Maserati launches sporty Quattroporte flagship

Maserati's stylish Quattroporte line-up has just been bolstered by the arrival of a performance-oriented Sport GT S range-topper.

Propulsion for the newcomer comes from a more powerful version of the 4.7-litre V8 that powers the Quattroporte S, with revised engine mapping increasing its peak output to 323kW at 7000rpm.

In Sport mode valves open in the exhaust system to reduce backpressure, which not only boosts power, it also enables the V8 to belt out a throaty roar at low engine speeds and the "full symphonic sound of a genuine sports car at higher rpm".

The Sport GT S also debuts MC-Auto Shift, claimed to be the closest an automatic transmission has come to offering instant response of sequential manual, yet maintain seamless smooth gearshifts when a neck-snapping response is not required.

Maserati says this has been achieved via a thorough redesign of the transmission operating software and providing the driver with features not available on other Quattroporte variants.

The outright performance gains over the Quattroprte S are only marginal -- top speed is lifted from 280km/h to 285 kays, while the 0-100 km/h time is trimmed from 5.2sec to 5.1sec -- but the figures only tell part of the story, according to the manufacturer.

Driver-oriented features unique to the GT S include an electronic gearshift indicator that notifies the driver of optimum shift points, while the 'Trofeo' style extra-long paddles behind the steering-wheel are ergonomically shaped for easier manual shifting on demanding roads.

Befitting its sporty orientation, the Quattroporte Sport GT S is fitted with a "racing-style" suspension system featuring single-rate dampers, stiffer springs and lower ride height (by 10mm at the front and 25mm at the rear), making for sharper handling responses.

Stopping power is uprated via a high performance braking system developed by Brembo. The 360mm brake discs benefit from dual-cast technology: cast iron for the braking surface and an aluminium hub -- an arrangement that takes advantage of the consistent performance of cast iron at high temperatures and from the lightweight aluminium.

Visual tweaks that distinguish the Sport GT S from its lesser stablemates include a deeper set grille, which is framed by the new fog lights and air intakes that have been enlarged to cope with the more powerful engine.

The front light cluster -- featuring xenon headlights and LED indicators -- has been redesigned and features a titanium finish, while the wing mirrors have also been reprofiled for greater aero efficiency.

A choice of two new 20-inch rims are offered -- Multi Trident hoops in light aluminium alloy or seven-spoke light alloy rims with 'Dark Chrome' treatment.

Inside, the seats have a stylised "M" for Maserati (what else?) on the backs. The central sections of the seats are upholstered in perforated Alcantara, for optimal breathability and firm support during hard cornering. Alcantara is also used on the side panels, the front armrest, the steering-wheel and the gear lever knob.

You'll also find lashings of chrome and aluminium trim, and the optional aluminium pedals are supposedly designed for "racing-style driving", as they provide "outstanding grip when the brake and accelerator are depressed and released in quick succession".

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