Maserati is hard at work on its latest model set to do battle with the likes of the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
The newcomer, wearing the internal codename M157 but potentially wearing the Levante or Ghibli moniker, will be underpinned by the same platform as the current Chrysler 300C.
Initial reports suggest that the M157’s introduction will see the next-generation Quattroporte move even further upmarket, the upshot of which will see the range-topping saloon underpinned by an extended version of the M157’s chassis.
The engine line-up has yet to be confirmed, but its thought that the Chrysler influence will again make itself felt with a twin-turbo version of the company’s 3,6-litre Pentastar V6 good for around 309 kW, as well as possibility of a VM Motori-sourced diesel and a range-topping V8. All of these engines will be coupled with an 8-speed ZF transmission.
Maserati has recently entered a three-year deal with audio specialists Bowers & Wilkins for a line of model-specific sound systems for the GranTurismo and Quattroporte. Given that the M157 and the production version of the firm’s Grand Cherokee-based Kubang SUV will emerge in 2014, there’s a good chance that they too could be recipients of such sound systems.
Where the Quattroporte was a Pininfarina-penned design, the new car and the M157 will be designed in-house by Fiat’s design head (and former Pininfarina man) Lorenzo Ramaciotti, who has overseen the designs of such models as the Ferrari 456 GT, Pininfarina-designed Peugeot 406 Coupe and the previous Quattroporte.
We can expect the new saloons to sport sharper lines and a more aggressive front-end treatment similar to that of the Kubang when it make an appearance in Frankfurt.