Maserati Quatroporte

The sixth generation of the Maserati Quattroporte was unveiled earlier this year at the Detroit auto show in the United States. Lacked, however, the promised version with four-wheel drive. Now, the Italian brand presented the Quattroporte S Q4 first AWD model the "mark of the trident." The sedan, nearly two tons, is powered by a V6 twin-turbo 410 hp, designed by Maserati Powertrain own but manufactured in Maranello by Ferrari - both brands belong to the Fiat Group. Even with a 3.0 liter engine, the Italian model's main rivals the Germans Audi A8 4.0 TFSI quattro, BMW 750i xDrive, and Mercedes-Benz S500 4Matic

Compared to the GTS version, the design of the Maserati Quattroporte S Q4 brings no significant changes. Incorporates the same lines that give a muscular appearance combined elegance and aggression. The greatest novelty, however, is not visible. The four-wheel drive and mechanical assembly are the main attraction of the model. The 410 hp V6 engine takes the car to 100 km / h in 4.7 seconds and top speed is 283 km / h.

The transmission made by ZF, is eight-speed automatic, but allows manual control of the exchanges. According to Maserati, the choice of exchange aimed at reducing fuel consumption. The average guaranteed by the Italian brand is 11.4 km / l. The Quattroporte S Q4 offers five driving modes, electronically defined: Normal and Sport in automatic and manual versions and ICE - Increased Efficiency Control, or in Portuguese, increasing efficiency control. According to the manufacturer, this mode enables a saving of 30% in consumption due to the dynamics of changing gears.

The dimensions of 5.26 meters long, 1.94 m wide, 1.48 m high and 3.71 m wheelbase, besides resulting one imposing size, leverage the internal space. Inside, the Maserati bet the refinement, with lots of wood and leather. There is a possibility of personalization of different types of wood that may have varnish finish effect or carbonized. In addition to these materials, the buyer can still choose details in carbon fiber or soft-touch plastics.

Among the "treats" to the occupants, the front seats are heated and 12 positions of adjustment, air conditioning with four zones and touch screen of 8.4 inches, which controls the entertainment system. The driver also has heated steering wheel, and a seven-inch display in the cluster that besides the digital speedometer, displays trip computer information.

The Maserati Quattroporte S Q4 only hits European stores between July and August. The waiting list, opened earlier this year, has more than 6,100 applications. The estimated price is 108 thousand euros.

First impressions

Modena / Italy - Apparently there is even no difference between the Quattroporte S and GTS Q4. The elegance, always present, impresses both outside as inside, still allied to great comfort. There is enough space inside the car. But such magnificence has its price. The size of the sedan, passing the five feet long, hinders in some maneuvers in the urban area. Agility to chaotic traffic is not your strong point.

The refined finish of the brand draws attention every time. Just look closely at each corner of the car and there will be a detail to impress. The precision in the assembly was surgical. In the arduous search for a negative point, is found a nasty place chosen for the insertion of the button to start the engine, hidden behind the wheel.

On the road, however, the situation changes completely. The roar of the engine sounds almost like a challenge to the driver to step on the gas even more. But nothing that exceeds the limit of comfort. The sound instigates without bothering who is in the cabin, even at high speeds. Sport mode makes the "snoring" engine even more attractive - remembers the true Italian sports. The transmission, with trade quite soft and targeted enforcement, helps to enhance the feeling of lightness of the Quattroporte.