The reviews are in and the fully redesigned 2014 Maserati Quattroporte appears to be a winner. Motor Trend calls the sixth-generation Quattroporte “a stunning piece of auto architecture.”
The Quattroporte, considered Maserati’s flagship, has an exotic-sounding name with a practical meaning—translated into English, quattro porte means four doors.
The combination of glamor and practicality extends to the design of the 2014 luxury sports sedan as well. The exterior is classically elegant; the interior sumptuous with fine leather and luxury wood panelwork, yet the sedan provides substantial leg room for both the pilot and the passengers. The 8.4 inch Maserati Touch Control display allows for user friendly touchscreen management of the information and sound systems. “Decidedly grandiose, a true land yacht,” says Motor Trend.
With the redesign, four inches have been added to the Quattroporte’s wheelbase; overall length has increased by over 8 inches. Yet the vehicle is 200 pounds lighter due to extensive use of aluminum for the body panels, the all-aluminum suspension, and magnesium and other lightweight materials in the structure. Maserati says the redesign provides a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption.
Two engine options are available: a 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivering 530 horsepower or a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 rated at 404 horsepower.
The Quattroporte has an eight-speed transmission with Sport and Manual modes, which Motor Trend calls “a peach. Leave it in automatic, and it will happily and effectively do all the torque-slicing for you, neatly downshifting as you brake into corners.”
With a top speed of 191 mph, the Quattroporte can go from 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds.
Personalization is available in color choice and materials. Clients can choose among one of eight external shades, three types of wheel rims, and five brake calliper colors. The dashboard can be finished with a choice of five different fine woods. Customization extends to the leather upholstery and even the roof finish.
Maserati forecasts average sales of 14,000 a year predominately in U.S. and China markets, at an average price of $130,000.
