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Despite its measurements limousine,
this Maserati Quattroporte demonstrated ... |
Within a few years, Maserati has renewed its entire range, which will be expanded even a luxury SUV. For now, this is the sixth version of Quattroporte foundation stone of this renaissance, the pharmacy offers us to discover. To better entice us?
Over 20 cm, 90 more horsepower and less than 100 kg.
The latest generation Quattroporte V8 in its variant, is full of promise and we look forward to the experience. For this limousine not only to replace the previous and perpetuate a line started in 1963. It also foreshadows the future of the brand since strenna a unique platform that will benefit the Ghibli mid-2013 (a four-door 4.90 m long). Follow the SUV Levante and the heirs of the Granturismo and Grancabrio. Intensive program. And yet, it has not given you everything. But for all this, he'll have to show a little patience. Enjoy this first Quattroporte that awaits us from the onslaught of roads hinterland of Nice. Once is not custom, it is the back that begins the discovery and the first impression is not very flattering.
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The steering is precise, but its consistency is confusing.
In the long run, we ... |
Benefits Well-bred chassis
Engine performance and musical
Well run and enjoyable box
Pitfalls of Quality manufacturing perfectible
Suspension powerful at low speed
Consistency confusing management
Folder slightly too straight, hard seat, hard-hitting suspension at low speed on the connections of the coating (our copy was shod with 21-inch wheels optional, standard 20-inch wheels are certainly recommended for that emphasizes comfort) presentation below This competition offers (Mercedes S-Class and Porsche Panamera in mind) and a little too flashy, the Maserati is not at the party. However, it should modulate the latter because of our brilliant woodwork copy a proposal in line with the tastes of Asian and North American customers. We Europeans, at least those who can afford to offer a limousine costing around � 150,000, rather piocherons in matte and satin finishes, more in keeping with our aesthetic standards. However, to do anything for too great a disparity of materials (leather, plastic, wood and chrome argue about too little space) that does something to the perceived quality of the set, if not opt ??for a full black interior. Admit that it would be a shame.
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| the Quattroporte V6 can have all-wheel drive |
Mass is said for it all? Oh no. For gauging the Quattroporte its perfectible adjustments and some inappropriate material for his class gear. No, it is judged by the emotion and from this point of view, it has lessons to learn from anyone. Not only the rate rising, suspensions begin to work very well and provide comfort very respectable, but exhausts exude a particularly haunting music audible from the rear seats. What make you want to drive to the beautiful singing itself, which act. Under the hood, the unique twin-turbo V8 with direct injection 530 hp and displays, especially 650 Nm available from 2,000 to 4,000 r / min. Enough to easily take the 1,900 kg of the limo, spread evenly between the axles (50/50), in a rumble unfortunately less noticeable once installed on the front. Despite its heavy weight, and an informative direction, but the artificial consistency, high Maserati proves agile and sequences of turns are swallowed with astonishing ease, despite a wheelbase exceeding 3 meters.
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The space is not lacking, but the third passenger
will have to deal with the tun ... |
The weight reduction of 100 kg announced, partly due to the extensive use of aluminum for the chassis (chapels absorber, engine bay, wishbones ...) and for 60% of the bodywork (hood , trunk, doors, front fenders ...) there is probably something. In Sport mode, which frees the exhaust (avanti la musica!) And makes for faster transmission, stability control allows some liberties by allowing slides a significant amplitude. Independently controlled Skyhook suspension can be configured in two modes: Comfort, recommended for bumpy roads and / or low speeds, or Sport, to be reserved for road worthy billiards and we abandoned fairly quickly, comfort by being too degraded. As for the automatic transmission in eight reports developed by the German specialist ZF, it is up to the task. Well run and enjoyable to automatic sequential mode, the V8 3.8 seconds effectively. Come on, history nitpick, we blame him, sometimes not be fast enough, especially when downshifting, but not enough to spoil the fun of driving.
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| Despite some flaws, it feels good on board the Italian |
Aesthetically, the Italian may well have grown up, it is not his 5.26 meters long. Some tips designer, as the checkout line or pronounced rocker crafted, were able to visually contain the template. However, the lack of a profile nothing personable and finesse. On the oldest point more gracile, was better. Do not worry, nothing to go unnoticed as long as the Italian limousine always knows both magnetize the attention of the onlooker. But the trident on the rear quarter and the three vents on the front wing, the true signature of the brand, are not useless to identify the Maserati profile. The front is much more convincing with his voracious grille, LED headlights and ornate shield reminiscent of fangs Granturismo MC Stradale. Well, on a black model, like our test, it works through, but with a light color effect is successful. You'll understand the charm of this Quattroporte acted full, despite some reservations. It is especially looking forward to a platform that seems born. For let us not forget, it is the future of Trident. Avanti!
