Graceful performance by luxury sport sedan
Maserati in recent years has sought to create a more mainstream awareness in the world of high- end luxury sports cars, and they certainly seem to have been taking all the right steps in all the right directions. For one thing, the legendary Italian automaker continues to inspire equally legendary Italian designers in styling the elegant vehicles in their stable. The models in Maserati’s lineup includes coupes, convertibles and sedans in varying levels of trim, offered in a broad price range.
All of the Trident- badged models are graceful works of art, with alluring, curvaceous and smoothly flowing lines, powered by one of three engines: a 345 horsepower 3.0- liter V6; a 523 horsepower 3.8- liter V8; or a 440 horsepower 4.7- liter V8. The engines are mounted forward in a longitudinal orientation, and transfer motive force to the rear wheels via an electronic “drive- by- wire” throttle and an eight- speed ZF automatic with sport and manual modes and steering column paddle shifters.
Continuing in the Maserati tradition, the latest Maserati Quattroporte GTS is truly worthy of proudly displaying the stylized Trident logo that was inspired by the famous statue of Neptune standing in the center of the Maerati brother’s home city of Bologna.
The exterior exhibits a natural, muscular form, which begins forward with the impressive grille, and the fenders suspended gracefully over the large wheels and tires, ultimately generating a powerful yet elegant style that fits tightly over the car’s mechanical componentry.
The design leads off with the oval grille and its inverted peak or “V” that points to the large recognizable chrome trident logo that seems to float in the center of the grille, made up of vertically concaved strakes, flanked by the jewel- like wraparound headlamps.
Other distinguishing features appearing in chrome include: the Maserati logo on the rear C- pillar ( or sail panel), the profile of the ports on the front fenders, door handles, and the cabin window surround.
In the rear, the triangular tail lights incorporate LED lights that ensure night- time recognition; and a wind tunnel designed, ample aerodynamic cone framed at the sides by the chrome, twin, dual exhaust tailpipes, which flank the lower diffuser section.
Entering the cabin is akin to
getting into an exclusive lounge. The dashboard lines are tapered in a broad central band that extends across the car’s entire width. The Maserati Touch Control is positioned mid- dash featuring an 8.4inch display, and the Bowers and Wilkins sound system delivers concert hall- level entertainment.
SUMMARY: The 2015 Maserati Quattroporte GTS is an elegant machine, but moreover, it is a potent machine. It comes with a full complement of luxurious elements, but it is without question, capable of the performance level of many sports cars.
Ignite the healthy V8, and the sound of both the engine and exhaust serve up a most pleasing and distinctive resonance, without being intrusive.
The eight- speed ZF automatic transmission is fitted with auto- adaptive control which adapts to driving style and conditions: the driver may choose from five different operating modes.
Acceleration responds instantly, getting the vehicle up to speed quite rapidly. The Quattroporte GTS is well balanced with an ideal weight distribution, the electronic servo- system power steering adjusts automatically to driving speed, delivering just the right sensation at either low or high speed.
Seats are highly supportive and comfortable whether cruising or rapidly hauling the mail, and the stylish, partial leather- covered, three- spoke steering wheel is ergonomically pleasing, with just the right grip. Key words describing the overall interior ambience are: modernity, elegance, craftsmanship, sportiness and livability.
Convenience and security are provided by such features as adaptive light control, parking sensors, immobilizer and anti- theft system.
In the final analysis — if the Maserati Quattroporte doesn’t include it or doesn’t have it available, chances are that you probably don’t need it. If there’s any negative issue to be considered, it would be the prohibitive cost for those of lesser means. Never- the- less it’s Trident and True.