Maserati's larger-but-lighter Quattroporte has just docked in South Africa, rearing to tempt well-heeled motorists and cavalcade masters out of their German saloons with its emotive Italian design and engineering.
Buyers will have to choose between two direct injection twin-turbo petrol engines in the form of a 3-litre V6 in the 'S' model and a 3.8-litre V8 'GTS'. Both were designed by Maserati and are assembled by Ferrari in Maranello.
The V6 engine is credited with 301kW at 5500rpm and 550Nm from 1750rpm, allowing for a 5.1-second 0-100km/h sprint and 285km/h top end.
Go for the V8 and you're blessed with 390kW at 6500rpm and 650Nm (710 in overboost) from 2000 revs. This one will treat you to a top speed of 307km/h and will prance to the 100 mark in 4.7 seconds.
In both versions, power is shifted to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox and decent handling is ensured by a 50:50 weight distribution, double-wishbone front suspension and five-link rear axle.
You can order the Quattroporte with seating for either four or five occupants and the cabin includes features like a touch-screen infotainment system, reverse camera and adjustable pedals. You will, however, have to pay extra for the 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins audio system.
PRICES
3.0 V6 S - R1 613 000
3.8 V8 GTS - R1 825 000
Click here for more information, pictures and driving impressions from the international launch that took place in December.