| | | | | even for those track enthusiast out there. Punch the |
| The S model Quattroporte takes the previous model | | | | sport mode button for a more aggressive shift pattern |
| and kicks it in the rear end. Already so gorgeous to | | | | and revs held in each gear right up to 7200rpm & firms |
| begin with, the Quattroporte has been gently | | | | up the electronically controlled dampers for better |
| massaged for the high rollers. At the front, horizontal | | | | body control over crests and dips, as well as more |
| grille bars have been replaced by vertical ones, which | | | | composure through tighter bends and high-speed |
| work so well you wonder why Maserati didn’t do it | | | | corners. |
| first time around These new sinister chrome fangs | | | | Mild tweaks to the interior like deeper more supportive |
| match well with the growl of a massive V8 and | | | | front seats makes you want to turn faster around |
| smooth dent-less body panels. | | | | every corner. Aluminium door-pulls compliment the |
| The other noticeable front-end changes are the larger | | | | Italian character of pure luxury. Given that only 15,000 |
| air intakes on the new bumper and larger headlights | | | | Quattroportes have been bought world-wide in the 5 |
| with an LED strip for the indicators. At the back, the | | | | years the current model has been on sale, the claim to |
| most noticeable difference is the redesigned LED | | | | exclusivity is justified. The Quattroporte S lists at |
| tail-lights, with a red border around a white centre. As | | | | $168,000 USD, and if you get a bit enthusiastic with the |
| facelifts go, it’s more Botox than scalpel & surgery. | | | | optional extras, you could easily top $200,000 USD. |
| The biggest news is about power. The regular | | | | Maserati Quattroporte S (specs) |
| Quattroporte carries on with its 4.2 liter V8, but the S | | | | ENGINE 4691cc, V8 |
| version gains the 4.7 liter 433bhp V8 that Maserati | | | | POWER 433bhp at 7000rpm |
| launched in the GranTurismo S coupé. The resulting | | | | TORQUE 361lb ft @ 4750rpm |
| performance is hugely impressive for a big car that | | | | TRANSMISSION Six-speed auto |
| weighs almost two tons. In spite of its weight, the | | | | FUEL 17.9mpg |
| S’s 5.4sec 0-62mph performance is on the pace | | | | CO2 365g/km |
| with the V8 competition. | | | | PERFORMANCE 0-62mph: 5. |
| Weight distribution between the front and rear axles is | | | | |