Maserati Quattroporte

Vehicle Overview
Changes for Maserati's 2007 Quattroporte include suspension modifications intended to soften the car's ride, a stronger climate control system, stronger brakes and reduced emissions courtesy of an updated catalytic converter. Inside, the steering wheel and handbrake stitching no longer contrasts with the surrounding leather, and folding tables for backseat passengers are no longer available.

For the 2005 model year, Maserati introduced a full-size four-door luxury sedan called the Quattroporte. Designed by Pininfarina, the rear-wheel-drive Quattroporte competes against the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

The Quattroporte has Brembo all-disc brakes and a Skyhook automatic-damping suspension. A V-8 engine works with Maserati's DuoSelect sequential transmission, which can be shifted using paddles mounted on the steering column. Maserati says the Quattroporte can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a swift 5.2 seconds. For optimum weight distribution, the engine sits aft of the front axle and drives a rear-mounted transmission.

Two versions of the Quattroporte arrived in late 2005: an Executive GT and a Sport GT. The Executive GT has polished 19-inch wheels and heated, ventilated and massaging rear seats. A wood and leather steering wheel also is installed.

The Sport GT features 20-inch wheels, carbon fiber trim, racing pedals, and a black grille and side air vents. Maserati's Skyhook suspension system has been modified for use in the Sport GT, and the car has a sport exhaust system.

Exterior
Recognizable Maserati styling cues include its long hood, prominent grille and headlights. Low-slung front fenders, short front overhangs, a swept-back profile, a high belt line and a steeply raked windshield also help establish what the company calls an "authoritative persona [and] predatory appearance."

A broad horizontal-bar grille contains Maserati's Trident badge. The headlights sit slightly back, and a wide air intake is installed below the grille. Three portholes adorn each front fender. Standard wheels measure 18 inches in diameter. Built on a relatively long 120.6-inch wheelbase, the Quattroporte is 198.9 inches long overall and 56.6 inches tall.

Interior
Five people can luxuriate inside the Quattroporte, where handcrafted leather complements the premium wood trim. Rosewood is standard, but buyers can specify mahogany, burl walnut, a titanium-style trim or piano black finish.

Standard features include power front and rear seats, a power rear sunshade and a cooled compartment in the front armrest. Touching a button in the center rear armrest moves the front passenger seat forward, supplying additional legroom. The Bosch-Blaupunkt Multi Media System includes a navigation system, Bose stereo and TV tuner.

Under the Hood
The Quattroporte's 4.2-liter V-8 engine generates close to 400 horsepower and 333 pounds-feet of torque. The six-speed sequential transmission can be shifted using paddles mounted on the steering column, but it also includes a fully automatic mode. A Low Grip mode is included for driving in poor weather.

Safety
All-disc antilock brakes, an electronic stability system, side-impact airbags for the front seats and side curtain airbags are standard.

Rear disc brakes are larger for 2007 — growing from 12.4 to 13 inches. Maserati says this reduces the Quattroporte's stopping distance from 62 mph by 5 percent.