2013 Maserati Quattroporte engine specifications revealed

The sixth-generation Maserati Quattroporte’s two-pronged powertrain line-up – produced by Ferrari in Maranello – features an efficiency focused 3.0-litre V6 and a high-performance 3.8-litre V8, both taking advantage of forced induction.

The Quattroporte’s new twin-turbocharged V6 generates 301kW at 5500rpm and 550Nm across an impressively broad 1500-5000rpm band – giving it 60Nm more torque than the outgoing 4.7-litre V8-powered Quattroporte Sport GTS.

Equipped as standard with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, the (left-hand-drive-only) all-wheel-drive Maserati Quattroporte V6 accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds, while the rear-wheel-drive version is two-tenths slower at 5.1sec, before kicking on to its 285km/h top speed.

Despite the impressive performance, the engine consumes a claimed 10.5 litres per 100km on the combined cycle, which makes it 29 per cent more fuel efficient than the current entry-level V8.

The new flagship 3.8-litre V8 is almost a litre smaller in capacity than the engine it replaces, but employs direct injection and a pair of turbochargers to deliver 18 per cent more power – 390kW at 6800rpm – and 39 per cent more torque – 650Nm between 2000-4000rpm (and 710Nm on overboost between 2250-3500rpm).

Completing the dash to triple figures in 4.7 seconds, the new Quattroporte V8 is the fastest-accelerating four-door car in Maserati’s history, while its 307km/h top speed makes it the second fastest Maserati production car behind the V12-powered MC12 supercar.

The V8’s fuel consumption falls to 11.8L/100km, making it 25 per cent less thirsty than the old range topping 4.7-litre.

At 5262mm long, 1948mm wide, 1481mm tall and riding on a 3171mm wheelbase, the 2013 Maserati Quattroporte is 165mm longer, 53mm wider and 43mm taller than the old model, and is 107mm longer between the wheels. Its larger dimensions translate to 105mm of extra rear legroom and 80 litres of additional boot space (now 530 litres).

At 1900kg, the new V8 is also around 100kg lighter than the car it replaces, a greater percentage of aluminium and magnesium used throughout its chassis and body.

Standard inside the new Maserati Quattroporte is an 8.4-inch touchscreen that brings together the car’s sat-nav, reversing camera, DVD player, audio and ventilation functions.

Adaptive cruise control, smart key with push-button start and a dual-zone climate control system with 13 ventilation ports, headline a comprehensive list of features now standard in the new model.

Local pricing and specifications of the Maserati Quattroporte be revealed ahead of its local showroom debut in the third quarter of 2013.