that I previously drove.

Inside the cabin, the spaciousness of a full-size luxury car allows comfortable cruising for five adults. Like all Maseratis, no expense will be spared in materials or handcrafted workmanship, with the opportunity for the brands exclusive clientele to personalize their Quattroporte down to its finest detail.

As previously mentioned an exclusive Royale edition may be offered, sporting a variation of the Ferrari Enzos 650-hp V12, plus upgraded interior trim and possibly a longer wheelbase for more limousine-like rear accommodations. If the Royale does appear, it will most likely follow company tradition by following the stock sedan by at least a year.

While the Royale would be stratospherically priced if built, the regular Quattroporte will no doubt be more expensive than the average luxury sedan as well. Yet its stunning design, superb quality and dynamic performance will put it in a class of few, making the lofty sticker well worth it for Maseratis discerning clientele.