Maserati has unveiled first pictures of the all-new Quattroporte, ahead of its public debut in January at the Detroit Auto Show.

It’s hoped that the new car will boost sales in Eastern markets, where the current aging line-up is struggling to find growth to match rivals such as Jaguar.

The new car is expected to feature all-new underpinnings, and thanks to coupe-like styling, and a long wheelbase, should be well over 5 metres in length, rivalling the Jaguar XJ and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It will be the sporting choice in the luxury saloon sector, fighting not only the British and German mainstays, but also newer coupe-derived four-doors, such as the Porsche Cayenne and Aston Martin Rapide.

Details are limited, but we can see from these first pictures, that some of the design elements carry over, like the front grille, three side vents and the triangular C pillar.

Most notable are the new headlights along with the new strong belt line that runs through the entire side of the car, frameless doors and three side windows.

Inside, the design is very luxurious with soft quality surfaces made of prestigious woods and refined leathers.

All we know from the official press release is that the engines of the all-new Maserati Quattroporte have been designed and developed by Maserati and Ferrari engineers and will be produced in the Ferrari plant in Maranello. One of the engines is a new V8 engine, while the second one is reportedly a new turbocharged V6.

Expect the Maserati Quattroporte to sell for between £75,000 and £125,000 when it arrives in the UK late in 2013.