But What a Daily Driver!
Since its debut in 2003, the Quattroporte has impressed both the public and the international press - receiving some 30 awards for stylish luxury and performance. In fact, it may be driving a new market niche for luxury sports sedans - with other companies apparently eager to follow.
Differentiated from the standard Quattroporte, the automatic Quattroporte Sport GT is for those who demand performance but still must perform every day with four doors. For instance, the standard Skyhook adaptive suspension, with anti-dive and anti-squat technology, is tighter for road feel, 20-inch wheels and tires are included, and cross-drilled brake rotors and steelbraided brake lines improve the car’s already excellent stopping ability. Carbon fiber accents, aluminum pedals, and a paddle shifter on the steering column set off the interior as a racer as well as a daily pacer.
The flagship Quattroporte Executive GT adds an Alcantara headliner as well as Italian-leather front seats with heating, cooling and massage. Maserati appoints in fine wood the driving control surfaces: the steering wheel and handbrake. Other details such as the red-highlighted |
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trident on the chrome-mesh grill set the car apart even from its distinguished brethren.
All three models offer the eight-cylinder 4.2-liter allaluminum engine. Supplied by Ferrari, the Maserati-blue powerplant employs double- overhead camshafts and variable-valve timing, with four valves per cylinder to produce 400 horsepower at 7,000 rpm with excellent low-end torque of 339 pounds per foot at 4,250 rpm.
The hydraulic six-speed torque-converter transmission produces great power at low to medium speeds, while still producing an exceptional top speed. Performance differences are minimal, with the nonautomatic DuoSelect cars slightly quicker to 60 mph (5.1 against 5.5 seconds) and achieving a slightly higher top speed (170 mph against 165 mph).
Brembo brakes provide superior stopping. "Road & Track" reports a sedan record: from 60 mph to stop in 117 feet. In addition, the Maserati Stability Program (MSP) integrates anti-lock brakes with other components such as the traction control system to ensure safety and control. Say the Quattroporte skids in an Augustmonsoon: The MSP system helps to control the brakes as well as the engine to keep the car on track. |
