The new generation Maserati Quattroporte makes its American show debut at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show before going on sale later this year, boasting two new turbocharged powertrains. This car is the spearhead of Maserati’s rather ambitious expansion plan.

They want to become a real global player by increasing annual production to 50,000 units a year by 2015. That is a tenfold increase compared to today’s production. Not to be a pessimist, but such drastic expansion means they will have to make more cars and more new models, which means they will have less time working on them. And they can end up being less than perfect. Maserati’s history is full of flaws like this.

Anyway, the Quattroporte. The new model comes with a 3.8-litre V8 and a 3.0-litre V6, both of which are twin-turbocharged, designed by Maserati Powertrain and assembled by Ferrari at its plant in Maranello. All versions come equipped with the latest eight-speed automatic transmission developed with ZF. In its full-fat version that car can reach a top speed of 307 km/h (191 mph).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uim1vuzACzo

The QP also gets loads of high-tech features to appeal to its discerning Chinese customers who love these things; stuff like Maserati Touch Control screen, adjustable pedals, reverse cameras and the optional 15-speaker, 1280 Watt Bowers & Wilkins audio system, as well as WLAN-based WiFi.

It is still a hard-edged sports saloon at heart, however, which means it is not as supple as, say, a Jaguar XJ. That’s the price you pay for the QP’s superior driving experience.