For the first time in Australia, Maserati has launched two new models at one Motor Show with the new Maserati Quattroporte joining the range-topping high performance Maserati GranTurismo S on the Trident brand's stand at the Australian International Motor Show.

For the first time in Australia, Maserati has launched two new models at one Motor Show with the new Maserati Quattroporte joining the range-topping high performance Maserati GranTurismo S on the Trident brand's stand at the Australian International Motor Show.

“The fact that we are launching two new models at the same motor show, both of which are central to the success of Maserati, is a clear sign of progress that Maserati has made over recent years in both Australia and around the world,” says Edward Butler, General Manager of Maserati Australia and New Zealand. “The Quattroporte redefined the high performance saloon and its success around the world has led other car makers to attempt their own imitations of its effortless blend of performance, style and exclusivity. The new Quattroporte will ensure that Maserati maintains its lead as the ultimate performance saloon.”

Setting a new all-time Australian record in 2007, Maserati sales rose to 134 cars, a 25 per cent increase over the 2006 total of 107, which was a record year in its own right. Yet, in 2008, Maserati has already delivered 151 cars to new owners in Australia, making this year a new all-time record year for Maserati in Australia with five months to spare!

Sales of the new Maserati Quattroporte start in Australia and New Zealand with its launch last Thursday at the 2008 Australian International Motor Show, with deliveries beginning in late 2008. The Maserati Quattroporte has a recommended retail price of $286,000 in Australia, while in New Zealand it has a price of $278,000. The new 4.7 litre Quattroporte S has an RRP of $323,800 in Australia and in New Zealand it is priced at $308,500.

For more than 40 years, from the launch of the first Quattroporte, resplendent in its Frau body, in 1964, through the 1984 ‘presidential’ Quattroporte, so called because its keen following started with the Italian President, Sandro Pertini, each new Quattroporte has set a new standard and so it is with the latest model to wear the Quattroporte name.

The first generation of the present Pininfarina-designed Quattroporte has proven and outstanding success for Maserati, launching the company into one of its most successful period of its legendary history. With more than 15,000 cars sold and 46 awards won internationally, the Quattroporte has brought a new level of commercial success to the company; while on the race track the success of the Maserati MC-12 renewed and augmented Maserati unique motorsport history.

The new Quattroporte range reinforces the model’s exclusive image with a thorough technical and styling upgrade, while performance reaches new peaks with the powerful new 4.7 litre, 317 kW engine for the top version, supplementing the existing 4.2 litre 295 kW to offer a new level of choice. The Pininfarina design, one of the main factors underlying the Quattroporte’s success, reworks the basic theme of the Quattroporte by incorporating the stylistic features of the GranTurismo. All intended to stress the Quattroporte’s character as a luxury limousine with unbeatable dynamic qualities.

The new range is composed of two models, the Quattroporte with the 4.2 litre engine and the new Quattroporte S with the 4.7 litre power unique. Both feature a comprehensive range of equipment and features, along with a pallet of trim, colours and finishes that allows Maserati owners to choose from a theoretical four million possible combinations. Theoretical, because it is also possible for owners to select their own trims, colours and finishes producing the ultimate level of exclusivity – a Quattroporte that is as unique as its owner.