The sixth-generation Quattroporte that was unveiled by Maserati in Detroit is not only the brand-new flagship of the Trident’s range, but also the car that spearheads an offensive that will increase global sales nearly 10-fold, to 50,000 units annually, by 2015.

Choosing the 2013 NAIAS was only natural, as last year the North American market, i.e. the U.S. and Canada, accounted for nearly half (46 percent) of Maserati’s total sales.

Sporting a brand-new exterior and interior design, the new Quattroporte is significantly larger than the model it replaces: it’s 6.4 inches (163mm) longer and 2.5 inches (64mm) wider and has a 4.2-inch (107 mm) longer wheelbase, thus offering much greater space for rear-seat passengers.

Powertrain options include two new twin-turbocharged direct-injection units developed by Maserati, mated to the latest eight-speed ZF auto transmission and built by sister company Ferrari at its Maranello plant.

The top version is powered by a 3.8-liter V8 with 523HP that enables it to accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 307 km/h (190 mph). This makes it 20 km/h (12 mph) faster than the outgoing Quattroporte Sport GT Swhile, at the same time, it cuts fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 20 percent.

The V6 engine delivers a peak output of 404hp (410PS) and a maximum torque of 550Nm (406 lb-ft). It will be available in rear-wheel drive, like the V8, and with the Q4 all-wheel drive system that can redirect up to 50 percent of the torque to the front wheels instantly when needed for maximum traction.

An image gallery, as well as the video from the Quattroporte’s presentation at the show, are available after the break.

By Andrew Tsaousis

PHOTO GALLERY

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VIDEO