The sixth generation Quattroporte delivers a leap forward that not only sets the high-technology tone for Maserati's upcoming new model onslaught, but also remains faithful to Maserati's long history in luxury sports saloons.

The powerful engine and the large cabin at the core of the Quattroporte's design, dominated by a long, powerful nose and a concave Trident grille, provide a clear link to both the outgoing Quattroporte and the GranTurismo.

That said, even with all of its new technology, the new Quattroporte remains true to Maserati's roots. Its V8 twin turbo makes it not only the fastest four-door Maserati ever built, but also the most powerful and the most fuel efficient.

The direct-injection engine family will boast a 3.8-litre V8 and a 3.0-litre V6, both of which are all new, twin turbo charged, designed by Maserati Powertrain and assembled by Ferrari at Maranello.

The 3.8-litre V8 engine provides Maserati's new performance benchmark, reaching 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds and achieving a 307km/h top speed. It is 20km/h faster than the Quattroporte Sport GT S and delivers up to 200Nm more torque as well. The V6 twin turbo doesn't lack in performance, either, reaching 285km/h.

With an eight-speed automatic transmission and both rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations, it is also the most secure all-weather performance car in Maserati's history. But more importantly, to offset its scintillating performance, the V8 Maserati Quattroporte has lowered both its fuel consumption and emissions by 20 percent over the outgoing Quattroporte.

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.