2006 Maserati Quattroporte Review

Executive GT and Sport GT Models Upgrade Packages Enhance Exotic Italian Sport Sedan

According to countless insider reports, model year 2006 is supposed to be when Maserati will unveil the successors to its 4200 GT Coupe and Spyder. Model year 2006 is also supposed to be the year when Maserati is to show a production-ready version of its crossover-cum-SUV. It should also be when the Quattroporte is to receive an update and, along with that, a significantly more powerful V12. But such is not the case. As it turns out, the recent separation of Maserati from Ferrari and alignment with Alfa Romeo and Fiat has put all such plans well out of whack, with some projects potentially canceled and others merely on the backburner.

But an automaker couldnt just show up to the Frankfurts IAA, one of the worlds largest and most important automotive exhibitions, without anything special to offer, especially if you are Maserati, one of the worlds finest exotic carmakers. As such, the Trident brand showed two special variants of its übersedan, the Quattroporte, which coincidentally made its world debut at Frankfurt two years ago. The two new packages, called Executive GT and Sport GT, add a higher level of personalized customization and distinguishing touches to the only hand-crafted full-size Italian sedan on the market.

The first of the two packages, the Executive GT, embellishes the Quattroportes sumptuous interior and luxurious appointments. In addition to the lavishly equipped standard model, finished in rich Polrona Frau leather and accented with briarwood, mahogany or rosewood, the Executive GT introduces new colors, materials and finishes to the Quattroporte range. On the outside, it is distinguished by ball-polished 19-inch 9-spoke light alloy wheels, Executive GT badging on the B-pillar, as well as chrome appliqué for the front mesh and side grilles.

Inside, wood veneer lines the multi-function steering wheel, while the roofliner is trimmed in soft Alcantara faux suede. To provide additional comfort to rear passengers, the Executive GT model also features a Comfort Pack which includes ventilated and heated rear seats, as well as aircraft-style folding rear trays finished in either wood or titanium. Further options, such as a DVD entertainment system, are available at extra cost, but the ultimate executive touch comes from the ability to personalize the inside and out with bespoke paint and materials.

For those who prefer to drive rather than be driven, the ideal model is the new Sport GT. This package gives the Quattroporte a more aggressive appearance by adding 20-inch alloy wheels on low-profile performance tires, while the interior is decorated with carbon fiber weave trim, aluminum alloy accents, red stitching, alloy pedals, plus a sports steering wheel and upgraded handbrake grip. The details of the Sport GT trim effectively optimize the athletic nature of the Quattroportes high-revving 400-horsepower 4.2-liter V8.

Where the Executive GT focused mainly on aesthetics and comfort, the Sport GT emphasizes the Quattroportes dynamics and top-notch powertrain. The powerful motor breathes through a revised exhaust system, which has been tweaked to deliver a sportier note, while the Duo-Select gearbox (based off the Coupe/Spyders Cambiocorsa unit) features new software allowing it to shift up to 35 percent faster. With additional grip provided by the wider, low-profile tires, Maserati has taken the opportunity to add new software for the cars Skyhook air suspension and dampers which allow greater road holding without compromising ride quality.

Whether your main priority is sport or comfort, Maserati has demonstrated that its Quattroporte sedan can easily accommodate to its owners demands.

While the car might be expensive, those looking for Italian style, decadent luxury, supercar performance and enviable reliability wrapped up in a single package, now enhanced by two new off-the-rack upgrade packages, the Maserati Quattroporte is well worth the price of entry.