Specifications prices Modifications and Image 2011 Maserati Quattroporte
Some things just sound better in Italian. In English, Giuseppe Verdi would be a rather pedestrian "Joe Green." Likewise, would you shell out over $120,000 for a car that is simply called the "four-door?" Call it the 2011 Maserati Quattroporte, however, and suddenly it doesn't sound so plain.
For Maserati, the Quattroporte name dates back to the 1960s when large, fast sedans from Italy were a rarity. The current model represents the fifth generation of this car, and its Pininfarina-designed bodywork helped put Maserati in front of many new buyers after years of troubled coupes and convertibles. But this model has been around since 2004, and is beginning to show its age in the face of newer four-door luxury models from England and Germany. Nevertheless, the Maserati Quattroporte still manages to touch all of the necessary bases, making it a memorable luxury sedan.
The 2011 Maserati Quattroporte delivers a smooth and quiet ride that rivals that of cars from any other luxury brand, along with that certain little Italian ingredient -- passion. An even though power output from the available V8 engines is less than that of its rivals, the Quattroporte manages to engage and excite. This car's handling is also noteworthy, even in its base-model configuration.
Unfortunately, the Quattroporte has received few updates in the six years since its debut. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class still defines the market segment and is available in several different models, from a hybrid to the wild AMG variants, and provides more contemporary technological features. The Porsche Panamera is also worth a look for its surprising levels of sophistication and performance, as are the latest examples of the Audi A8 and Jaguar XJ. Most of these alternatives also have a starting price well below that of the Maserati. But if you've got a thing for Italian passion, you'd be remiss to pass up the 2011 Maserati Quattroporte.
Inside, the driver is treated with wood grain trims and Poltrona Frau leather seats. The standard dual-zone climate control is a forgone conclusion compared to the state of the art Bose multimedia system. The sound system features a hard-drive based satellite navigation system, a CD player, an iPod connection, a 30GB hard disk for storing mp3 files, satellite radio, voice control, Bluetooth connection, and a USB/AUX-in connection that doubles as a USB reader. Automatic headlights and window wipers are also standard equipment.
The Quattroporte's interior is just what you'd expect from a luxury sedan of this stature. Nearly every surface is covered in either supple leather or rich wood trim. Furthermore, Maserati buyers may choose an interior treatment from a dizzying array of color and materials to suit their particular tastes.
Controls are fairly intuitive and easy to operate, with the Bose multimedia system featuring a clever infrared proximity sensor that automatically summons the proper audio or navigation menu to the screen when your finger moves close to the desired button.
Technically, the Maserati Quattroporte can seat up to five passengers, but judging from the deeply contoured outboard rear seats, only four would really be comfortable. All seats are supportive and comfortable for long stretches, but taller drivers may find the accommodations lacking in headroom. The trunk can hold up to 16 cubic feet, which is plenty for a few golf bags and suitcases.
With some of the greatest Italian engine manufacturing under the hood it is only fitting the body of the Quattroporte line was designed by Pininfarina, the famed Italian coachbuilder. With a chrome grille and LED lights the Quattroporte, could easily be described as 'sexy.'
The paint is set off by matte finish on the chrome exterior trim and charcoal-gray 20-inch wheels. Polished calipers are tucked inside the wheels. The paint is matched by the interior, where tan leather seats with perforated Alcantara inserts promise the utmost in pampering. The headliner is likewise rendered in the soft faux suede, as are door-panel inserts. Satin-finish wood moldings and brushed-aluminum door moldings are included as well. And, of course, an �Awards Edition� plaque serves to remind friends that your Q-porte cost more than theirs.
Driving Technology
Traction control, stability control, anti-lock brakes, brake force distribution, and anti-slip regulation systems are only the beginning of the safety and handling features the Quattroporte S brings to the table. An electronically controlled 'Sky hook' suspension automatically and continuously adjusts the road surface and your driving style. The gearbox was designed by the German transmission specialists at ZF. A state-of-the-art automatic with a manual shift gate and paddle shifters is mated to the monster under the hood, providing one of the greatest European driving experiences possible.
The base 2011 Maserati Quattroporte is powered by a 4.2-liter V8 that produces 400 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque. Both the Quattroporte S and GT S models receive a 4.7-liter V8 that increases output to 425 hp and 361 lb-ft of torque. Either engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Maserati estimates 0-60-mph acceleration at 5.6 seconds for the base model and 5.4 seconds for the S. The GT S, making use of its launch control system, is expected to make the same run in only 5.1 seconds. The EPA estimates fuel economy at 11 mpg city/17 mpg highway and 14 mpg in combined driving for the 4.2-liter V8, while the 4.7-liter engine is rated at 1 mpg greater on the highway.
Standard safety features for all 2011 Quattroportes include antilock brakes, stability control, traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.
Interior Design and Special Features
The Quattroporte Sport GT S Awards Edition goes on sale in the second half of 2010 as a 2011 model. Pricing has not yet been announced, but figure on at least a $10,000 premium, which would push this Maser�s price into the low-to-mid-$140,000 range.
reference:www.leftlanenews.com,www.edmunds.com,www.caranddriver.com
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