The Maserati has always been famed for its innovative engine design: in this respect the new 3.8 litre twin turbo V8 installed on the Quattroporte sets new standards, with a long list of sophisticated solutions that make this the most high-tech propulsion unit ever installed on a Maserati car. With its 530 HP, it takes the Quattroporte past the 300 km/h threshold with ease.

To offset its scintillating performance, the V8 Maserati Quattroporte has lowered both its fuel consumption and emissions by 20% over the outgoing Quattroporte.

Traditional hand crafted detailing continues in the Quattroporte’s cabin, now more spacious and featuring both four and five-seat layouts. Cabin luxury leaps forward technically too, with features like the Maserati Touch Control screen, adjustable pedals (left hand drive only), reversing camera and the optional 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system, as well as WLAN-based WiFi and compatibility with most modern mobile phone systems.

The versatile V6 unit that equips the Quattroporte S thrills whenever the driver steps on the accelerator, with the power coming through loud and clear. In Sport mode, peak torque is 550 Nm and is reached at just 1750 rpm. These extraordinary figures see the Quattroporte S sprint to 100 km/h (0-62 mph), from a standing start, in only 5.1 seconds.

The Quattroporte S makes the most of its modern, automatic, 8-speed ZF transmission. Light and precise gear shifts are delivered by the auto-adaptive software that recognises the driver’s style and tweaks the type of shift accordingly. There are five modes to choose from and these can be selected by pushing the tunnel-mounted buttons: Auto Normal, Auto Sport, Manual Normal, Manual Sport and the all-new I.C.E.