2009 Maserati Quattroporte Overview

The Quattroporte is now offered in several different variants; the Quattroporte comes with a 400-horsepower, 4.2-liter V-8, while the Quattroporte S comes with a 430-horsepower, 4.7-liter V-8. Both models have rear-wheel drive and now are equipped with a 6-speed ZF automatic transmission. The new S can accelerate to 62 mph in just 4.9 seconds.

With styling unlike any other luxury sedan and an overall wedge-shaped appearance that's from some angles more like a sports car, the Quattroporte shares both some mechanical components and some of its driving personality with the GranTurismo coupe.

The V8 engines under the hood are sourced from Ferrari, and the overall driving experience in the Quattroporte is much more direct and communicative than that of other luxury sedans. Steering especially has a firm, direct feel and quick ratio. A Skyhook suspension system automatically stiffens the dampers for quick changes in directions then softens them for bumpier surfaces, and a ?Sport' mode not only puts the suspension into a stiffer mode but also switches the stability control system to a more lenient mode for enthusiastic drivers. Huge Brembo brakes have stopping power to match the Quattroporte S's 183-mph top speed.

Inside, the Quattroporte has the intimacy of a coupe, with an aggressively sloped windshield combined with straightforward gauges, snug sport seats, and a nice upright driving position. So it comes as something of a surprise that there's decent seating space for two adults in the back seat. In addition to the spacious accommodations, there's a redesigned center console, and Quattroporte S models come with a few appearance extras like horizontal piping on the seats.

The Quattroporte Sport GT S is an all-new, more performance-focused version for 2009, and termed "the ultimate expression of Maserati's sportiness in the Quattroporte range." Performance improvements include a stiffer, lowered suspension, a throatier sport exhaust, and revised engine mapping and transmission calibration. The engine makes 433 hp in the GT S. Appearance-wise, the Quattroporte GT S gets distinct headlights, a special black grille with concave vertical fins, black finishing around the doors, body-colored door handles, and black twin-oval exhausts. Inside, M-design sport seats are upholstered in perforated Alcantara and leather and Titantex composite trim is used throughout.

Quattroportes are built largely to order, with a wait of about four months until delivery. Nearly all the standard luxury-car features are included. Multiple paint and interior combinations, including various wood veneers and trims, are offered, along with other custom possibilities.