1973→1975 Maserati Quattroporte II
French connection. Melting a large sedan styled by Marcello Gandini at Bertone with the Citroen SM drivetrain and hydraulic suspensions. 5-speed gearbox mounted ahead of the compact V6, driving to the front wheels. Intended to compete against Fiat 130, Jaguar XJ 6, BMW 2800 and Mercedes 280 after the fuel crisis, but its weight of 1.6 tons and its size (wheelbase 3.07 meters) proved too much for the small, rev-happy engine with 190 hp. Enlarged version of 3.2 litres and 200 hp announced at Geneva motorshow in spring 1975.
Top speed 200 to 210 kph (125 to 131 mph). Bertone geared up for mass-production, but when Citroen quit Maserati in 1975 just six pre-production cars had been finished and seven more were later assembled from parts. Today 5 of 13 quattroporte II survive with serious collectors.
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1973 – 1975 |
| built at | Modena, Italy |
| body stylist | Marcello Gandini |
| production | 13 |
| predeccesor | 1966 Maserati Quattroporte |
| succeccesor | 1979 Maserati Quattroporte III |
| engine | Citroen SM 90° V6 |
| position | Front, Longitudinal |
| valvetrain | DOHC 2 Valves / Cyl |
| fuel feed | 3 Weber 42 DCNF Carburetors |
| displacement | 2965 cc / 180.9 in³ |
| bore | 91.6 mm / 3.61 in |
| stroke | 75 mm / 2.95 in |
| compression | 8.7:1 |
| power | 156.6 kw / 210.0 bhp |
| specific output | 70.83 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 121.25 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 265.74 nm / 196.0 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm |
| body / frame | Unit Steel |
| driven wheels | Front Engine / FWD |
| front tires | 205/70 VR 15 X |
| rear tires | 205/70 VR 15 X |
| front wheels | F 38.1 x 17.8 cm / 15.0 x 7.0 in |
| rear wheels | R 38.1 x 17.8 cm / 15.0 x 7.0 in |
| steering | Rack & Pinion w/Power Assist |
| f suspension | Citroen SM Hydropneumatic Suspension |
| r suspension | Citroen SM Hydropneumatic Suspension |
| curb weight | 1732 kg / 3818 lbs |
| wheelbase | 3070 mm / 120.9 in |
| front track | 1520 mm / 59.8 in |
| rear track | 1490 mm / 58.7 in |
| length | 5200 mm / 204.7 in |
| width | 1870 mm / 73.6 in |
| height | 1400 mm / 55.1 in |
| transmission | 5-Speed Automatic |
| top speed | ~200 kph / 124.3 mph |
| fuel capacity | 95.38 litres or 25.2 gal. |
