Driven: Maserati Quattroporte GTS
Here is the first drive review of the Maserati Quattroporte GTS after Motor Verso were given the opportunity to test out the car on a range of test roads at Millbrook Proving Ground.
What is the Maserati Quattroporte GTS all about?
The Maserati Quattroporte GTS is the top end luxury saloon offering from Maserati. The Quattroporte has actually been around since 1963, and the latest generation of the car is the most innovative in its history. The Quattroporte is available in 4 different versions, S, S Q4, Diesel and GTS. With the GTS being the most expensive and highest powered version of the range.
The Quattroporte GTS is powered by a 3.8-litre V8 petrol twin turbocharged engine that creates 523bhp and 650Nm of torque, this power goes through an 8-speed automatic gearbox to the rear wheels. The car can get from 0-60mph in 4.7 seconds and will do a top speed of 190mph. This is one serious performance car.
How does it drive?
The Maserati looks like a comfy large executive car. It is large, and it is comfy, but despite this it also holds a thrilling side. Taking the GTS slowly off to the test track I enjoyed a gentle and refined cruise in complete comfort. For me this was very much the experience I was expecting from the car. The moment I got to the track and used full throttle on the GTS I was holding on for dear life. The V8 was shooting its 523bhp out of the rear and launching the car forward at what can only be described as a phenomenal rate. I couldn’t believe how fast this beautiful and refined car could go in a straight line.
I was testing the Quattroporte GTS on a selection of tight and winding roads; it felt very planted in all of the corners, whether I was taking it easy or pushing the car harder and testing the available grip.
The eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox is fitted with auto-adaptive control meaning that you can select from a range of preset modes to meet your mood at the time. Putting the GTS into Sport mode provided instantaneous gearshifts that meant the car just kept on accelerating with minimal loss. The gearbox worked very well during the test.
The red calipers that you see are Brembo brakes, they hammer the GTS into submission as soon as you need them. They work instantly and very effectively. The Quattroporte feels like nothing is too much bother.
What is it like inside?
The inside of the car is a design masterpiece, everywhere you look the car is covered with premium materials. There is use of lots of soft leathers, polished aluminum and some high gloss carbon fibre, which gives the interior a nice sporting edge.
The Quattroporte’s infotainment system uses an 8.4-inch touchscreen, mounted centrally on the dashboard this is the central component for everything you need to configure in the car. The car also has other features such as voice command functionality that allows the driver to place phone calls, use the sound system, input sat nav destinations and even more without taking their hands off the wheel. It is even possible to purchase the car with a system that is able to function as a Wi-Fi hotspot using its own 3G connection.
The Experience
The Maserati Quattroporte GTS gives a GT car feel, but in a luxury saloon format. The Italian presence resonates through the entire car, from the quality of leather on the steering wheel to the deep-toned V8 exhaust note that follows the GTS along. Every element of the Quattroporte has been tastefully designed and provides a gorgeous overall design that will melt your heart.
Verdict
The Maserati Quattroporte GTS has traditional, timeless, Italian Maserati styling, the level of luxury and refinement is exceptionally high but the added performance that the GTS provides is extremely thrilling and has enough power that will fend off most cars on the road.
Video Highlights
Specification
Maserati Quattroporte GTS
- Price:£115,862
- Engine: 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbo
- Power: 523bhp
- Torque: 650Nm
- Transmission: 8-Speed automatic, RWD
- 0-62mph: 4.7 Seconds
- Top speed: 190mph
- Weight: 1,900kg
- Eceonomy: 23MPG
- CO2: 274g/km
Author: Paul Hadley
