This is the new luxury flagship car from Maserati – the Quattroporte – that will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

Styled by Pininfarina, power comes courtesy of a 400bhp version of the Italian carmaker's 4.2-litre V8 engine driving the rear wheels.

While the first Quattroporte appeared in 1963 priced about £5986, this five-metre-long version is expected to cost as much as £70,000 when it goes in sale in spring next year.

It is offered with the choice of 15 different body colours, three types of wood, 10 shades of leather and a wide range of options, enabling retailers to sell a high degree of personalisation with the five-seater saloon. Quattroporte will be expected to compete with luxury models like the new Jaguar XJ, BMW 7-series, Mercedes-Benz S-class and the Audi A8.