It's thought that the car is loosely based on the big Lancia Thesis platform, although the Quattroporte is rear-drive. All versions will use an automated manual transmission with column-mounted paddle shifters. Although this system has been much criticised on Maserati's Coupe, engineers have been working to smooth-out the shift action. According to insiders, the key has been slowing the very free-revving V8 engine quickly enough to allow the clutch to engage smoothly.

Maserati has rejected use of a conventional autobox, partly because it can't cope with the engine's torque and partly because it is much less efficient than a manual transmission. It's also possible that Maserati will fit a large-capacity turbodiesel supplied by Fiat Auto.

The Quattroporte is the latest in a long line of high-performance four-door cars from Maserati, all launched with limited success. The first car to use the badge went on sale in 1963 and it's from this model that Pininfarina has revived the unusual, protruding oval grille. From the side, the Quattroporte bears a passing resemblance to an early Jaguar XJ saloon. Perhaps not too surprising when Fiat - which took over the company in 1993 - suggested that Maserati would become an 'Italian Jaguar'.
A flurry of interest blew up earlier this year when it was revealed that Audi has been providing engineering help to Maserati. Officially, Audi was helping the Italians 'lighten the car'. However, strong rumours have been circulating in Germany that the VW Group has its eye on taking a controlling stake in both Ferrari-Maserati and Alfa Romeo.

Italian investment bank Mediobanca already has 34 per cent of Ferrari-Maserati and GM owns 20 per cent of Fiat. The rumours say that VW is talking to both Mediobanca and GM on an effective break-up of the Fiat Group. Fiat/Lancia would continue to be independent, working on shared technology with GM, and a newly created Ferrari-Maserati-Alfa combine would be substantially owned by VW.