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New sophistication. Inspired by the building of the new motorways, Maserati unveiled the first Quattroporte in 1963. This car combined the luxury of a sophisticated, exclusive executive saloon with the performance of a clearly sports-inspired chassis and an engine borrowed from the powerful Barchetta 450S. The new Pininfarina-designed Maserati Quattroporte now takes the same concept and gives it a contemporary twist to suit the needs of today's drivers. The big saloon embodies the continuation of the Maserati flagship tradition that ranged from the unveiling of the first Frua-bodied Quattroporte to the 1976 Giugiaro, the car of choice of the then Italian president Sandro Pertini. The Quattroportes were spacious comfortable limousines that effortlessly and safely ate up the miles on long journeys whilst still delivering the performance of the "thoroughbred racer." In its role as a limousine the Quattroporte offers impressive size and the kind of roomy cabin that offers equal comfort to front and rear passengers alike, plus a luxurious, beautifully finished interior. While the Quattroporte's architectural layout (front engine, rear-wheel drive), its classic big saloon fittings and its weight distribution system are innovative, thanks to the fact that the engine has been brought back behind the front axle and the gearbox has been unit rear-mounted with the differential. The new Quattroporte makes its début into a very different world yet is every bit as audacious and exclusive as its predecessors in terms of its concept. A purity of the technical solutions adopted for the Quattroporte, the lack of any fussy details or complications, the sensuality of a line created by a celebrated stylist and a sophisticated bespoke leather and wood interior personalised to suit each individual owner, all combine to make the new Quattroporte fit its time.