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Quattroporte IV (AM337, 1994–2001)
An early Quattroporte 2.8
Overview
Production	1994–2001
Assembly	Modena, Italy
Designer	Marcello Gandini
Body and chassis
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Related	Maserati Ghibli Maserati Shamal
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L V6 (twin-turbocharged petrol) 2.8 L V6 (twin-turbocharged petrol) 3.2 L V8 (twin-turbocharged petrol)
Transmission	6-speed Getrag manual 4-speed ZF 4HP22 automatic 4-speed BTR automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,650 mm (104 in)
Length	4,550 mm (179 in)
Width	1,810 mm (71 in)
Height	1,380 mm (54 in)
Kerb weight	1,543–1,675 kg (3,401.7–3,692.7 lb)

The fourth generation Quattroporte (Tipo AM337) was built from 1994 to 2001. It was built on an evolved and stretched version of the Biturbo saloons' architecture, and used twin-turbocharged V6 and V8 engines respectively from the Maserati Shamal and Ghibli coupés. For this reason the car retained very compact exterior dimensions, and is smaller than any of its predecessors and successors. As the designer's signature angular rear wheel arches gave away, the wedge-shaped aerodynamic (0.31 Cd) body was the work of Marcello Gandini.

 

Quattroporte Evoluzione

History

The world première of the fourth generation Quattroporte took place at the April 1994 Turin Motor Show and the car went on sale towards the end of the year. Initially the Quattroporte was powered by twin-turbocharged, 24-valve V6 engines from the Maserati Ghibli. For export markets there was a 2.8-litre unit, producing 284 PS (209 kW; 280 hp) and reaching a claimed top speed of 255 km/h (158 mph). As local taxation strongly penalized cars over two-litre in displacement, Italian buyers were offered a 2.0 L version, which developed a little more power (287 PS or 211 kW) but less torque than the 2.8; on the home market the 2.8 was not offered until a year after its introduction. The cabin was fully upholstered in Connolly leather and trimmed in elm burr veneer.

After having been displayed in December 1995 at the Bologna Motor Show, in 1996 a 3.2-litre twin-turbocharged V8 Quattroporte was added to the range. Derived from the Maserati Shamal's engine, on the Quattroporte this unit developed 336 PS (247 kW; 331 hp) for a claimed top speed of 270 km/h (168 mph). At the same time some minor updates were introduced on all models: new eight-spoke alloy wheels and aerodynamic wing mirrors, and seicilindri or ottocilindri (Italian for "six-" and "eight-cylinders" and) badges on the front wings, denoting which engine was under the bonnet. As standard all three engines were mated to a Getrag 6-speed gearbox, while 4-speed automatic transmissions were available on request with the 2.8 and 3.2 engines—respectively a 4HP22 by ZF and a computer-controlled one by Australian firm BTR.

In July 1997 Ferrari acquired 50% of Maserati S.p.A. from Fiat S.p.A.. Ferrari immediately undertook a renewal of Maserati's dated production facilities, as well as made improvements to the manufacturing methods and quality control. This resulted in the improved Quattroporte Evoluzione, introduced at the March 1998 Geneva Motor Show. It featured 400 all-new or modified parts out of a total 800 main components. Powertrains and performance remained unvaried, save for the adoption of the same BTR transmission from the 3.2 V8 by the automatic 2.8 V6 model. The Evoluzione no longer had the oval Maserati clock on the dashboard. Outside it was distinguished from the earlier models by details like "V6 evoluzione" or "V8 evoluzione" badges on the front wings and redesigned wing mirrors. Production of the fourth generation Quattroporte ended in May 2001.

Specifications

The Quattroporte was a four-door, five-seater saloon with a steel unibody construction. The overall layout remained unchanged from the Biturbos from which the car descended: longitudinal front engine, rear-wheel drive, all-independent suspension with MacPherson struts upfront and trailing arms at the rear. Despite these similarities the suspension had been re-engineered: rear trailing arms had a tube framework structure like on the Shamal, and together with the limited slip differential were attached to the body via a newly designed tubular subframe.

Engines