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The Maserati Quattroporte is one of the best looking
luxury cars in the world |
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The Maserati Quattroporte has classical styling |
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From every angle the Maserati Quattroporte exudes
class and style |
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The interior of the Maserati Quattroporte is nice,
but not as nice as the exterior |
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The rear seats of the Quattroporte can recline for
more comfort |
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The Maserati Quattroporte looks even better in the
flesh! |
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| Year
(of specifications) |
2004
- |
| Engine |
4244
cc 8 cylinder |
| Transmission |
- |
| Max
speed |
171
mph |
| 0-60 |
5.2
seconds |
| Horsepower |
394
bhp @ 7000 rpm |
| weight |
1930
kgs |
Background
The second generation Maserati Quattroporte was one of the vehicles
which helped usher in a new era for Maserati. No longer were
they seen as temperamental at best, and dangerous at worst -
a trait introduced in the 80s and carried through the 90s. Now
Maserati had returned to the fold and offered style, performance
and enough character to fill an Olympic sized swimming pool.
Prior to the new, curvaceous Quattroporte had been another iteration
of the model, one with boxy, squared lines which were more discreet
than glamorous.
The new generation of Maserati's Quattroporte was unveiled at
the Frankfurt Motor Show, it first went on sale in the summer
of 2004.
Its Pininfarina designed bodywork continued the company's movement
towards more curvaceous and traditionally beautiful vehicles,
a trend which was started by the 3200 GT. Currently you'll be hard pushed
to find a four-door sedan with more graceful bodywork than the
Quattroporte. Sure there are others which might look a bit more
sporty or aggressive, but for classic beauty there's nothing
that bests the Quattroporte.
Throughout its lifespan the Maserati Quattroporte has undergone
several upgrades. These updates and improvements have provided
buyers with more diverse drivetrain options and have increased
its appeal and market share considerably.
The Maserati Quattroporte will always be the outsider, and bought
by those who follow their heart more than their head. But for
that type of person the wildcard factor only increases its desirability.
Drivetrain
When it initially went on sale the Quattroporte was powered
by a Ferrari-derived 4.2 litre V8 which produced 394 horsepower
@ 7,000 rpm and 333 lb-ft of torque
at 4,500 rpm.
At launch the only available transmission
was a semi-auto 6-speed gearbox dubbed the 'DuoSelect'. It wasn't
the cars best feature. The transmission had both a manual mode
- where the gear changes were actuated by pulling on paddles
behind the steering wheel, and an automatic mode in which the
driver did nothing. In its manual 'sport' setting the 'box was
fine. It was both responsive and engaging. However when set
in auto - to which it always defaulted at startup - the shifts
were a touch labored, and there is a noticeable pause on downshifts
during overtaking maneuvers. The DuoSelect transmission also
suffers from rapid clutch
wear - in extreme cases they require renewal after just 12,000
miles. The hydraulic gear selectors are also know to suffer
from leaks.
In 2007 the drivetrain options opened up a bit with the addition
of a fully automatic ZF transmission. This unit has proved far
more reliable than the DuoSelect transmission, and it also better
suits the luxurious overall character of the car.
2008 saw the introduction of a 4.7 litre V8, which was fitted
to the S and GTS
versions. In the same year the DuoSelect transmission was discontinued.
Performance has never been a problem for the Quattroporte. Even
the 'base' 4.2 litre V8 model can hit 60 mph in a shade over
5 seconds, and top out at over 170mph.
The downside to the drivetrain - although if you're in the market
for a Quattroporte this probably isn't an issue - is fuel consumption.
It's bad. Later cars were a bit more frugal however.
Chassis, Suspension and Brakes
The Maserati Quattroporte is a large car, and no amount of engineering
wizardry is going to hide that fact. But the chassis does make
for an entertaining drive, and also, if you're taking in the
view from one of the passenger seats, it provides a smooth and
comfortable ride.
The Quattroporte is best when it can stretch its legs on the
motorway or highway. But it can also handle town driving (better
with the later full-auto transmission), and tighter more complicated
roadways. The Quattroporte
Sport GTS is the one to go for if you want to do the driving
yourself and get some kicks out of it at the same time. This
model has stiffer suspension and a more driver-orientated setup.
For those who prefer to be driven, the Quattroporte Executive
GT is a good option as it features a softer suspension system
and a more luxurious interior.
With the Maserati Quattroporte, regular checks of the wheel
alignment are recommended. When the wheel alignment isn't
perfectly setup the handling characteristics take a serious
nosedive.
Early cars also suffered from play in the steering around the
center. This ailment was cured after the first year.
In general the Quattroporte's brakes are pretty effective, but
they also don't provide a great deal of positive feedback. Many
owners choose to upgrade the pads and brake fluid when it comes
time for servicing.
Bodywork
There are no major issues to report in regard to the bodywork,
and fit and finish - as you'd expect - is exceptional. Stone
chips can occur around the wheel arches, and on some cars the
hood safety catch can stop working.
Interior
Unlike the exterior, which is one of the best in its class for
style and grace, the Maserati Quattroporte's interior is a bit
of a nonevent. It is well equipped, comfortable and compared
to a normal car it's fantastic. But for the ultra-luxury sedan
segment it's below average. The center console layout is dull
and unappealing, as is the steering wheel. The front seats look
like they come from a mid-nineties American barge, and the door
panels look fussy and poorly laid out.
There are some highlights though, like reclining rear seats,
central TV system, and in some markets it was fitted with double-glazed
windows.
With the interior check that none of the trim pieces have worked
loose, and also make sure all the switches and gizmos work as
they should - some of the electronic systems can be a touch
temperamental.
Overall
If you've got the money to keep it well serviced, and are drawn
by the car's looks and charm, then the Quattroporte doesn't
really have much competition. If you want a luxury sedan which
is going to offer up a few less hassles, then probably best
to look at something from Germany.
Similar and related vehicles:
2009 Aston Martin Rapide
2008 Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S
2010 Porsche Panamera
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