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The new Maserati Quattroporte comes equipped with an aspirated, eight cylinder 4,244 cc V90° engine. The lubrication system features a wet sump, which results in a reduction in noise making the cabin quieter.

The Quattroporte’s V8 power unit’s cylinder block and heads are made of aluminium alloy and silicon with the drive shaft and five supports in forged, reclaimed steel. The timing is actioned by two chain-driven overhead camshafts per bank and four valves per cylinder controlled by hydraulic tappets. The aspirated overhead camshafts, designed especially for the requirements of a luxury saloon, are controlled by a high pressure, continual phase variator with actuation times of less than 0.15 seconds.

The ignition and injection systems allow operational fluctuations in the car’s engine management system to be controlled, meaning that the car always stays within emissions guidelines. The accelerator is controlled electronically using ‘drive by wire’ technology while the ECU microprocessor communicates with the other systems through the Controlled Area Network (CAN) to optimise the engine management. All this translates into an engaging ride. The Maserati’s V8 engine delivers its power in a specially designed way to give the Quattroporte maximum on-board comfort and super smooth gear changes.

The torque curve, which reaches it peak of 46 kgm at 4,750 rpm, is characterised by its fluid delivery. The engine’s revs rise gradually without any sudden jumps to offer consistent power at any point in the rev range. The Quattroporte’s performance is among the best in the luxury saloon category with its 405 bhp power output, a top speed of 270 km/h and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.6 seconds.

The Maserati Quattroporte’s chassis makes it an involving drive whilst also improving safety and comfort. Its torsional stiffness and flexibility results in well-balanced handling that enhances the driving experience.

The car’s front and rear double wishbone suspension, with forged aluminium arms and hubs, features ‘Antidive’ and ‘Antisquat’ geometry. This prevents the front end dipping under braking and the rear end squatting under acceleration. The Quattroporte’s suspension has been further upgraded with dampers fixed to a ‘comfort’ setting to further ensure a fluid drive. This set up results in a car that is agile with body roll being well contained.

The Maserati Quattroporte’s automatic transmission ensures fluidity and smooth gear shifts, without compromising power or speed. The gearbox, the result of a partnership between Maserati and ZF, is served by a hydraulic torque converter. This provides a boost at low-mid revs and also ensures sufficient power right up to 7200 rpm.

The driver can modify the transmission to best suit the road conditions or to match his own driving style by selecting the Low Grip or Sport buttons.

Low Grip mode guarantees maximum safety when the road surface is slick or icy thanks to the direct input of the ASR traction control. Pressing the Sport button makes the transmission more aggressive and places the emphasis on performance with faster changes at higher revs. To keep in touch with its granturismo heritage, the Quattroporte can also be driven in manual mode by flicking the switch located on the centre tunnel.

The Quattroporte’s dynamic handling is further assisted by the Maserati Stability Programme (MSP). This has been specially designed by Maserati to improve safety and works by integrating the ABS, EBD and ASR, acting on the brakes and the engine in order to give the driver complete control of the car, even in critical situations. The Programme is based on a series of sensors that are able to pick up any movement that differs from the car’s ideal handling. Like the Skyhook system, MSP can act according to two different performance options. These correspond to settings chosen by the driver by pushing ‘Sport’ on the centre console. This setting adjusts the dampers, the traction control and the speed of the gear changes.

The electronic power steering is direct and precise at speed and transmits to the driver exactly what the car is doing. At the same time, it is light and easy to use at lower speeds and when performing manoeuvres.

The Maserati Quattroporte’s weight distribution is unique in its category with a slight bias towards the rear (49% front and 51% rear). This split transforms the luxury saloon into a car where performance is favoured and rewards the driver with its superb handling. This set up was achieved by shifting the engine behind the front axle to maximise traction and acceleration while also making the car stable and balanced.

The Maserati Quattroporte’s brakes are made up of four self-ventilating discs (330 mm at the front and rear) with fixed, four piston callipers at the front at the rear and on the servo brake. ABS stops the wheels locking under braking and EBD distributes the braking force between the front and the rear axles; both systems are integrated into the Maserati Stability Programme (MSP). This solution offers excellent performance both in terms of stopping distance and resistance to brake fade, even under intense use. The Quattroporte’s brakes are always prompt in responding and live up to the standards you would expect from a Maserati saloon.

The Maserati GranTurismo is the first modern, two-door, four-seater coupé that delivers much more than its sensual beauty initially suggests. Pininfarina latest creation was destined for greatness right from its debut at the 2007 Geneva Motorshow. The car can trace its heritage right back to the very first GranTurismo produced by Maserati, the 1947 A6 1500 GT Pininfarina and it also incorporates the innovation and impact of the Birdcage 75th, the futuristic concept car that, in 2005, suggested the lines for future Maserati models.

The Maserati GranTurismo is powered by an eight cylinder 4,244 cc V90° engine, one that is part of the company’s new range of power units. The engine develops 405 bhp at 7,100 rpm, equivalent to 96.4 bhp/litre. Compact and light, the cylinder heads are made of aluminium alloy and silicon. The 32 valves are actioned by two overhead camshafts per bank while the overhead camshafts on the aspirated side are controlled by a low pressure, continual phase variator.The lubrication system features a wet sump, which means a reduction in noise, making the cabin an even quieter place to be. The engine produces a reassuring burble that never interferes with the driving experience.

The exhaust connected to the V8 meets the most stringent anti-pollution regulations but does not compromise the car’s performance. On a technical level, metal has replaced ceramic as the material of choice for the catalysers, the same as those found on competition cars. The acceleration provided by the Maserati V8 is immediate, and, thanks to the electronic ‘drive by wire’ throttle control, the car responds to even the slightest touch on the pedal.

The Maserati GranTurismo’s new hydraulic gearbox brings out the best in the engine. The self-adapting automatic gearbox is especially useful at the low-mid range revs while top end power doesn’t suffer. Gear changes can be made right up to 7200 rpm, a rate that no other automatic transmission in the world can match.

There are four function modes: Auto Normal is for comfortable cruising, Auto Sport is for those who like a sportier, more involving drive, Auto ICE is for low grip conditions and then there is Manual mode. In manual, it is the driver who chooses when to change gear via the steering wheel paddles.

The Maserati GranTurismo reacts brilliantly thanks to its perfect weight distribution: 49% of the car’s weight sits over the front end and 51% on the rear. This set up was achieved by shifting the engine behind the front axle and it gives the driver an unparalleled sense of security in any conditions.

The load-bearing chassis means greater rigidity and its high-resistance, box-steel structure allows the suspension to track every dip in the terrain. This enhances the car’s dynamic handling and ensures a more comfortable drive.

The Maserati GranTurismo’s precise handling benefits from front and rear wishbone suspension. The system’s ‘anti-dive’ and ‘anti-squat’ geometry prevents the front from dipping under braking and the rear end from squatting under acceleration.

As an option, the GranTurismo can be equipped with the Skyhook system of shock absorbers with an aluminium body that continually adjust the damping. This technology automatically selects the optimal level of damping and integrates with the MSP safety system and the calibration of the car’s automatic gearbox. The result is that the car is able to adapt to the characteristics of each driver; the GranTurismo is a car that fits like a glove.

The aluminium bodied, gas-regulated Skyhook set up assures the automatic and continuous control of the damping whatever the road condition. It does this without affecting on-board comfort, penalising performance or compromising the car’s sporty nature.

The Skyhook system acts by using acceleration sensors that detect movement on all four wheels and the body. A control unit processes the data it receives from the sensors, analyses the driving style and road surface and instantly adjusts the dampers accordingly via their proportional valves.

The Maserati GranCabrio, the first four-seater convertible in the Trident carmaker’s history, will make its world wide debut on September 15 at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. The introduction of the GranCabrio – the Trident’s third prong – completes Maserati’s product line-up that now consists of three different families of models: Quattroporte, GranTurismo, GranCabrio.

The GranCabrio represents the very essence of Maserati in terms of open-top cars. It’s a Maserati in the purest sense of the word: from the unmistakable style by Pininfarina to the spacious interior, from the craftsmanship of each detail to the driving pleasure and performance. The Maserati GranCabrio enriches all five senses in a shared open-air experience, without sacrificing comfort and performance. A dream car designed and built for men and women who love to live life in an understated – though sophisticated – manner. Like all the made in Maserati open-top convertibles: special cars aimed at refined connoisseurs.

The GranCabrio is continuing the Maserati tradition in open-top fine automobiles, beginning with the 1950 A6G Frua Spyder, and continuing through a long list of significant and thrilling open air models. However, in adding to this tradition, the GranCabrio opens a new chapter, because never before have four-seater top-down models ever been produced at the Viale Ciro Menotti Maserati factory in Modena. Four proper seats are provided, so that the rear passengers are not merely supporting actors, but co-stars of the journey.

The GranCabrio is powered by a 4.7 liter V8, 323 kW engine and is the convertible with the longest wheelbase on the market. The GranCabrio’s roof is strictly canvas-made, emphasizing the link with the Maserati tradition.

The GranCabrio continues in the footsteps of the Maserati tradition in open-top models, and adds to a line-up of models that has made the history of the Modena manufacturer, such as the 1950 A6G Frua Spyder, the 3500GT Vignale Spyder (1960), the Mistral Spyder (1964), the Ghibli Spyder (1968) and the 2001 Spyder, the car Maserati chose for his comeback to the United States.

True to its tradition, the Maserati GranCabrio yet opens a new chapter, because never before have four-seater top-down models been produced at the Viale Ciro Menotti Maserati factory in Modena. There are four proper seats, so that the rear passengers are not merely supporting actors, but co-stars of the journey.

The Maserati GranCabrio is powered by a 4.7 liter V8 engine paired with the fluid 6-speed automatic transmission. In Sport mode, the V8 gives the driver and passengers the full power of its 323kW, with a thrilling roar that becomes even more exciting with the top down, as it becomes one with its surroundings.

The Maserati GranCabrio is fitted with Skyhook suspension as standard. The braking system uses high performance dual-cast technology, developed in collaboration with Brembo and already successfully employed on the GranTurismo and Quattroporte. The GranCabrio’s roof is strictly canvas-made, emphasizing the link with the Maserati tradition.

Aerodynamic, aero-acoustic efficiency and the desire to make the GranCabrio a car suitable for all year driving are the principles which led the Maserati technicians to develop a three-layer canvas hood. Not only does it offer ample opportunities for customization, but it also adds considerable benefits in terms of on-the-road dynamics, as the car’s centre of gravity is lower. In 28 seconds, passengers can enjoy the thrill of the open-air experience, activating the open/close mechanism even when the car is moving, at speeds of up to 30km/h.

The Maserati GranCabrio will be marketed this coming winter, and experienced by customers the world over from the following spring. Clients and supporters of the brand can already choose contents and features of their own Maserati GranCabrio, thanks to a completely renewed car configurator, which is state of the art in terms of image quality and flexibility of usage. The Maserati GranCabrio is also on the web with a dedicated minisite.

The 2009 Maserati Quattroporte continues as the Italian company’s sedan and is available in three trim levels: Base, S, and Sport GT S. The Base model comes with a 400-hp 4.2-liter V8. S has a 425-hp 4.7-liter V8, while the Sport GT S has a 433-hp 4.7. All come with a 6-speed automatic transmission; steering-column-mounted paddles for manual gear selection are optional on the S and standard on the Sport GT S.

All Quattroportes have a slight rear weight bias, which Maserati says improves handling. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Standard on all models are 14-way adjustable front seats with driver-seat memory, dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation system, and rear-obstacle detection.

Available features include ventilated massaging front and rear seats, rear climate control, and rear privacy screens. Quattroportes can also be fitted with a wide selection of optional interior materials and trim. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.

The 2009 Maserati GranTurismo lineup expands to include a top-line S model. This four-passenger coupe shares much of its basic design with Maserati’s Quattroporte sedan. The standard powertrain is a 405-hp 4.2-liter V8 and 6-speed automatic transmission with steering-column-mounted shift paddles.

New for 2009 is an S model with a 440-hp 4.7-liter V8. Unlike most front-engine cars, the GranTurismo has a rear weight bias, which Maserati says improves handling. Standard safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and front curtain airbags.

Standard on all models are dual-zone climate control, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, and a rear obstacle detection system. Also standard are a navigation system, 10-way adjustable front seats with memory that power forward to ease entry to the rear seats and a power tilt and telescopic steering column that raises and lowers for easier ingress. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.