Vehicle Overview
For the 2005 model year, Maserati introduced a full-size four-door luxury sedan called the Quattroporte. Designed by Pininfarina, the rear-wheel-drive Quattroporte competes against the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
The Quattroporte has Brembo all-disc brakes and a Skyhook automatic-damping suspension. A 394-horsepower V-8 engine works with Maserati’s DuoSelect sequential manual transmission, which can be shifted using paddles mounted on the steering column. Maserati says the Quattroporte can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a swift 5.2 seconds. For optimum weight distribution, the engine sits aft of the front axle and drives a rear-mounted transmission.
At the Frankfurt auto show in September 2005, Maserati displayed two new versions of the Quattroporte: an Executive GT and a Sport GT. The Executive GT has polished 19-inch wheels and heated, ventilated and massaging rear seats. Stowable rear tables and a wood and leather steering wheel also are installed.
The Sport GT features 20-inch wheels, carbon fiber trim, racing pedals, and a black grille and side air vents. Maserati’s Skyhook suspension system has been modified for use in the Sport GT, and a sport exhaust system is installed.
Exterior
Maserati refers to the sleek Quattroporte as “contemporary Italian art.” Recognizable Maserati styling cues include its long hood, prominent grille and headlights, and the classic Trident emblem on the windowless C-pillars. Low-slung front fenders, short front overhangs, a swept-back profile, a high belt line and a steeply raked windshield also help establish what the company calls an “authoritative persona [and] predatory appearance.”
A broad horizontal-bar grille also contains Maserati’s Trident badge. The headlights sit slightly back, and a wide air intake is installed below the grille. Three portholes adorn each front fender. Standard wheels measure 18 inches in diameter. Built on a relatively long 120.6-inch wheelbase, the Quattroporte is 198.9 inches long overall and 56.6 inches tall.
Interior
Five people can luxuriate inside the Quattroporte, where premium wood is complemented by handcrafted leather. Rosewood is standard, but buyers can specify mahogany, burl walnut, a titanium-style trim or piano black finish.
Standard features include a 14-way power driver’s seat with a memory feature, power rear seats, a power rear sunshade and a cooled compartment in the front armrest. Touching a button in the center rear armrest moves the front passenger seat forward, supplying additional legroom. The Bosch-Blaupunkt Multi Media System includes a navigation system, Bose stereo and TV tuner.
Under the Hood
The Quattroporte’s 4.2-liter V-8 engine generates 394 hp and 333 pounds-feet of torque. The six-speed sequential manual transmission can be shifted using paddles mounted on the steering column. A Low Grip mode is included for driving in poor weather conditions.
Safety
All-disc antilock brakes, the Maserati Stability Program, side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain-type airbags are standard.
