{"id":49714,"date":"2012-02-27T12:26:47","date_gmt":"2012-02-27T11:26:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.gtspirit.com\/?p=49714"},"modified":"2015-08-22T02:21:55","modified_gmt":"2015-08-22T00:21:55","slug":"road-test-2012-maserati-quattroporte-gt-s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gtspirit.com\/2012\/02\/27\/road-test-2012-maserati-quattroporte-gt-s\/","title":{"rendered":"Road Test: 2012 Maserati Quattroporte GT S"},"content":{"rendered":"
The fifth Maserati Quattroporte model series is saying farewell after being available on the market for nine consecutive years. This current Quattroporte model series was unveiled to the world at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2003 and made its US premiere at the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours d’\u00c9l\u00e9gance. After all those years and with a successor is in the works, we had to take a look at the most potent version available to this date; the Quattroporte GT S.<\/p>\n
The beautiful, performance-oriented Italian luxury was in our hands for a whole weekend in February. More than enough time to enjoy, experience and travel around in Maserati’s most driver-focused Quattroporte ever created. The Sport GT S combines all of the best features to have trickled into the gorgeous Italian four-door since it launch. <\/p>\n
The package offers a performance upgrade to 440 horsepower, tuned suspension, a sports exhaust, a Brembo brake kit and styling modifications. Our transport for the weekend featured a Nero Carbonio Black exterior color trim and an all-leather Nero Black interior, approving the slightly inappropriate image. The design of the Quattroporte Sport GT S did put the accent on sport, but without compromising the style and elegance that has always been a feature of Maserati’s flagship model. After all these years the exterior design still feels contemporary.<\/p>\n
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Under the hood of the Maser, you will find a Ferrari-built 4.7 liter V8 linked to a ZF six-speed automatic transmission producing 440hp at 7,100rpm and a maximum torque of 510Nm at 4,750rpm. With respect to its early year models, these figures have been increased by modifying the engine\u2019s electronic control parameters. The redline is positioned at 7,200rpm. A sprint from zero to 100km\/h is done 5.0 seconds using the launch control system. The top speed is 287km\/h.<\/p>\n
The engine is a wonderful sounding masterpiece fitted with a free-flowing valve-controlled sports exhaust system. In Normal mode, the manifold valves force the gases through a complex pipe work to allow just a restrained warble to reach the cabin. By engaging Sport mode all hell breaks loose. In any gear, the exhaust produces a throaty roar at low engine speeds and the full symphonic sound of a genuine sports car at higher rpm. A true feast for your ears. The exhaust noise is a bit too prominent on longer journeys, but superb for city driving and departures or arrivals. Switching back to normal mode is the easiest way to enjoy the Italian refinement in near silence.<\/p>\n
The gearbox is a swift gear changing transmission offering snappier changes than its predecessors due to its special performance MC-Auto Shift software treatment. Smooth, intuitive auto shifts are bettered only by downshifts with a glorious throttle-blip in manual mode. The central driver’s display tells the driver the optimal timing to pull the Trofeo-style shift paddles fixed to the column behind the steering wheel. Aluminum pedals are available as optional equipment. In both manual and automatic modes the GT S offers enough playing room to accompany its driving characteristic. <\/p>\n
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