2005 Maserati Quattroporte Review

Specifications

Big, Bold and Beautiful

To most people, the name Maserati might only be recognizable because of rocker Joe Walshs reference of the brand in his song, “Lifes Been Good.” Yet back when Lamborghini was still making tractors, Maserati was a fierce rival to Ferrari on the race track and in dealer showrooms.

Since then the legendary Italian sports car marque has gone through a host of owners, including French automaker Citroen, charismatic Italian Alessandro de Tomaso, also renowned for his Ford-powered Pantera supercar, among others, Italian conglomerate Fiat Auto and up until last month, once-competitor Ferrari. In a surprise action, Fiat recently purchased Maserati back from Ferrari, in hopes to align its continued development with the Alfa Romeo brand. Does it make sense? Thats open for debate, but the move will no doubt, in time, affect the cars Maserati has to offer.

Currently, the marques newest entry is its best ever four-door, or Quattroporte. The first Maserati designed by Pininfarina since the 60s, a corrozzeria made famous for shaping exquisitely beautiful Ferraris, the Quattroporte is breathtaking. Its lines exude a rare grace unlike anything from its European rivals. Immediately noticeable is its classic Maserati chrome trimmed grille protruding slightly outward, dipping in a V shape at center top position just below the brands blue and red badge. The headlamps, subtly understated, sweep back at an aerodynamic angle.

The hood is long, with tasteful sculpting between the grille and front fenders, helping to give the appearance of a classic separation. Its long and low design endows it with feline athleticism, especially apparent from profile view. From this angle a trio of engine vents allows trapped air to escape the engine bay while simultaneously offering a distinctive styling detail that will be appreciated by fans of early Maseratis.

The greenhouse is long and narrow, adding to the Quattroportes sporting demeanor, finalizing in a trademark Maserati C-pillar, complete with chromed Trident badge at its center - another classic cue.

From the rear, the Quattroporte is unique in its elegantly simple angles and curves, with smallish taillight clusters and a tapered decklid; the Italians at least realizing that petit derrieres are preferable by most standards.

So does it drive as elegantly as it looks, or does the new Maserati pay tribute to its rich racing heritage? The answer is reportedly both. After all, the Trident brand has a forty+ year history of producing luxury 4-doors with supercar performance, and this latest version is quite capable of carrying the torch forward.

Under that long hood lies nothing less than the same Ferrari derived V8 that motivates Maseratis 4200 GT Coupe and Spider (convertible) models. Producing 400-hp at a lofty 7,000 rpm and 333 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, the Ferrari derived 4.2-liter 90-degree V8 is capable of pushing the big sedan forward with enough gusto to leave most 4-door peers well behind, achieving zero to 100 km/h in merely 5.3 seconds.

Gear actuation is via a high-tech Cambiocorsa 6-speed sequential manual with automatic mode, a system which proved wonderfully capable in the 4200 GT coupe that I previously drove. Just the same, those who appreciate luxury over sport have criticized the Quattroporte for the transmissions edgy behavior.

Most appreciate its agile suspension, however, a sophisticated fully-independent double wishbone setup featuring Maseratis Skyhook continuously variable automatic damping system, an important element in counteracting the opposing lateral forces generated by the 4,253 pound vehicles curb weight. Adding the Quattroportes tactility, are 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 245/45ZR-18 front and 285/40ZR-18 rear Pirelli P Zero Rosso performance tires.

Enhancing the suspension is an electronically controlled power steering system, MSP (Maserati Stability Program), and a braking system up to the task of scrubbing off 150+ mph speeds on a regular basis - the Quattroporte achieves a 177 mph top speed.

Inside the cabin, the spaciousness of a full-size luxury car allows comfortable cruising for five adults. Like all Maseratis, no expense has been spared in materials or handcrafted workmanship, and the opportunity for the brands exclusive clientele to personalize their Quattroporte down to its finest detail is available.

The Quattroporte may be more expensive than the average luxury sedan, but its stunning design, superb quality and Ferrari-derived powertrain make it worth every penny.