Maserati Quattroporte 2006
By Bruno Bouchard
No sooner seated in this brand new Maserati sedan that the smell of Italian leather surrounds you. The interior design also reminds one of this vehicle’s lofty origins. As well, the superior assembly since the acquisition of Maserati by Ferrari in 1997 does not go unnoticed. What’s more, this new Quattroporte owes its design to the renowned House of Pininfarina, known for collaborating with Ferrari.
Aesthetically, this car managed to set itself quite apart from rivals like BMW 7 series, the Audi A8, the Lexus LS430 and many others. The front end turns heads as the big grille displays a trident. Certainly original!
The interior, however, disappoints somewhat; one would expect more interior volume, especially in the rear since this car stretches over five meters. The ergonomics certainly don’t match the best but this seems usually a secondary consideration to these prestigious names. Let’s grudgingly accept the plethora of buttons on the main console and head for adventure on the Mont Tremblant circuit.
The first attention grabber has to be the sound of the 4.2 litres, V8. producing 395 hp. Very supple and displaying a temperament all its own pretty well characterizes it. The more you push it, the more it wants and I was happy to oblige. Coupled with an F1 gear box named Cambiocorsa which changes speeds by way of steering wheel mounted paddles, this Maserati gallops to the tune of 100km/h in 5.2 seconds and at close to 200km/h on the circuit, handling remained excellent. Naturally, the 1900kg affects braking and turning yet once the under steering under control, the vehicle becomes fun to drive. Unfortunately, I had to turn in the keys to the Maserati representatives. O well, maybe a longer tryout in the future. |
