Maserati in recent years has sought to create a more mainstream awareness in the world of high-end luxury sports cars, and they certainly seem to have been taking all the right steps in all the right directions. For one thing, the legendary Italian automaker continues to inspire equally legendary Italian designers in styling the elegant vehicles in their stable. The models in Maserati’s lineup, includes coupes, convertibles and sedans in varying levels of trim, offered in a broad price range. The basic models offered are: the Quattroporte and Ghibli sedans; the GranTurismo Coupe; and the GranCabrio convertible, all restyled in keeping with tradition, creating the ideal synthesis of iconic Italian luxury and power. We’ll review the Maserati Quattroporte GTS here.
| STATS | Starting Retail Price | As Tested Price | HP / Lb-Ft |
| 2015 Maserati Quattroporte GTS | $140,500. | $152,300. | 523 @ 6,500-6,800 rpm/ 524 @ 2,250-3,500 rpm |
| EPA Rating | As Tested MPG | ||
| Rating: BUY IT! | 13 mpg city / 22 mpg highway / 16 mpg combined | Not tested |
All of the Trident-badged models are graceful works of art, with alluring, curvaceous and smoothly flowing lines, powered by one of three engines: a 345 horsepower 3.0-liter V6; a 523 horsepower 3.8-liter V8; or a 440 horsepower 4.7-liter V8. The engines are mounted forward in a longitudinal orientation, and transfer motive force to the rear wheels via an electronic “drive-by-wire” throttle and an Eight-speed ZF automatic with Sport and manual modes and steering column paddle shifters.
While the Quattroporte (which translates as four doors) displays an unquestionably elegant persona, for my taste, the GranTurismo Coupe exudes a much more emotional presence and overall appeal, which is trumped only by the open air GranCabrio.
The Maserati company was “born” on December 14, 1914, with Maserati celebrating its 100th Anniversary last year, with the Maserati brothers having begun in Bologna, Italy as racing car manufacturers in 1905 (considerably earlier than Ferrari), with the chassis of the A6 racecar. Prodded by valued customers, the first Maserati road car was produced in 1947 at the Geneva Motorshow – it was the A6 GranTurismo, styled by Pininfarina, and was acclaimed for both its technical content and for its solutions in avant-garde design. The first standard GranTurismo, the 3500 GT was presented ten years later in 1957, again at the Geneva Motorshow which proved to be the turning point for Maserati, placing the emphasis on building road cars ahead of the exclusive practice of producing racing models. Over the next seven-year period, 1,983 units of the 3500GT were ultimately produced.
Continuing in the Maserati tradition, the latest Maserati Quattroporte GTS (for Gran Turismo Sport) is truly worthy of proudly displaying the stylized Trident logo that was inspired by the famous statue of Neptune standing in the center of the brother’s home city of Bologna. The Quattroporte continues to evolve, benefiting from the experience gained in the production of its earlier examples.
The impressive features of the Maserati Quattroporte may be traced immediately back to the legacy of the Trident (Maserati A6GCS) and to the timeless future illustrated by the Birdcage 75th concept car. The exterior exhibits a natural, muscular form, which begins forward with the impressive grille, and the fenders suspended gracefully over the large wheels and tires, ultimately generating a powerful yet elegant style that fits tightly over the car’s mechanical componentry.
The design leads off with the oval grille and its inverted peak or “V” that points to the large recognizable chrome trident logo that seems to float in the center of the grille, made up of vertically concaved strakes, flanked by the jewel like wraparound headlamps.
The profile is emphasized by the reduced overhangs and long hood furrowed by the classic “V” character streak; three traditional air intakes of pure Maserati heritage; the pronounced wheel well arches; and short rear deck with integrated fascia, sporting twin dual exhaust outlets. Other distinguishing features appearing in chrome include: the Maserati logo on the rear C-pillar (or sail panel), the profile of the ports on the front fenders, door handles, and the cabin window surround.
In the rear, the triangular tail lights incorporate LED lights that ensure night-time recognition; and a wind tunnel designed, ample aerodynamic cone framed at the sides by the chrome, twin, dual exhaust tailpipes, which flank the lower diffuser section. The hood is aluminum, while the trunk lid is made from Sheet molded compound and features an integrated decklid spoiler.
Entering the cabin is akin to getting into an exclusive lounge. The dashboard lines are tapered in a broad central band that extends across the car’s entire width. The Maserati Touch Control is positioned mid-dash featuring an 8.4-inch display, and the Bowers and Wilkins sound system delivers concert hall level entertainment.
My test 2015 Maserati Quattroporte GTS’s exterior finish was sprayed Bianco Alpi Pearlescent, while the interior was executed in a rich reddish brown Poltrona Frau® leather accented by Piano Black trim accents. The car’s base price was set at $140,500 while options and extras elevated the final total to $152,300. which was inclusive of Gas Guzzler Tax, Dealer Prep and Transportation charges. The option list consisted of: the Bianco Alpi Pearlescent paint ($3,000); Inox Sport pedals ($600.); Alcantara headliner ($1,900.); Front seat ventilation ($1,200.); Heated steering wheel with Piano Black trim ($1,700.); and extended Keyless Entry ($300.).
SUMMARY: The 2015 Maserati Quattroporte GTS is an elegant machine, but moreover, it is a potent machine as well. It comes with a full complement of luxurious elements, but it is without question, capable of the performance level of many so-called sports cars as well wouldn’t categorize it as a supercar, but rather as an exceptional luxury Gran Touring Sport sedan.
The Maserati Quattroporte GTS provides an exquisite alternative to its primary competitors, which include: the BMW 650i, Mercedes-Benz S550, Jaguar XK and XKR and Aston Martin’s Vantage.
Ignite the healthy V8, and the sound of both the engine and exhaust serve up a most pleasing and distinctive resonance, without being intrusive.
The eight-speed ZF automatic transmission is fitted with auto-adaptive control which adapts to driving style and conditions: the driver may choose from five different operating modes: Auto Normal; Auto Sport; Manual Normal; Manual Sport; and a new Increased Control Efficiency mode. Sport mode, in addition to changing the gear shift logic, also activates the sport mode for the Maserati Stability Program and the electronic control suspension setting – called Skyhook, and provided as standard fare here in the U.S. The Manual mode is obviously the most enjoyable mode for spirited driving, allowing gear selection through either the gearshift lever or a flick of the steering column mounted paddle shifters. To ensure safety and to maintain mechanical stability and reliability when in the Manual mode, the gearbox automatically changes to the next gear when maximum revs are reached, and also shifts to avoid logging down.
Acceleration comes instantly, getting the vehicle up to speed quite rapidly. The Quattroporte GTS is well balanced with an ideal weight distribution the electronic servo-system power steering adjusts automatically to driving speed, delivering just the right sensation at either low or high speed.
Braking duties are courtesy of the Brembo brakes that rein in the GTS’s spirited forward motion instantly and effectively, with all the usual braking assist features, while a “Hill Holder” device, holds the car braked on an incline for just over 1 second, so that the driver has time to move his or her foot from the brake pedal to the throttle without the car moving. The Park brake is electronic.
Seats are highly supportive and comfortable whether cruising or rapidly hauling the mail, and the stylish, partial leather-covered, three-spoke steering wheel is ergonomically pleasing, with just the right grip. Key words describing the overall interior ambience are: modernity, elegance, craftsmanship, sportiness and livability.
Convenience and security are provided by such features as Adaptive light control, Parking sensors, immobilizer and anti-theft system.
In the final analysis – if the Maserati Quattroporte doesn’t include it or doesn’t have it available, chances are that you probably don’t need it. If there are any negative issues to be considered, they would include the less than stellar fuel economy (13 mpg city / 22 mpg highway / 16 mpg combined) due to the temptation to continually test the car’s limits, and the prohibitive cost for those of lesser means. Never-the-less it’s Trident and True.
On the TFLcar scale of:
- Buy it!
- Lease it!
- Rent it!
- … or Forget it!
I give the 2015 Maserati Quattroporte GTS a Buy It! for an elegant luxury Grand Touring Sedan.
Check out the debut of the latest Quattroporte from 2014 Detroit show.
SPECIFICATIONS: 2015 Maserati Quattraporte GTS
Base Price: $140,500.
Price as Tested: $152,300.
Engine Type and Size: 3.8-liter, DOHC, 32-valve twin turbo- V8.
Horsepower (bhp): 523 @ 6,500-6,800 rpm
Torque (ft./ lbs.): 524 @ 2,250-3,500 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed ZF automatic with Sport and manual
modes and steering column paddle shifters.
Drive Train: Longitudinally mounted front engine / Rear-Wheel Drive.
Suspension: Sport Skyhook: electronic suspension control system
with independent dynamic electronic control.
Front – Aluminum double wish-bone, aluminum Sachs
shock absorbers with steel springs and roll bar.
Rear – Multi-link 5 bar configuration, roll bar.
Brakes: Power-assisted Maserati / Brembo four-wheel discs 380 mm
perforated front with 6-piston aluminum fixed calipers and
Dual Cast technology. 350 mm discs rear with 4-piston
aluminum fixed calipers and Dual Cast technology.
Tires: Pirelli P Zero 245/40 ZR20 front / 285/35 ZR20 rear mounted
on 13-spoke alloy wheels.
Wheelbase: 124.8 inches
Length Overall: 207.2 inches
Width: 82.7 inches – with mirrors.
Height: 58.3 inches
Curb Weight: 4,191 lbs.
Turning Circle: 40.5 ft.
Fuel Capacity: 21.1 gallons
EPA Mileage Estimates: 13 mpg city / 22 mpg highway / 16 mpg combined.
Drag Coefficient: 0.31
0 – 60 mph: 4.6 seconds – Top speed 191 mph
Arv Voss is a Northern California based freelance motoring Journalist and member and past officer of several noted Automotive Journalist organizations who contributes regularly to a number of national and international media outlets. He reviews not only cars, trucks and SUVs, but motorcycles as well.
