The third generation of the Maserati Quattroporte was released under the new management of Alejandro de Tomaso and it was developed since 1976 and the production began in 1979. Known as the Maserati Tipo AM330, the 1979 Quattroporte returned to the rear-wheel-drive system. The design was made by Giorgetto Giugiaro, who draw the car with very strong stylistic lines. The Quattroporte was used since 1983 by the Italian president Sandro Petrini and by the opera singer Luciano Pavarotti. It was one of the most successful vehicles in Maserati history by then. The pre-production model was shown at the 1976 Turin Motor Show and it was produced until 1990. The shape was long and with straight lines, the kind of design given by Giugiaro to the vehicles it drew. Its four square headlights and the aluminum grille with the trident on it were similar to those found on other Maserati models. The greenhouse was tall enough to fit 1.85m (6 ft), tall adults, in the rear. In the back, the car was fitted with two exhausts. Inside, the leather and wood were the main ingredients of the car. An oval clock was mounted on the dashboard and tilted toward the driver. The car was fitted with a climate control unit. In the back, depending on the options, the car was fitted with two or three seats. Under the hood, the Quattroporte started its career with a 4.2-liter V8 engine good enough for 255 hp. It was later enhanced to a 4.9-liter unit, upgraded to a 280 hp unit. The special version Royale featured a different fuel system that allowed an increase in power of up to 300 hp. It was mated to a standard 5-speed manual. On custom order, it was available with a 3-speed automatic.