Maserati is a motoring masterpiece

Priced between R2.2m and R2.9m the latest Quattroporte is a masterpiece of streamlined elegance, sublime comfort, everyday practicality and supercar performance.

While the Maserati badge immediately conjures up a rich history of motorsport achievements, the Quattroporte is an easy, comfortable car to drive, even in commuter traffic. The living quarters are tastefully furnished, the plush leather seats are First Class comfortable and the boot space is generous enough to accommodate a family’s monthly shopping, holiday luggage or a couple of large golf bags.

I recently had the exclusive opportunity of spending an entire day with the GTS flagship model with ample opportunities to become better acquainted with it on the scenic roads of the Western Cape. The GTS is the most powerful and fastest yet produced by Maserati and well-deserving of its flagship status with a top speed of 307km/h and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.7 sec.

Almighty roar

I spent an hour or so getting the feel of the car in its already enthusiastic Normal drive mode before pressing the magic Sport button which immediately wakes up the fire-spitting dragon under its tapered bonnet and prompts the 3.8-litre V8 to bulge its 390kW and 710Nm muscle-power with an almighty roar and a loud exhaust orchestra of crackle, bark and howl (all enhanced by the Maserati Sound Tank to thunder out the delightfully vociferous aural tradition for which the brand is renowned for).

With the 8-speed auto transmission flicked to manual mode and the pedal mashed to the carpet, cog-swapping via the flappies on the steering wheel happen lightning fast as the rear wheels scrabble for grip. Go to jail speed comes up in seconds, requiring full driver focus.

I was delighted that it was a rainless day because on a wet road and without quite a bit of time at the helm of this rocket-ship, it would be relatively easy to run out of road and experience when you become a tad too enthusiastic with the car’s fun pedal.

Five shift modes

The GTS offers five dedicated shift modes: Auto Normal, Auto Sport, Manual Normal, Manual Sport and ICE mode (Increased Control and Efficiency). In the latter mode the car is most fuel efficient and the drive is at its most relaxed.

The GTS was particularly impressive with the confident way it grips the tar through fast corners and sharp bends, thanks to the car’s 50:50 weight distribution and the brand’s renowned Maserati Stability Program that uses a spread of sensors to intervene on the driver’s behalf during extreme situations, including intervention when the car goes into a skid.

Other driver assistance include a limited slip differential ABS, EBD, ASR (anti-slip regulation), MSR (which prevents wheel lock-up, and BAS (Brake Apply Sensor) that senses panic braking or emergencies and increases the braking pressure.

Steering is direct and well balanced and the feedback is good. Surprisingly, considering the car’s sporty dark side, the ride is firm but not rock-hard and even on gutted and worn country roads at fairly rapid pace the ride remains comfortable enough to keep Granny happy.

Occupant protection

As to be expected all the Quattroporte models are richly endowed with safety features and occupant protection, including a strengthened cabin, six airbags, side airbags and curtain airbags as well as three-point seatbelts. Driver aids include a Rear View Camera, Blind Spot Alert, Bi-xenon headlights and daytime running lights.

The Quatroporte is not designed for introverts as was clearly illustrated during my time at the wheel when it attracted numerous phone photo grabs from fellow road-users and their passengers, plus lots of waves and thumbs-up at traffic lights and wherever the car was parked.

The Maserati Quattroporte moves in expensive circles as all pedigreed cars in this superior segment of the market and yet its understated luxury and low-slung sporty performance has always had a strong world-wide following of dedicated brand fans. The latest range of snazzy cars is destined to further enhance the reputation of this rather special brand.