SPY PICS: Maserati Quattroporte no more the mule

Maserati will field its next-generation Quattroporte sedan before the end of next year, according to the master spy photographers at Carparazzi.

While the cladding of the car shown in these pics still reveals little about the car, it's the real deal underneath, according to the snappers. Previous cars caught testing were apparently mules — bits and pieces of the current car's sheet metal fastened into place to conceal the car's true nature. Some of the curves and proportions of this test vehicle look to be little different from the current car, although we're curious about the C pillars and rear deck beneath all that camo.

According to Carparazzi, the new Quattroporte is expected to be launched ahead of the 2014 model year on an entirely new rear-drive platform — although all-wheel drive courtesy of the Ferrari FF hasn't been ruled out either. It's very likely the new car will go on a diet, with extensive use of aluminium specified for the underpinnings. It's anticipated the new model will be Ferrari-powered and there's a chance it will be offered in hybrid form also.

— with Carparazzi

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