Maserati Sub-Quattroporte Sedan, Driven By Chrysler: Report

Maserati's upcoming entry-level sedan is looking more-and-more like an upmarket and rebodied Chrysler 300C, if new reports out of Europe are to be believed.

Late last year, it was reported that the new sub-Quattroporte sedan would utilise a platform from Fiat stablemate Chrysler. With the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class in its sights, the 300C's rear-wheel-drive platform is the most likely contender.

New reports this week suggest that another item from the Chrysler catalogue, the company's Pentastar V6, will also make its way to Maserati, bolting directly into the 300C architecture.

The new car will reportedly feature at least three engine options, including the 3.6 litre Penastar and a 300kW turbocharged version of the same engine.

A 225kW turbo-diesel V6 is also rumoured, drawn from the Fiat side of the family.

It has also been reported overseas that the new Maserati will feature an all-wheel-drive option, utilising the system that debuted recently with the Ferrari FF - the supercar company's first all-wheel-drive offering.

An all-wheel-drive option for the all-new Quattroporte was confirmed last year by Maserati boss Harald Wester, but reports of an all-four option for the brand's entry-level model are a new development.

Little else is known about the two new Maserati cars at this stage, but with a late-2011 debut rumoured for the new Quattroporte, more details should be revealed in the coming months.