After nowhere nearly enough laps to satisfy my unquenchable thirst for track time, I pull into the pit entrance and coast down the lane towards a lineup of eager journalists. I know, it will probably be a long time before I
get behind the wheel of this car again and therefore attempt to soak in as many of its auditory sensations, olfactory arousing aromas, tactile titillations and its visual feast of handcrafted technology.
The Quattroporte offers a balance of sport and luxury unmatched in the full-size premium sedan segment, except possibly by Bentley's new Flying Spur. Of course, tack on another $80,000 plus for the VW-owned super sedan, a thought which makes the Maser even more enticing.
Its "reasonable" $143,280 window sticker is less than you'll need to put out for a 12-cylinder powered Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz, and Maserati's cachet is much more appealing, as far as name dropping goes. Even if the person on the other end of the conversation doesn't know what a Maserati is, the name alone sounds fast, exotic, expensive and exclusive. Of course, it is all of these things, and does a suitable job of living up to the legendary Italian nameplate.
Specifications:
Price (base MSRP): $143,280
Body Types: 4-door sedan
Layout: front-engine, RWD
Base Engine: 400-hp, 333 lb-ft of torque, 4.2L, 32-valve, DOHC V8
Transmission: 6-spd paddle-shift actuated sequential manual)
Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD, MSR
Acceleration (0 - 100 km/h): 5.3 seconds
Top Speed: 275 km/h (177 mph)
Seating Capacity: 5
Fuel Economy (estimated city/hwy): 19.6 / 15.6 L/100 km
Safety: front and side airbags
Direct Competitors: Audi A8 W12; Bentley Continental Flying Spur; BMW 760Li; Jaguar XJR; Mercedes-Benz AMG S55, S600, AMG S65; Volkswagen Phaeton W12
Web Site: www.maserati.com
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| The Quattroporte offers a balance of sport and luxury unmatched in the full-size premium sedan segment. (Photo: Ray Watson, Canadian Auto Press) |
The Quattroporte offers a balance of sport and luxury unmatched in the full-size premium sedan segment, except possibly by Bentley's new Flying Spur. Of course, tack on another $80,000 plus for the VW-owned super sedan, a thought which makes the Maser even more enticing.
Its "reasonable" $143,280 window sticker is less than you'll need to put out for a 12-cylinder powered Audi, BMW or Mercedes-Benz, and Maserati's cachet is much more appealing, as far as name dropping goes. Even if the person on the other end of the conversation doesn't know what a Maserati is, the name alone sounds fast, exotic, expensive and exclusive. Of course, it is all of these things, and does a suitable job of living up to the legendary Italian nameplate.
Specifications:
Price (base MSRP): $143,280
Body Types: 4-door sedan
Layout: front-engine, RWD
Base Engine: 400-hp, 333 lb-ft of torque, 4.2L, 32-valve, DOHC V8
Transmission: 6-spd paddle-shift actuated sequential manual)
Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD, MSR
Acceleration (0 - 100 km/h): 5.3 seconds
Top Speed: 275 km/h (177 mph)
Seating Capacity: 5
Fuel Economy (estimated city/hwy): 19.6 / 15.6 L/100 km
Safety: front and side airbags
Direct Competitors: Audi A8 W12; Bentley Continental Flying Spur; BMW 760Li; Jaguar XJR; Mercedes-Benz AMG S55, S600, AMG S65; Volkswagen Phaeton W12
Web Site: www.maserati.com
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