SIX GENERATIONS

Check out the evolution of the Quattroporte’s racy build, which originally took its design cues from a Maserati 5000 GT coupe made for the Aga Khan —only with four doors

1963

The fastest four-door of the ’60s with a top speed of 230km/h, the first series boasted an entirely new chassis design with box-sectioned rails. Powered by a new 4.5L V8 engine. Famous owners included Rainier III of Monaco

1973

The rarest Quattroporte of all. Maserati’s first front-wheel drive model. Its boxy Bertone styling that didn’t prove too popular, but it was the 1973 recession and oil crisis that put paid to the QP II’S production —all of 13 cars were ever made

1979

Opulent interiors earned it the nickname “The Italian RollsRoyce”. The Royale version introduced in 1986 boasted a high-compression engine with 300hp that overcame a hefty 2,080kg of body weight to reach top speeds of 215-230km/h

1994

A compact sports sedan that clocked a mere 4,550mm in length, this generation Quattroporte was the first Maserati to offer anti-lock braking and airbags. Offered only as a 2.8L V6 and 3.2L V8 after 1997

2003

The generation that returned the Quattroporte to its perch in the upper premium segment. A dynamic body designed by Pininfarina, with the oval front grill that’s now synonymous with Maserati, and luxurious interiors won it awards and commercial success

2013

The luxury sports saloon boasts a 307km/h top speed (3.8L V8) neck and neck with most supercars. The all-new twin-turbocharged engine was designed by Maserati Powertrain and assembled by Ferrari at Maranello