Did I mention that the engine likes to rev? Yes, that's true. And it sings such a sweet song in the upper realms of its limit that I just want to keep it pegged there, even if such is not the most efficient use of the 90-degree, 4.2-litre, V8 engine's abundant 400-horsepower and 333 lb-ft of torque - available at a lofty 7,000 rpm and 4,500 rpm respectively.
And then it hits me. While trying my utmost to get the fastest lap time out of the Quattroporte as possible, I've only got a set number of laps before I have to come in and hand over the keys to some other lucky fool. Why don't I slow it down, recline the seat, stretch out and enjoy the ride? Why not stretch this experience out as long as possible...? Excuse me! As if? No. Momentary lapse of reason eliminated, and I've only lost a few milliseconds while maligned with such a silly thought.
Down the back straight the Quattroporte remains completely stable, tracking superbly at much higher than legal speeds, at least in North America, and all the while its cabin is serenely quiet, except for the aforementioned engine and exhaust notes. The car is incredibly smooth too, although the glass-like tarmac that covers the Tremblant circuit is hardly a credible testing surface for gauging comfort levels.
Brakes? There's no a reason for concern here, which is ironic considering
the majority of cars I've tested on this track have at the very least smoked a little from the front calipers. The Maserati's binders, however, continue to stop at near full capacity time and time again after being brutally punished before the tightest corners. I'm not saying that I'm riding the brakes all the way round the track, but rather that the speed the car is going combined with its rather hefty curb weight translates into an amazingly good braking system.
And as can be appreciated, such performance is typical of this car. Where most modern luxury sedans cosset their occupants in comfort while delivering decent driving dynamics, the Quattroporte follows a Maserati tradition of hedonistic opulence and supercar performance.
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| Down the back straight the Quattroporte remains completely stable, tracking superbly at much higher than legal speeds. (Photo: Ray Watson, Canadian Auto Press) |
Down the back straight the Quattroporte remains completely stable, tracking superbly at much higher than legal speeds, at least in North America, and all the while its cabin is serenely quiet, except for the aforementioned engine and exhaust notes. The car is incredibly smooth too, although the glass-like tarmac that covers the Tremblant circuit is hardly a credible testing surface for gauging comfort levels.
Brakes? There's no a reason for concern here, which is ironic considering
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| While delivering decent driving dynamics, the Quattroporte follows a Maserati tradition of hedonistic opulence and supercar performance. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press) |
And as can be appreciated, such performance is typical of this car. Where most modern luxury sedans cosset their occupants in comfort while delivering decent driving dynamics, the Quattroporte follows a Maserati tradition of hedonistic opulence and supercar performance.