Sydney show: Quattroporte flies in

THE historic Italian brand’s stand was highlighted by the Australian debut of the all-new Quattroporte sedan, with two left-hand drive versions air-freighted direct from the model’s Frankfurt world premiere.

Described as "the world’s most bespoke luxury saloon", the Pinifarina-designed, hand-built four-door will offer a wide range of paint, wood and leather choices, plus options like reclining, heated and air-conditioned rear seats, a rear DVD and personalised engraving.

Maserati claims up to four million possible combinations of trim and options for Quattroporte, which will feature as standard leather upholstery from leading Italian furniture maker Poltrona Frau and wood from the company that supplies boat builder Riva.

First deliveries of the 298kW sedan are expected by June 2004 and the anticipated $300,000 pricetag has not stopped 20 of the 30 examples allocated for Australia being snapped up already.

The five-metre-long Quattroporte features a 4.2-litre V8 mounted behind the front axle and, combined with a rear tansaxle gearbox and unusually long wheelbase providing the four-seater with limousine-like interior dimensions, claims an optimal 48/52 front/rear weight split.

The Australian distributor also held its first VIP Quattroporte launch last week and will fly each customer to the factory to specify their vehicle.