Understated looks, Italian character
I had the opportunity to test-drive the latest edition of the beautiful Italian, suitably equipped with a good set of winter tires -- unlike its cousins from Maranello who prefer to remain nicely tucked inside a garage during the cold season.
As mentioned earlier, Ferrari and Maserati are now united under the Fiat roof. That's why the Quattroporte's 4.2L V8 is the same as the Ferrari 360 Modena's. In tuned-down, Maserati trim, this noble engine still generates 400 horsepower at a pretty respectable 7,000 rpm. As for torque, it produces 339 foot-pounds at 4,250 rpm. Thanks to electronic advancements, all this power is distributed in a civilized manner, meaning that it's possible to coast at 1,500 rpm in sixth gear without the engine showing the slightest reluctance.
My tester came with a 6-speed ZF automatic transmission instead of the DuoSelect gearbox, which does not suit the urban personality of the Quattroporte equally well. But let's go back to the engine for a second. A solid dip of the Italian throttle results in an instantaneous velocity change. The V8 furiously roars in delightful fashion, thrusting the 2,000-kg Quattroporte forward with the grace of a hardcore athlete -- hence the title of this review: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
The great seduction
Aside from the Latin DNA of the engine, the big Maserati did not lose any of its Italian character. I'm talking about the undeniable attractiveness of its silhouette and the warm atmosphere of its ultra-luxurious cabin. The understated design, both stylish and sensuous, bears the signature of Pininfarina. One simply cannot overlook just how attractive it is. A young lady got out of her car, glanced at the Quattroporte and said to me: "I don't know what it is and I'm not a car enthusiast, but let me tell you, Sir, that you have a truly gorgeous automobile." Well thank you, Ma'am.
The seduction act continues inside with an interior that proves friendly and comfortable. While fit and finish is not always on par with the German or Japanese, the leather upholstery smells terrific and the layout is tastefully executed, including the little details such as the oval clock in the middle of the dashboard. As with any other ultra premium car, buyers can customize their Quattroporte with a generous selection of trim and options. On the flip side, the ergonomics could be improved: the CD changer, among others, is mounted below the steering column. There was also an annoying jangle that seemed to come from the door.
I had the opportunity to test-drive the latest edition of the beautiful Italian, suitably equipped with a good set of winter tires -- unlike its cousins from Maranello who prefer to remain nicely tucked inside a garage during the cold season.
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| The heart of this fabulous creature is sourced from Ferrari. |
As mentioned earlier, Ferrari and Maserati are now united under the Fiat roof. That's why the Quattroporte's 4.2L V8 is the same as the Ferrari 360 Modena's. In tuned-down, Maserati trim, this noble engine still generates 400 horsepower at a pretty respectable 7,000 rpm. As for torque, it produces 339 foot-pounds at 4,250 rpm. Thanks to electronic advancements, all this power is distributed in a civilized manner, meaning that it's possible to coast at 1,500 rpm in sixth gear without the engine showing the slightest reluctance.
My tester came with a 6-speed ZF automatic transmission instead of the DuoSelect gearbox, which does not suit the urban personality of the Quattroporte equally well. But let's go back to the engine for a second. A solid dip of the Italian throttle results in an instantaneous velocity change. The V8 furiously roars in delightful fashion, thrusting the 2,000-kg Quattroporte forward with the grace of a hardcore athlete -- hence the title of this review: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
The great seduction
Aside from the Latin DNA of the engine, the big Maserati did not lose any of its Italian character. I'm talking about the undeniable attractiveness of its silhouette and the warm atmosphere of its ultra-luxurious cabin. The understated design, both stylish and sensuous, bears the signature of Pininfarina. One simply cannot overlook just how attractive it is. A young lady got out of her car, glanced at the Quattroporte and said to me: "I don't know what it is and I'm not a car enthusiast, but let me tell you, Sir, that you have a truly gorgeous automobile." Well thank you, Ma'am.
The seduction act continues inside with an interior that proves friendly and comfortable. While fit and finish is not always on par with the German or Japanese, the leather upholstery smells terrific and the layout is tastefully executed, including the little details such as the oval clock in the middle of the dashboard. As with any other ultra premium car, buyers can customize their Quattroporte with a generous selection of trim and options. On the flip side, the ergonomics could be improved: the CD changer, among others, is mounted below the steering column. There was also an annoying jangle that seemed to come from the door.
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| The sumptuous, typically Italian interior can be customized by buyers. |