TRANSMISSION

The electro-hydraulic, six-speed MDS (Maserati DuoSelect) transmission is one of the most important innovations used in the Quattroporte. The system offers drivers the choice of fully-automatic or clutch-less sequential-manual gear selection.

Fully-automatic is the normal operating mode for the MDS. The electro-hydraulically actuated gearbox is lighter than a conventional torque-converter automatic and delivers smooth, crisp, rapid, gear changes combined with top class responsiveness.

At a standstill, it does not 'creep' like traditional automatics, but the new transmission has an automatic 'hill holder' facility. This keeps the brakes applied for a couple of seconds to give the driver time to move his (or her) foot from the brake to the accelerator - without the car rolling backwards.

The 'M/A Shift' button on the central console also allows drivers to shift to sequential-manual, at any time, even when the car is moving. Finger-tip operated, steering-wheel mounted paddles control gear selection - drivers pull on the right paddle to go up the gears, the left to go down.

Two additional modes can be selected to cope with changing driving conditions or to reflect personal driving style. Low Grip (for slippery surfaces) allows the car to move off in second gear, avoiding wheelspin. Sport (for faster gear changes, higher up the rev-range) is linked to the settings for suspension, traction and stability controls, which are all adjusted to make the Quattroporte an even more sporty drive.

To make parking easier there is also a switch on the central tunnel to select either reverse or first gear (Drive in automatic mode or first gear in manual) without any need to touch the paddles. The Quattroporte also has a small (8.46 inch, 215 mm diameter) dry twin-plate clutch, a feature unique in the luxury saloon sector.


SUSPENSION AND STEERING

Like its Coupe and Spyder siblings, the Quattroporte suspension employs forged aluminium double-wishbones front and rear, with aluminium uprights, but the geometry is tailored specifically to suit the longer car. Anti-dive and anti-squat characteristics are incorporated and Maserati's unique electronic Skyhook adaptive damping system is fitted as standard. The control software has been re-configured to offer optimum in-car comfort for the occupants.

Maserati's fast-reacting Skyhook is renowned for its ability to absorb every bump in the road for an incredibly comfortable ride, without undermining the marque's reputation for sporty handling. Acceleration sensors monitor the movements of the wheels and the car's body, instantly adapting the damper settings. Drivers can also choose between two modes: Normal and Sport, to suit their driving style.

The Quattroporte's electronic power steering has variable assistance, offering maximum assistance while parking, minimum assistance when cruising at high speeds and a crisp response, with appropriate assistance, when maneuvering on full lock. The 5 metre long Maserati has a 12.3 metre turning circle.


BRAKES, WHEELS AND TYRES

The Quattroporte's all-disc power-assisted braking system is manufactured by Brembo. The ventilated 330 mm x 32 mm front discs are fitted with four-pot callipers, the 316 mm x 28 mm rear discs with two-pot callipers. The system has Bosch VDC 5.7 ABS and electronic braking force distribution (EBD) which spreads the braking effort more evenly between front and rear wheels. Both the ABS and EBD systems are integrated with the MSP stability control system. Braking hard from 100 km/h [62 mph] on a dry surface, the Quattroporte comes to a complete stop in 36.9 metres.

The standard Pininfarina-styled alloy wheels on Quattroporte are 11-spoke designs, 18 inches in diameter. At the front, these 8.5J wide wheels are fitted with 245/45 ZR18 tyres. At the rear, the wheels are 10.5J wide, with 285/40 ZR18 tyres. As an option, 19 inch diameter, 9-spoke wheels (in similar widths) are available.

PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMY

The Quattroporte accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds. Maximum speed is 275 km/h (171 mph). Fuel consumption on the official combined cycle is 18.9 l / 100 km (14.9 mpg) and the 90 litre (19.75 gallon) petrol tank gives a touring range of 450 kilometres (280 miles).


SAFETY AND SECURITY

Quattroporte comes with the Maserati Stability Programme as standard. Developed by Maserati, the highly advanced MSP offers drivers extra assistance during unexpected and difficult driving situations.

MSP compares the course being steered by the driver and the actual path of the car. It interfaces with the ABS, EBD and ASR functions and acts on the brakes and engine to guarantee the driver stays in control of the car even at critical moments. A series of sensors pick up any anomaly in the car's ideal dynamic behaviour. Just like Skyhook, the MSP operates using two different logics which the driver can choose by touching the Sport button on the central console. Selecting Sport raises the threshold at which the MSP will begin to 'assist'.

Active safety is enhanced by the Quattroporte's twin xenon headlights - which offer a beam that is far superior to traditional halogen lights (maximum visibility, greater durability and lower energy consumption) - cruise control; light and rain sensors; and a light-sensitive, auto-dipping rear view mirror.

While Maserati's philosophy is to build cars with responsive, agile handling that delivers exceptional high standards of active safety, the Quattroporte also offers its occupants the highest levels of passive safety. Its protection systems exceed the toughest European and American crash test standards.

The car's basic structure, creates a protective, impact-resistant survival cell, which is further enhanced by the fitting of laminated glass in all windows. This is much stronger than traditional glass, will not shatter and resists penetration. The interior features rounded forms, flush-fit controls and crushable structures in all areas which may make contact with occupants in an accident situation.

The Quattroporte's integrated safety belt and airbag system features six airbags - driver, passenger, side (in both front seats) and full side curtains. The degree to which the front airbags inflate is directly proportional to the severity of the impact. Seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters are fitted to both the front and the outside rear seats. ISOFIX anchorage points for child safety-seats are fitted in the rear.


STANDARD EQUIPMENT

The automatic, separate front and rear climate control system that comes as standard, guarantees optimal onboard conditions, by automatically adapting the interior temperature and ventilation levels to changes in the exterior temperature, sunlight intensity and humidity. The fully electronic control console allows the driver and passengers to choose separate temperatures with a minimum of 16 ° C and a maximum of 32 °. The separate front and back sunlight sensor also keeps the values constant even when the intensity of the light changes. Laminated glass in all windows not only keeps noise levels to a minimum but also improves the climate control's efficiency.

The Multi Media System, developed by Bosch-Blaupunkt, includes (as standard) the onboard computer functions, a satellite navigation system, a Bose Sound System, and a single CD player. These functions can be controlled using the buttons in the centre of the dash and monitored on the 6.5 inch colour screen.

As an option, customers can also add a GSM phone, CD changer (located under the steering column in the cabin), a front TV module and the Onboard CALL Telematic Service, as well as a Rear Seat Entertainment System which offers a central screen, TV tuner, DVD player, auxiliary input for a video game console or other external equipment (video camera, for example), and a choice of listening through headphones or the main audio system.

Quattroporte drivers can control the Bose Sound System, the Multi Media System and the GSM phone using ergonomically efficient controls laid out on the sporty three-spoke steering wheel. The Bose Sound System takes the whole bespoke concept around which the Quattroporte was designed to new heights. The Hi-End Bose audio system was designed and manufactured to adapt to the acoustics of the car and become an integral part of those acoustics. This is absolutely essential to creating the kind of superior audio experience that offers concert hall-standard clarity and power. The exclusive system's many innovative features include neodymium speakers. The compact size of the components also means that the system can offer excellent acoustic performance without any of the clutter or weight of a traditional onboard unit. The digital Bose Audio System delivers a more faithful sound reproduction than most analogue music systems and also allows the use of specialist Bose technologies such as AutoPilot and active electronic equalisers.

BESPOKE PERSONALISATION PROGRAMME

The Officine Alfieri Maserati personalisation programme has been further developed for the Quattroporte, offering owners an unparalleled catalogue of bespoke options. A small, dedicated workshop at Maserati can produce a different Quattroporte for every new owner.

There are four key personalisation areas: colour choices, interior trim, travel and sporting dynamics. In addition to a selection of 15 exterior paintwork colours and 10 shades of leather trim for the interior, clients can also choose the colour of the dashboard (10 shades), the steering wheel (10), stitching (13 yarns), roof lining (3 variations), and interior mats (4). The choice of luxury woods includes rosewood, briarwood and mahogany. Alternatively, owners can opt for a titanium-coloured finish.

There is also a Comfort package for the front seats (heating, ventilation, massage, an intelligent system that automatically adapts the seat padding to the occupant's movements) and for the rear (heating, ventilation and massage).

Other features aimed at further enhancing the onboard experience include a front TV tuner, Rear Seat Entertainment (including central screen in rear, DVD player and TV tuner), CD changer, GSM telephone, and an electric sunroof. The Sport (with 19 inch wheels) and Executive packages complete the range of multiple choices available.


BESPOKE CUSTOMER SERVICES

One of the unique features of purchasing a Quattroporte is owning a car that is built precisely to a customer's individual aesthetic and technical specifications. Maserati has now broadened this bespoke approach to car ownership to include a range of services for both potential and existing Maserati owners.


FINANCIAL SERVICES

Maserati has its own special in-house service which offers leasing and financing options tailored to meet the needs of each individual client. This very fast service is offered on a case-by-case basis in order to guarantee an immediate response.


MASERATI WORLD

Every Quattroporte client automatically earns the right to a whole series of special privileges including: invitations to Maserati events, trade-only days at the world's leading motor shows, sports events (Maserati organises the Trofeo Maserati races and will also be entering the 2004 GT competitions), and the unveiling of new Ferrari Maserati Group models. Quattroporte clients will also enjoy special privileges if they take part in the Maserati Master GT driving courses. Quattroporte owners will be granted access to the dedicated www.owners.maserati.com website, where they can choose from an exclusive range of products.


For further information please contact:

Silvia Pini at Maserati UK

Tel 01784 486 607

Fax 01784 486 279

Email silvia.pini@maserati.co.uk

MASERATI QUATTROPORTE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
BODY

Four-door, four-seater saloon body, front-mounted longitudinal engine, rear-wheel drive.

Drag co-efficient: 0.35.

CHASSIS

Stress-bearing steel monocoque bodyshell with aluminium bonnet and boot.

SUSPENSION

Front: independent by double wishbones with arms and hubs in forged aluminium, with anti-dive and anti-squat geometry, plus continuously variable aluminium dampers with adaptive damping and acceleration sensors (Skyhook system), co-axial coils and springs.

Rear: independent by double wishbones with arms and hubs in forged aluminium, with anti-dive and anti-squat geometry, plus continuously variable aluminium dampers with adaptive damping and acceleration sensors (Skyhook system), co-axial coils and springs.

WHEELS AND TYRES

Standard - 11-spoke 18 inch alloys (9-spoke, 19 inch alloys optional)

Front 8.5J x 18 with 245/45 ZR18 tyres

Rear 10.5J x 18 with 285/40 ZR18 tyres

BRAKES

Brembo braking system with four cross-drilled, ventilated discs. Four piston callipers front, two piston rear. Bosch VDC 5.7 ABS anti-lock system. Electronic braking effort distribution (EBD).

Front discs: 330 mm x 32 mm

Rear discs: 316 mm x 28 mm

TRANSMISSION

Six-speed Maserati DuoSelect electro-hydraulic gearbox with choice of fully-automatic or sequential manual operation, longitudinally mounted in unit with rear differential. Manual operation by steering-wheel mounted paddles.

ZF asymmetrical limited-slip differential (25% under acceleration, 45% on lift-off), hypoid bevel gear pair. Dry twin-plate clutch, 215 mm diameter.

Bosch ASR traction control.


ENGINE

The 90° V8 engine's crankcase and cylinder heads are in tempered aluminium alloy, tempered steel balanced crankshaft running on five main bearings. Chain-driven twin overhead camshafts per cylinder bank command four valves per cylinder with hydraulic tappets. The dry sump engine lubrication system features the oil pumps in unit with the coolant pump. Bosch Motronic ME7 integrated ignition and injection; electronic drive-by-wire accelerator.