there are many reports that Maserati is working on a QP with the 612's V12 in a front mid engine: 5,748cc, 540bhp V12, 434lb ft of torque at 5,250rpm assuming it will get the go-ahead. what would you expect the premium (over the V8)? how about other options (as if already not enough on the V8)? or some exclusive items only on the V12 model? what do you think they will put in for the transmission?
because of the rising demand for the Qp it would only make sense to offer a V12 version with extended wheelbase and a slushbox.
Maserati has split with Ferrari but will continue receiving its engines for at least couple years,read that in some interview with Kalbfell ,I think. I expect a QP V12 to be priced at the Conti price level if they want to make it marketable. At $160-$170 I'm forming the line.
I think I remember reading an article here that stated the V12 Quattroporte would come with an auto gearbox. I bet the V-12 Quattroporte will still happen. If Maserati is not going to release a new coupe or spyder they will still have to do something to keep improving their current lineup of cars. Putting a V12 into the Quattroporte might make the most sense. In regards to price, BMW prices their 12 cylinder 7 series about $35-40K more than the 8 cylinder car. Mercedes S600 costs about $42K more than an S500. But the king of the hill S65 costs about $84K more than a base S500. I would guess that the Quattroporte V-12 would be priced somewhere between $50-70K more than a standard Quattroporte. And its main competition will be the S65, the new Bentley Flying Spur and maybe the Porsche 4 door if I t comes out in a few years.
It's acutally a Ferrari mule with a QP body for the upcoming 575 replacement. As far as an automatic is concerned, there's been some developments with Audi and their DSG gearbox, but the gearbox hasn't been able to hold up to the higher power engines. The transmission is what sold me on the QP. To bring in a full blown automatic for American drivers is unfortunate. As an American driver, shame on my fellow americans for asking for this. The QP is a driver's luxury car.
