Spy photos of the Maserati mini-Quattroporte

The possibility of a kind of mini Quattroporte has been rumored for some time. Perhaps the nickname “mini” is not the most appropriate, since its target sits at the level of compact executive saloons such as the Mercedes Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG, BMW BMW M5 and Jaguar Jaguar XFR.

Either way, what you see in the photographs accompanying this article is a test unit of the aforementioned model. It can be recognised by u shorter wheelbase, smaller brake discs, an unusual windscreen and a twin exhaust outlet, instead of the quad outlet of its bigger brother.

Its presentation is expected at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, with sales slated for 2012. The engines we will find will possibly be V6 and V8 petrol units, but a diesel V6 is not ruled out. The transmission will be the same across the whole range, an 8-speed automatic gearbox developed by ZF.

The price will sit between €55,000 and €70,000, with sales expectations of 20,000 units a year worldwide.

Source | CarsSpyShots