Maserati's new saloon, the Quattroporte, delivers sporty driving and sumptuous four-seater comfort.

This five-metre limousine offers unrivalled luxury, style and elegance, perfect handling balance and a 400 bhp V8 engine generates massive torque from 2,500 rpm

The six-speed Maserati DuoSelect gearbox is available with automatic and manual modes and a right-hand drive, and the 170 mph saloon will go on sale in UK from late spring 2004.

The new Quattroporte is the first Maserati that Pininfarina has designed in 50 years and has a long wheelbase with a stance that highlights the length of the bonnet. The bonnet, combined with the imposing grille and distinctive C-pillar, are all part of the Trident tradition three styling cues that mark the model as a real Maserati at first glance.

The legendary Trident badge takes pride of place on the nose, framed by the chromed grille. Three air intakes lighten the look of the lower part of the front bumper, while the headlights are set slightly back from the grille and delineate the top of the car's nose.

Inside, the cabin is warm and bright, its clear-cut forms beautifully crafted out of luxury woods and leathers. The interior is over two metres in length, allowing its occupants generous space in which to stretch out and enjoy the journey.

The Quattroporte comes with electronically adjustable seats both front and rear.

The front seats have 14 different settings as standard, while the driver's seat also has three memory settings and a special feature that slides the seat back and raises the steering column to make entry and exit even more convenient.

The multi media system, developed by Bosch-Blaupunkt, includes (as standard) the onboard computer functions, a satellite navigation system, a Bose Sound System, and a single CD player. These functions can be controlled using the buttons in the centre of the dash and monitored on the 6.5 inch colour screen.

The Quattroporte accelerates from standstill to 62 mph in 5.2 seconds. Maximum speed is 171 mph.

Fuel consumption on the official combined cycle is 14.9 mpg and the 90 litre (19.75 gallon) petrol tank gives a touring range of 450 kilometres (280 miles).