Maserati Quattroporte IV

Last update: 11/20/05

Section 1: Picture and History

The fourth Quattroporte by Maserati, designed by Gandini was released initially in Italy in 1994. At first in 2 liter form with the V6 producing 287 bhp @ 6500 rpm and followed in the same year by the 2.8 liter V6 (284 bhp). The 3.2 liter V8 Quattroporte (336 bhp) was released the following year in 1995. All three version continued in production until the end of the 1997 when the factory was closed for refurbishing by the new owner (Ferrari). Following the factory opening in May, 1998 the Quattroporte models that followed thereafter were labeled the 'Evoluzione' versions that includes more that 480 changes.

The Maserati Quattroporte IV has been designed and built for an elite clientele (i don't consider myself to be part of the elite, just different budget use=) with a preference for convenient access and a comfortable, spacious four-door saloon. Its aerodynamics are good enough for an outstanding 0.31 Cd and the high-bustle tail means a lot of Samsonites can follow you down the "autostrada" at a very high rate of speed (270 Kph =). Rivals are BMW 540i and Jaguar XJR.

Everything about the Quattroporte IV combines to create an ambience whose hallmark is elegance and enjoyment. An appreciation that stems from a rich array of fittings; dash in leather and burr elm; seats in Connolly leather; automatic ventilation and air conditioning system; height adjustable steering wheel; electric wing mirrors; central door locking; 3-point height adjustable safety belts with pretension system; rear 3-point safety belts with automatic rewind plus central lap belt; height & position adjustable power seats with adjustable lumbar support; adjustable front head-rests; rear sunshades; car stereo.

Click HERE to see a nice video (in Dutch) in a popup window (choose your speed, breedband = broadband, requires RealOne player available for free from here)

In attaining the expected high level of performance and maneuverability, the Quattroporte has a 2790cc, V6 engine delivering 209kW (284HP) at 6000rpm, with maximum torque of 413Nm (42.1kgm) at 3500rpm. Mine is just like that !. Also available in 2.0 L with 287 HP.

There is also a 3217cc version, V8 engine (very close to the Shamal one) delivering 247kW (335HP) at 6400rpm and 450Nm (45.8kgm) of torque at 4400rpm. Both engines have 4 valves per cylinder and 2 overhead camshafts for each row of cylinders. Performance is enhanced by twin turbochargers (IHI water cooled) combined with dual air-to-air intercoolers. The Quattroporte engine also features dual catalytic converter, light-alloy crankcase and cylinder heads, electronic injection, ABS and ignition.

The first cars had leather all around the climate control. The first modified cars had all wood around the climate control.

Only 3 (2-litre) right-hand drive models produced between 1995 and 1996
90 (2.8-litre) right-hand drive models between 1995 and 1998

The Evoluzione version had a different steering wheel and ext temp under the stereo.

This Quattroporte achieves an admirable balance between sporting poise and luxury-car comfort. Let's see in 2003 what the fifth version will offer.

Section 2: Specifications

Production Period:	1994-1998
Designed By:	Marcello Gandini & Maserati Design Centre
Top Speed:	260 kph - 2.0 litre V6 260 kph - 2.8 litre V6 270 kph - 3.2 litre V8
Engine Type:	Front, six or eight cylinders arranged in 90º "V"
Bore and Stroke:	82x63 mm 94x67 mm 80x80
Displacement:	1996 cc 2790 cc 3217 cc
Compression:	7.6:1 2.0l 7.4:1 2.8 l v6 7.3:1 3.2 V8
Engine Output:	287 hp @ 6500 rpm for the V6 / 2.0 L 284 hp @ 6000 rpm for the V6 / 2.8 l 345 hp @ 6400 rpm for the V8
Valves & Actuation:	Four OHV per cylinder with dual overhead camshafts per bank
Carburetion:	Supercharged engine with 2 water-cooled IHI turbo-compressors (water cooled), two intercoolers and Weber multi-point electronic injection
Ignition:	Single, electronic
Lubrication:	Forced with delivery pump
Drive:	Rear wheel drive
Clutch:	Dry single disc
Final Drive:	ZF with limited slip
Gearbox:	Getrag 6-speeds plus reverse, auto on demand (ZF 4)
Frame:	Unit construction with body
Suspension - Front:	Independent wheels, McPherson type, anti-roll bar, coil springs and double action telescopic shocker absorbers
Suspension - Rear:	Independent wheels, adjustable trailing arms, coil springs and double action telescopic shock absorbers
Brakes:	Hydraulically operated power assisted four wheel vented discs
Tires	205/45ZRx16 front; 225/45ZRx16 rear
Wheels:	7Jx16 front; 8Jx16 rear
Number built	Regular 2.0 L: 587 (1994/1998) Regular 2.8 L: 668 (1994/1998) Regular 3.2 L: 415 (1994/1998) Evoluzione 2.8 L: 241 (1997/2001) Evoluzione 2.8 L Automatic: 148 (1997/2001) Evoluzione 3.2 L: 258 (1998/2001) Evoluzione 3.2 L Automatic: 524 (1998/2001)

Section 3: Tips and Tricks

	From Andrea: You can find workshop manual @ http://www.doromey-shop.de/main.htm for 350 € (but it seems to be worth the money). Click on "KATALOG".
	Price for a 1997 2.8 L / regular, 45.000 KM, mint: 25.000 € back in mid 2002 (see also the Cost page)
	Always a thrust bearing noise in idle mode (low rpm1100/1000 rpm, when AC is on for instance, ) : nothing to do ? No its Italian =)
	Often the red "engine check" stays on when engine is cold and disappear when starting the engine again. Seems to be a usual gremlins on both 2.0 /2.8 regular and 3.2 evo especially in traffic Jam.
	outside temp is always wrong (unless you don't stop driving)
	A/C temp has to be lowered by at least 2 or 3 degres to have the right temp (eg in summer if you would like 24°c set the A/C @ 21°c)

Section 4 Technical

	Click here for some nice drawings of the suspension system, differential.... and technical specifications.
	Clutch: Clutch disk can be rebuilt; thickness = 8.9 mm (Discs are not the same as the 3.2 L. Seems that early disks where different (1995)). Clutch mechanism is the same as the 3.2 l. Thrust bearing is the same as 3200 GT. Need to remove drive train, exhaust system and gearbox. Its hard to remove the starter but there is no need to remove the engine. Still very expensive !
	Free technical manual. (2 & 2.8 L)

How to...

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