Quattroporte Maserati reportedly to build sub-Quattroporte M5 rival

[HighestOfHigh]

If you've had trouble figuring out if the Maserati Quattroporte was a closer rival to the BMW M5 or the 7 Series, the latest news from Modena ought to help. As part of the Fiat Group's comprehensive five-year plan – which already includes several new Alfa Romeos and no fewer than six new Ferraris – Maserati has revealed plans to build a new sub-Quattroporte sedan.

Targeting the likes of the M5, the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG and the Audi RS6, a new sedan is set to slot in below the existing Quattrporte in both size and price. Reports place the entry price for the new four-door at at less than €55,000 ($74k), significantly less than the $120k starting price for the current Quattroporte.

In addition, plans are also underway for a new full-size Quattroporte, giving buyers in the market for an exotic Italian super-saloon twice the variety to choose from. Expect the next-generation QP, then, to go slightly farther up-market to make way for its upcoming kid brother.

- Maserati reportedly to build sub-Quattroporte M5 rival — Autoblog

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Maserati Confirms New Entry-Level Sedan And Quattroporte Replacement

It’s official. Maserati will launch an all-new sports sedan to take on the likes of the BMW M5 and upcoming Audi A7 and best of all it will establish a new ‘entry-level’ price point for the Trident brand. Expected to cost around the $75,000 mark, details of the car were confirmed earlier today during Fiat’s five-year strategy announcement at a press event in Turin, Italy.

Officials described it as a “new product package with specific contents in order to exploit Maserati DNA”. You can interpret this as high-performance matched with bespoke craftsmanship and oodles of luxury.

Today’s announcement ties in with previous reports that claimed Maserati was developing a new rear-wheel drive platform that will spawn the new entry-level sedan, as well as the replacements for the Quattroporte and even the GranTurismo. According to insider information, the new platform will make extensive use of lightweight aluminum and be capable of implementing a hybrid system Maserati is likely to borrow from Ferrari.

The story doesn’t end there. Maserati also confirmed today a replacement for Quattroporte is due in the near future. It was described as “a completely new style, offering outstanding driving emotions and high-level quality.” Pricing of the Quattroporte’s replacement will be set lower than the current car in order to boost sales in the flagship sedan segment, which is shaping up to be quite competitive with new entries like the Aston Martin Rapide and Porsche Panamera.

- Maserati Confirms New Entry-Level Sedan And Quattroporte Replacement - MotorAuthority

 

[Wolfgang]

Maserati SUV Will Get Ferrari Designed Engine

First he told us a new Maserati SUV based on the Jeep Grand Cherokee platform was in the works and destined for launch late next year or in early 2013. Then he revealed that the prized platform would also spawn an upscale seven-seater SUV for the Jeep brand, one that would revive the Grand Wagoneer nameplate.

Now, Fiat-Chrysler’s demanding CEO Sergio Marchionne has revealed that the new Maserati SUV model will be powered by a Ferrari designed engine, possibly in both V-8 and V-12 configurations.

Speaking at this week’s 2011 Detroit Auto Show, Marchionne described the engine as “rock and roll”, which isn’t hard to imagine considering it’s being designed by the same guys behind the V-8 and V-12 units in the 458 Italia and 599 GTO.

Production is expected to take place within the next 12 to 18 months at Chrysler’s Jefferson North assembly plant in Detroit. And of course, being a Maserati, prices will likely however around the $80,000 to $100,000 mark.

Interestingly, the upcoming luxury SUV isn’t the only new Maserati in the works. A replacement for the aging Quattroporte is due soon and a new ‘entry-level’ sedan designed to take on the likes of the BMW M5 and Audi A7 is also planned. You can read about both models in our previous story by clicking here.

Maserati SUV Will Get Ferrari Designed Engine - MotorAuthority

 

[Zafiro]

Why is it always a M5 rival? what about E63 and RS6

 

[bmer]

Why is it always a M5 rival? what about E63 and RS6

Well, they do mention the A7 above. But why do journalists mention the M5 so often? Well, it's the original benchmark in its class. The same thing with the 3er and the S-Class. You know it's not very practical to mention all possible competitors in every article they write.

 

[Kowalski]

Why is it always a M5 rival? what about E63 and RS6

Because, the M5 along with the M3 are the standard by which all other sport saloons are judged.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Journalist like to stick with Tradition. The Next E63 AMG could have 800hp, 0-60 in 2 seconds, handle better that a Porsche and weigh less that 1,000 lbs and some of them dummies would still say the M5 is the best.

 

[Tarek]

^Lol.

So a big and heavy Maser SUV with a screaming high rev Ferrari engine?..unless they TT that Ferrari V8 it'll fail.