2009 Maserati Quattroporte

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The Quattroporte is now offered in several different variants; the Quattroporte comes with a 400-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8, while the Quattroporte S comes with a 430-horsepower, 4.7-liter V-8. Both models have rear-wheel drive and now are equipped with a 6-speed ZF automatic transmission. The new S can accelerate to 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds.

With styling unlike any other luxury sedan and an overall wedge-shaped appearance that's from some angles more like a sports car, the Quattroporte shares both some mechanical components and some of its driving personality with the GranTurismo coupe.

The V8 engines under the hood are sourced from Ferrari, and the overall driving experience in the Quattroporte is much more direct and communicative than that of other luxury sedans. Steering especially has a firm, direct feel and quick ratio. A Skyhook suspension system automatically stiffens the dampers for quick changes in directions then softens them for bumpier surfaces, and a ?Sport' mode not only puts the suspension into a stiffer mode but also switches the stability control system to a more lenient mode for enthusiastic drivers. Huge Brembo brakes have stopping power to match the Quattroporte S's 183-mph top speed.

Inside, the Quattroporte has the intimacy of a coupe, with an aggressively sloped windshield combined with straightforward gauges, snug sport seats, and a nice upright driving position. So it comes as something of a surprise that there's decent seating space for two adults in the back seat. In addition to the spacious accommodations, there's a redesigned center console, and Quattroporte S models come with a few appearance extras like horizontal piping on the seats.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S is an all-new, more performance-focused version for 2009, and termed "the ultimate expression of Maserati's sportiness in the Quattroporte range." Performance improvements include a stiffer, lowered suspension, a throatier sport exhaust, and revised engine mapping and transmission calibration. The engine makes 433 hp in the GT S. Appearance-wise, the Quattroporte GT S gets distinct headlights, a special black grille with concave vertical fins, black finishing around the doors, body-colored door handles, and black twin-oval exhausts. Inside, M-design sport seats are upholstered in perforated Alcantara and leather and Titantex composite trim is used throughout.

Quattroportes are built largely to order, with a wait of about four months until delivery. Nearly all the standard luxury-car features are included. Multiple paint and interior combinations, including various wood veneers and trims, are offered, along with other custom possibilities.
The Italian-built Quattroporte gets a revised appearance for 2009, with a grille and bumper that now nearly match those of the GranTurismo coupe, while the rear fascia and taillamps have also been redesigned slightly. Inside, the center console has been redesigned, the navigation system is updated and the door mirrors are of a new design. Two new shades of leather-Marrone Corniola and Sabbia-replace the former beige hue.

The 400-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8 powers the Quattroporte, while the Quattroporte S gets a new 430-horsepower, 4.7-liter V-8. Also, a new performance-focused Quattroporte Sport GT S bows for 2009. Both the standard Quattroporte and Quattroporte Sport GT S now feature the ZF 6-speed automatic transmission that made its debut on the Quattroporte Automatica last year.
Exclusivity; head-turning style; exotic-coupe performance in a sedan package; unmistakable engine sound
The Quattroporte is, at this time, the closest you'll get to a 4-door Ferrari. It's a luxury sport sedan that doesn't compromise on performance; with the same Ferrari V8 as is featured in the Maserati GranTurismo coupe and a true sports-car chassis underneath, the Quattroporte handles tight switchbacks and mountain roads with the ease of an exotic performance car, yet its luxurious interior has a feeling of flamboyance and exclusivity. It's not quite as comfortable or roomy as other prestige luxury sedans, but for many potential buyers that's quite all right.