Maserati is deciding whether or not the next-generation Quattroporte will use an prolonged model of the Granturismo‘s bespoke platform, its chief engineer has advised Autocar.
The electrical luxurious saloon was initially scheduled to reach subsequent yr as Maserati’s first mannequin to not supply a combustion mannequin. However, the corporate not too long ago introduced that it could be delayed until 2028 as a result of “the need to take zero risks on the performance level”, a spokesperson advised Automotive News Europe.
Davide Danesin, chief engineer of the Quattroporte and Granturismo, advised Autocar that improvement was round midway full earlier than the delay. It won’t begin from a clear slate however might make the swap to a brand new structure.
The Quattroporte was beforehand understood to be based mostly on STLA Large, which makes its manufacturing debut beneath the brand new Dodge Charger Daytona. Highlights of STLA Large embody claimed ranges of as much as 500 miles and potential 0-62mph occasions of round 2.0sec.
Asked whether or not it was nonetheless the platform of alternative, Danesin stated Maserati had “not yet decided”. He stated: “I’m not saying it’s not [STLA Large]. I think that the optimisation we’re looking for is optimisation of what is already available.”
To that finish, the corporate can be contemplating extending the Granturismo Folgore’s underpinnings. Danesin stated it might “potentially” work for the Quattroporte, hailing two key advantages of its design: agility and a driving place comparable with that of combustion-engined sports activities vehicles.
These are a results of the Granturismo’s battery structure, which arranges cells in a T-shape by the backbone of the automobile. This means the entrance seats are positioned subsequent to the pack reasonably than on prime of it, decreasing the driving place in contrast with an EV that makes use of a standard skateboard structure. The association can be stated to cut back physique pitch and roll.
Danesin described the Granturismo as “Giorgio-inspired”, referring to the platform that underpins the prevailing Alfa Romeo Giulia and Stelvio, in addition to the Maserati Grecale. He stated: “There are usually not too many frequent elements – there are some new elements. But a number of the primary ideas behind the design have been preserved, particularly the geometry of the entrance suspension.