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Maser beam

This Maserati is a supercar you can live with daily... and it's now in India. SIDDHRAJ SINGH laps the Quattroporte up

POWER DRESSER The Maser Quattroporte is more than sedan. It's also supercar, with an engine borrowed straight off no less than the Ferrari F430...

The Italians make cars unlike any other. Their cars are not as particular as the English or as efficient as the Japanese. They may be irrational and romantic, but they know how to show the world a good time. And they do it with style. The Maserati Quattroporte is just that, albeit with a small twist.

Pronouncing `Quattroporte' might make you feel like Casanova, but refrain from calling your girlfriend that - it simply means four doors, and the idea is an extraordinary one indeed - combining supercar styling and performance with limo space.

Styling has always been a key element in everything Italian, and like all sports cars, the Quattroporte had to look good. To be sure, Maserati dumped 16 months of styling effort, handing the entire responsibility to Pininfarina. And now, the decision to make design changes seems all the more fruitful - the new Quattroporte pay homage to the Pietro Frua-designed 1963 original, with a similar gaping grille flanked by over-the-grille-line headlights. The heavily sculpted waist, WW II fighter-like front fender portholes and the `grand touring' roofline enhance its incredible presence. This Maser can be driven straight into a museum and put up on display - it's that definite a sculpture on wheels.

Ferrari to the rescue

Being part of the trio of Fiat-owned Italians - the other two being Alfa Romeo and Ferrari, Maserati had access to Ferrari power plants. A big bore, short stroke V8 motor, similar to that of the Ferrari F430, makes its way under the long hood. However, unlike the Ferrari that uses a flat plane crankshaft, the Quattroporte uses a normal two-plane one. The 4.2 litre V8 still hurls out a very healthy 400 bhp, 85 bhp less than the Ferrari, but you do get better pulling power, something the much lighter F430 doesn't need. Peak power is made at a comparatively sane 7000 rpm, as against 8500, and the Maserati is devoid of the F430's howl. Also, unlike the Ferrari, the engine is mounted in the front, but behind the front axle for optimum weight distribution - a front/mid-engine layout. This allows for a sports car-like feel, and simultaneously retains the two extra doors and luggage space.

Power is delivered through an F1-style gearbox, with beautifully finished paddles that pop out behind the steering wheel. For better weight distribution, a transaxle is used - essentially the gearbox has been moved to the rear axle.

The engine, at low engine speeds, lacks grunt and the torque converter equipped automatic is missing that extra surge, coming off a bit lazy. Switch to manual mode, flick the paddles down a few gears and the engine comes to life.

The slouch awakens, with faster gear changes and quick power delivery above 4000 rpm. For its dimensions, the acceleration is phenomenal; 0 to 100 kph coming under five seconds and 260 kph coming up in sixth gear on the close ratio gearbox. When we drove it, the Quattroporte simply ate up the Mumbai-Pune expressway, effortlessly maintaining eye-popping speeds in excess of 200 kilometers an hour. The performance, however, is short of the lighter and 100 bhp more powerful BMW M5.

Throwing it around

Stiff springing, Skyhook dampers and mammoth wheels make the car handle like a two-ton whale that thinks it's a dolphin. It has impeccable road manners and loves to attack corners. There is only the slightest hint of body roll and pitch even when the car is being driven flat out. The direct, light steering lets you feel your way into the corner. And the `Sports' mode allows quicker gear changes, more aggressive damping and more leeway with the ESP.

Braking is great, with no need for the optional carbon fibre disc brakes, which anyway suffer from exceptional amounts of wear and as a result, needs frequent attention.

Lap of luxury

While all that's for the sportsman, the executive need not worry. The car is loaded with all sorts of tech bits and bespoke interiors. Blue-backed instrument panel, acres of space available for passengers due to the massive wheelbase, adjustable and incredibly comfortable massaging rear seats, lacquered wood tray tables and that Italian nature to turn even a thing like the three-spoke steering wheel, into haute couture... you have it all here.

For all this style you will need to shell out Rs. 1.25 crore, give or take a few lakh for options and accessories. You can pick up the Maserati or sister brand Ferrari from authorized dealers, National Garage, Mumbai.

The Quattroporte had a very tough job indeed. It was required to combine sports-car handling and limousine luxury, yet retain the character of a Maserati. And perhaps it's due to this that it shows some flaws. It may not have the most effective ride and it could do with additional power, but it's pure Italian. And that says a lot.

TECHNICAL DATA

MASERATI

QUATTROPORTE

How much?
Rs 1.25 crore (estimated)
How big?
Length: 5,052 mm
Width: 1,895 mm
Height: 1,438 mm
Wheelbase: 3,064 mm
Weight: 1,970 kg
Fuel tank: 90 litres
Engine

Installation: 8 cylinders in vee,
4244cc, front mounted, longitudinal Compression ratio: 11.1:1
Specific output: 94.48 bhp/ litre
Bore x stroke: 92 x 79.8 mm
Performance
Top speed: 257 kph (estimated)
Max power: 401 bhp
Max torque: 46 kgm @ 2400-2500
rpm
Gearbox
6-speed automatic
Suspension
Front: Double wishbone, adaptive damping, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear: Double wishbone, adaptive damping, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Brakes
ABS with EBD
Front: Drilled ventilated 330 mm discs
Rear: Drilled ventilated 316 mm discs
Wheels and tyres
Front: 8.5J x 19 and 245/40 ZR19
Rear: 10.5J x 19 and 285/30 ZR19

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